“Know you aught of what these matters may be?” demanded Prince Ember.
“This much only I may tell you, Your Highness. They concern a dangerous and difficult adventure. More than this you must learn from the King himself,” answered Rushing Flame.
Prince Ember sprang to his feet, his eyes kindling with eagerness. “See that my horse is brought quickly to the palace door,” he cried to the Ember Fairy, who still lingered near, “for I go in haste to my uncle, the King.”
The fairy obeyed, and presently the hoof-beats of the ruddy charger that bore the Prince resounded on the road that led to the Palace of Burning Coals.
A good steed and a swift, was he. Before Rushing Flame, with all his speed, had gone half the distance homeward, the Prince alighted at the door of his uncle’s palace and a moment later presented himself before the King.
“Ah, my dear Ember,” exclaimed King Red Flame, grasping his hand, “your presence is most earnestly desired, for there has come to us a servant of the Shadow Witch, beseeching help for her mistress, who now lies captive to her brother, the Wizard of the Cave of Darkness. This punishment he inflicts upon her, because of her kindness to Prince Radiance and my daughter. Gladly would Prince Radiance prove his gratitude by hasting to her deliverance, but the Wise One has declared that it would be in vain—has declared that it is yourself, and none other, who is fated to set her free. Since this is so, is it your desire to go upon this adventure?”
“Ah, Your Majesty!” cried Prince Ember, his countenance glowing with ardor, “no task could be more welcome. I am ready to set forth immediately.”
The King was greatly pleased, and Creeping Shadow, her anxious fears at rest, bowed herself at Prince Ember’s feet in gratitude too deep for speech. The hearts of Prince Radiance and Princess White Flame overflowed with joy since the deliverance of the Shadow Witch seemed now assured, and their happiness was reflected in the faces of all the fairies gathered there.
King Red Flame spoke again. “That your success in this adventure may be made certain, you must first go to the Wise One and receive his instructions. If you obey them, he assures me that you cannot fail.”
“I will give good heed to them,” Prince Ember promised him.