Her companions, becoming alarmed at the prolonged absence of their mistress, had sought for her diligently in every part of her dominions, but at last they had been compelled to give up the search. They knew that Creeping Shadow also had departed, though upon what errand they could not guess. Now they waited in mournful silence, beneath the overhanging trees of the garden, hoping that they soon might have tidings of them both.
Leaving them there Black Shadow walked apart, and as she walked she pondered ceaselessly as to how soon she might venture to snatch at some part at least of the power she so greatly desired.
Creeping Shadow, on her homeward way, drawing nigh to the garden, saw her dark figure stealing solitary among the dim alleys, her head bent upon her breast, as if in painful thought, but she could not see her face. “She grieves for the absence of our dear mistress,” said the faithful servant to herself. “How rejoiced she will be to hear of her approaching deliverance.” She called to her consolingly: “Black Shadow! Oh, Black Shadow! I bring good news!”
Hearing the voice, Black Shadow raised her head. Her face, which till then had been free from grief or anxiety, changed suddenly to that of one who had sorrowed deeply, and who for the first time hopes. “Good news?” cried she. “Ah, if it comes from our mistress, tell it quickly! We have mourned her absence so bitterly and so long!”
With such eagerness did she speak, so sincere was the sound of her voice, that Creeping Shadow did not suspect her of deceit, but made haste to tell her of her visit to the Wizard’s Cave, and of all that had happened since that time.
Black Shadow drank in every word and pretended to be overjoyed. “What is this gift which the Prince is to receive from the Elf of the Borderland?” she asked curiously when Creeping Shadow ceased to speak.
“That was not told me,” replied Creeping Shadow. “My duty was but to lead him to the Elf’s door and there leave him.”
Her companion bit her lip with vexation, because she was unable to discover the business that had taken Prince Ember to the Elf. The knowledge would have meant much to her, if she could have gained possession of it. She said nothing more about the matter, however, but asked many questions concerning the Prince, and Creeping Shadow, suspecting no evil, told her all that she could, without reserve.
When Black Shadow saw that she had learned all that her companion had to tell, she laid her hand upon her arm. “Come,” said she. “We must tell the others. They, no less than ourselves, have grieved over the absence of our dearly loved mistress.”
Creeping Shadow was but too eager to do so, and they set out at once. They had gone but a little way when they came upon all the rest of the Shadows, still sitting beneath the trees, talking sadly among themselves with hushed voices.