“Let them go,” snarled the Wizard, scowling fiercely upon her. “I care not what becomes of them, so that they return no more to trouble me.”
“And I,” continued Black Shadow, “have come to say that I mean to take your sister’s domain for myself, and choose companions to occupy it with me who will obey my commands.”
“Do what you will,” he retorted impatiently, “so that you, too, go from me, and leave me in peace.”
Black Shadow needed no second bidding, but left the Wizard there, with his Imps clustered about him, while she departed in haste to carry out her long cherished plans.
CHAPTER XVI
In King Red Flame’s garden it was brilliant noonday. The trees waved their branches to a cloudless sky, the flowers lifted their beauteous heads in a clear and golden light. Through the blossoming shrubs, the towers and walls of the Palace of Burning Coals glistened in fullest splendor. Prince Ember and the Shadow Witch approaching, beheld them shining as if in welcome. The band of Shadows caught their breath in wonder at the glorious sight.
Within the palace sat King Red Flame on his jeweled throne, listening to his daughter, the Princess, as she sang the songs he loved. Prince Radiance, close beside her, listened also. He could never tire of that exquisite voice, which, from the first hour that he had heard it, had enchanted his ear, and enchained his heart. The Fire Fairies, busy in palace and garden, paused now and then to catch the floating strains, for their Princess was unspeakably dear to them, and her singing stirred them always to deep delight. Rushing Flame, the King’s messenger, poised alertly at the palace gate in readiness to leap forth on any errand for his master, strained his ear, that he, too, might miss no note of her song.
Suddenly, from below the palace windows, the sound of many feet was heard, and the air was rent by shouts of welcome.