The Princess broke off her song. With one accord the royal company started to their feet, certain that naught but the return of Prince Ember could cause so great a tumult. At that very instant the scarlet figure of Rushing Flame appeared before them, proclaiming, “Your Majesty the King, Prince Ember has returned.”
While he was yet speaking, Prince Ember and the Shadow Witch entered the palace hall. Close after them glided the band of Shadows, and accompanying them came the Wise One, kind old Grey Smoke and a multitude of Fire Fairies, who had come quickly together from everywhere, eager to have a part in greeting the unknown guests, and to hear the adventures of the brave young Prince.
With a lover’s pride, Prince Ember led his beloved to the King. Never had the Shadow Witch looked more beautiful. Her ebon hair fell like a rich cloak over her grey robes; her cheek was mantled by a crimson flush; her dark eyes gleamed with a soft radiance.
King Red Flame, won by the first glimpse of this lovely stranger, forgot his state and went to meet her. Without waiting for his nephew to make her known, he drew her to himself in cordial greeting. “Welcome fair Princess of the Shadows,” he said, “and welcome, also, to your train.” Then to his nephew he turned in deep affection. “Welcome, dear Ember, thrice welcome. Long have we waited and anxiously hoped for your safe return.”
“Welcome, welcome,” cried Prince Radiance heartily, coming to clasp hands with the Prince and his companion in his turn. Right glad was he to see his good friends once more.
The gentle Princess White Flame, thinking of what she must have endured, took the Shadow Witch to her arms and kissed her as a sister might.
Then did the King demand to know the story of their adventures, and a deep hush fell over the assemblage while Prince Ember related everything, from first to last, that had befallen them. Of all who listened with deep interest and earnest sympathy, only Prince Radiance and Princess White Flame, who themselves had once journeyed in that far-off land and had met its perils, could fully understand how great the task of Prince Ember had been.
The Wise One, hearing how his own gifts and his advice concerning the Elf of the Borderland had been the means of bringing them safely through all the dangers that had threatened them, smiled and nodded his head approvingly, as was his wont.
When, in conclusion, Prince Ember made known that he had won the love of the Shadow Witch, and that she had consented to become his Princess, King Red Flame was greatly pleased that the Prince had found so fair a mate and gave command that the wedding should take place forthwith.
In haste, then, the wedding feast was prepared. Dame Grey Smoke herself saw to it that it lacked no splendor that fairy hands or fairy skill could devise. The Wise One gave sage advice and from his treasure chest brought gifts, ancient and rare. The Fire Fairies vied with one another in their loving task of making all things ready, and among them moved the Shadows, their faces reflecting the joy of their mistress, their hearts filled with wonder and delight at the beauty and goodness of this new fairyland into which they had come to dwell. The Fire Fairies showed them every kindness, so that they might feel at home in a country where all things were strange to them.