The arches and shrubbery were hung with silver filigree lanterns, and the glowworms shone and shed their soft lights around.
And Lightning, the messenger-elf, who had been sent out in the evening to watch for the arrival of the King, returned in great haste just at midnight to say that the King was coming—for the King’s herald had blown three blasts on his bugle to proclaim His Majesty’s approach.
Then the Elves of Mount Fern took their silver trumpets and blew three answering blasts as a greeting to all the King’s company.
Two elves were stationed at each of the arches, and they bowed down on bended knee as the King passed by, and cried: “All hail, noble King!”
And when the King and his retinue arrived at Mount Fern, Captain Featherweight was there to receive them.
After the greetings were over, Rainbow and Iris-Wing led the King to a flower-throne which was made of the softest and sweetest of pansies.
Then Rainbow took a golden goblet and bowed down before the King, and said: “Noble King, will you drink?”
“I will,” said the King.
So Rainbow took a pitcher-plant and poured out some sparkling nectar; and the King took the goblet and drank and refreshed himself.
Iris-Wing bowed down before the King and asked: