At dawn of the third day he again went down to the lake and rode along the shore, but at the fleetest pace possible, in order not to be overtaken by sleep. But even this time the servant found an opportunity to blow upon his neck with the bellows, whereupon the Prince immediately stretched himself out upon the horse’s back and fell asleep.
He was hardly asleep when the nine Peahens came flying to the spot. Eight of them went down into the lake, but the ninth flew to him upon the horse and began to embrace him and to call, “Awake, my life! Awake, my heart! Awake, my soul!” But all in vain, for he slept like the dead.
Then the Peahen said to the servant, “When your master awakes, say to him, he must drive the upper wedge after the lower before he will be able to find me.” With these words the Peahens flew away.
When they were gone the imperial Prince awoke and said to the servant, “Have they been here?” The servant answered, “To be sure, and the one which seated herself upon your horse gave me orders to tell you that you must drive the upper wedge after the lower, and then you would find her.”
When he heard this the Prince drew his sword and struck off the servant’s head. Then he went on alone through the world.
After long, long wanderings he reached a high mountain, where he spent the night with a hermit. From him he asked tidings of the nine Peahens. The hermit answered:
“My son, you are surely fortune’s own child! God himself has led you in the right way. It is hardly more than half a day’s journey from here to there. You have only to ride straight forward and you will come to a great gate. Then turn to the right and you will come straight to the city where their castle is.”
By morning dawn the Prince awoke, dressed himself, pressed his warmest thanks upon the hermit, and set out in the direction indicated. He went straight forward, reached the great gate, passed through it, and about noon he perceived a dazzling city, at sight of which his heart cried out for joy.
In the city he inquired for the castle of the golden Peahens. At the castle-gate a guard stopped him, asked after his country and station, and when he had given the required information the guard went in to announce him to the Empress.
When she heard of his arrival she ran to meet him like one beside herself—being, of course, in human form; and giving him her arm she led him into the castle. Great joy reigned through all the place, and after a few days the pair were married, and he remained thenceforth beside his beloved wife.