Arrived at home, the old woman gave him food; but she led the mare into the stable and trounced her well with the oven-fork, crying to her, “Why did you not go among the wolves?”
The mare answered, “Indeed, I was among the wolves, but they are in league with him and betrayed me.”
So the old woman came out, and the imperial Prince said to her, “See here, old woman, I have served you true and faithful; give me the wages you promised to give me.”
The old woman: “What has been promised must be performed, my son; take your choice among the twelve horses in my stable.”
But he answered, “Ah, how should I choose? Give me the one in the corner—that mangy one there; these fine steeds don’t suit me.”
The old woman tried to talk him out of it. “What whim is this, choosing that mangy beast when there are so many splendid horses here?”
But he stood by his choice, and said, “Give me the one I want; that was the agreement.”
The old woman saw no help for it, and gave him the mangy horse, whereupon he took leave of her and went away, leading the horse by the bridle. As soon as he found himself in the forest he rubbed and curried his horse until his coat shone like pure gold. Then he mounted him and set out at full speed. The horse flew like the wind, and in a twinkling had borne him to the Dragon’s castle.
As soon as the imperial Prince had entered he said to the Empress, “Get ready for the journey as quickly as possible!”
In a moment both were ready. They mounted the horse and set forth in the name of God.