When they got to their journey’s end, and all stood safe upon the shore, the full malignity of Dragonfel was shown.
Realizing that the indomitable Brownies would not relinquish Titania without a struggle, but would follow as quickly as they could to wrest her if possible from him, he ordered Vulcan’s imps to call upon their master to impede them with a storm.
The imps thereupon cast balls of fire into the air, and, even as all bent their steps toward the palace, the enchanter noted with considerable satisfaction quite a change in the temperature. Clouds were already beginning to form on the horizon, and there came the distant rumble of continuous thunder.
While they stood just outside the massive doors they heard the sounds of what appeared to be a violent altercation from within. In an agitated manner, as though he feared the worst, Dragonfel quickly threw them open, and was greatly relieved to see the Demon Usher and Red Spirit engaged in a friendly game of checkers.
“You cheated!” the Red Spirit accused hotly. “You jumped three of my men when you should have only jumped two!”
“Stop it!” snarled Dragonfel at them. “You don’t know how to play checkers, anyhow!”
They sprang in consternation to their feet, upsetting the board, and causing the checkers to roll all over the floor.
While the Red Spirit stood gloating over the success of a venture in which he had played a modest part, the Demon Usher half skipped, half flew, to the throne, and with a display of much enthusiasm began dusting off the seat with a cloth.
With swaggering stride Dragonfel went to the throne, and threw himself in it, while Queen Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil all came running toward him.