THE MERMAID TAKING THE KING OF THE GOLDEN MINES TO THE STEEL CASTLE
Soon after he met six big dragons, and each one was covered with scales like cast iron. But by means of his magic sword the King was able to kill them also, and then he hoped his troubles were nearly over.
Alas! before he had gone many yards, twenty-four nymphs, all lovely as the sun, set themselves right in his path.
"Our business," they said, "is to keep you from reaching the steel castle. If we let you pass, all our lives will be sacrificed. We have done you no harm, so do go back again that our innocent lives may be spared."
Well, the King scarcely knew how to act; it seemed a pity to destroy such lovely creatures, and yet get to the steel castle he must.
"Strike! Strike!" cried a voice loudly, "or you will lose your Princess forever!"
So his Majesty destroyed the whole twenty-four of them, and at that moment the steel castle appeared in sight.
On the balcony stood All-fair, just as she had been when he passed through the air in the chariot drawn by swans.
"Princess," he cried, "your faithful lover has returned at last!"
"Faithful indeed!" replied All-fair angrily. "You were not faithful when I saw you being carried through the air in company with a beautiful maiden."