“This is the kingdom of the King of the Crystal Mountains,” replied the greybeard, “and I am now on my way to his palace.”
“And how far off may that be?” asked Grimaçon.
“A half league,” was the reply.
As soon as he had reached the palace the old man begged to be allowed to see the King, who, with the Queen, his mother, was seated at his second breakfast.
The King, who was young, handsome, accomplished, and a great monarch, desired that the wood-cutter should be brought before him. When he heard that a lovely maiden, with hair like the moon’s rays, was asleep on the banks of a stream scarce half a league distant, watched over by a dwarf, his curiosity knew no bounds; so, having rewarded the venerable man with a gold piece and a fricasseed goose from the royal breakfast table, he commanded his chariot to be brought, and was soon on his way to the banks of the stream, accompanied by the Queen, his mother, who was also dying to behold so wonderful a sight.
When the Princess awoke some time afterwards, what was her amazement on beholding a large body of people, headed by a chariot of crystal, the wheels of which were of silver and the cushions of velvet, and which was drawn by six Spanish horses, advancing towards her. In this equipage was seated a lady, magnificently dressed, and a handsome young man, who, stopping the chariot, desired the Princess and Grimaçon to approach.
“Ah!” exclaimed the dwarf, “this is none other than the King of the Crystal Mountains, Madame; let us try to propitiate so great a monarch, for we are completely in his power!”
So saying, he bowed till his back hair swept the ground.
The Princess was then questioned by the Queen as to who she was and where she had come from, but, as she did not wish to give her real name, for fear that Blackwig might by chance hear of her, Moonflower only told their Majesties that she was a stranger, obliged to fly from her country, and craved their protection. She did not know that she was in a kingdom more than a million leagues from her own, and, moreover, one of which Blackwig knew nothing. He was an ignorant fellow, and had forgotten all the history and geography he had ever learnt.
“Your Majesties,” said the dwarf, “if it may be permitted to one so humble to speak in such august company, I would like to mention that we have had no food for several days but the wild roots and berries which grow here.”