"Alas!" replied the Princess, "I am not the mistress of my destiny, and when the King of the Magicians commands me I must obey. His power over me is boundless. He can change me into a bird that flies, into a grain of dust blown about by the wind, or into a flower that perfumes the garden. He can send me a million leagues away, and I can neither resist his caprice nor oppose his cruel tyranny. Those who love me perish. He is so powerful, the others are so weak!" "Ah, well!" exclaimed the Prince, "I shall not die, I will deliver you from the talons of this cruel vulture! I will take you away from this castle, a thousand times accursed since it is your prison!" "Alas!" said the Princess, "I fear that you also will suffer defeat. Are you a magician, are you a sorcerer, that you can contend against Magor?" "I am neither magician nor sorcerer," replied the enthusiastic young Prince; "but I have all the power of both, since I love you. Do not despair. Let me do as I wish. My friends, with their extraordinary gifts, are your friends, and they are devoted to your cause." "We will deliver you!" "We will deliver you!" exclaimed Long, Large, and Keen Eyes. "May you succeed!" sighed the unhappy Princess. "But my hopes have been dashed to the ground so many times that I dare not depend on anyone." All day long the young Princess of Golconda and Prince Erian walked together and were happy, forgetting for the time the terrible contest that was to take place, the outcome of which was wrapped in so much uncertainty. Suddenly the Princess disappeared. Magor, the King of the Magicians, had called her. The sun was disappearing little by little below the horizon, and its golden rays were fading before the approaching night. All disconsolate, Prince Erian turned his steps toward the castle. His anxiety for the Princess was extreme, but, with joyful surprise, he found her awaiting him at the door. "Welcome, my Prince!" she said, and together they entered the castle. An elegant repast was spread. The most delicate dishes, the most exquisite wines, burdened the table. "Come, my friends!" cried the Sorcerer, "eat, drink, and be merry! This may be your last meal." "Don't worry yourself, gentle sir," answered Long. "To-morrow you may be kept busy in the kitchen again. Rest assured you will always find us in good health and with hearty appetites." "We shall see about that," said Magor. "You found my prisoner in an acorn; you travelled four hundred leagues to bring her back to this palace; but all that is a very simple matter. To-morrow your task will not be such an easy one. Am I not the King of the Magicians?" "Just so," remarked Long; "but you are one and we are four." When supper was over, the Princess was given into the care of Prince Erian. "Good-night!" said Magor with a mocking smile. "Be sure that you watch more faithfully to-night, or the fair lady of your dreams will elude you."