Unable to resist the spell of the Green Wand, the Princess without word or sound, flitted rapidly away with her enchantress to seek the Prince. Meanwhile Prince Radiance, knowing nothing of the attempt that the Earth Fairy had already made to destroy him, proceeded on his quest. All across the Wide Grey Plain where he now was, are scattered hills and mounds of ash in great number, and so much alike in size and shape are they, that the traveler often becomes confused and knows not which way to direct his steps. Thus it was with Prince Radiance, and at last quite bewildered he stood still, and looked about him, seeking for something to guide him. It was while he did so, that suddenly he saw gleaming in the distance a flame so pure and lovely that he could not doubt that it was the spirit of his Princess. In an ecstasy of joy he threw out his arms to it. “White Flame! Ah my beloved White Flame,” he cried, “can it be that I have in truth found you so much sooner than I had dared to hope?” Quickly he hastened toward her, drawing nearer and yet nearer until he was sure that she could hear his voice. “Princess,” he called to her. “Wait, ah, wait until I reach you. See, it is I, Prince Radiance, who follow. I bring with me the Veil that is to set you free.” He expected her to pause; but it was not so. Slowly, yet steadily she retreated from him, and as she went her well-loved voice floated back to him, not singing sweetly, as when he had heard it in her garden, but weeping, and in anguish. “Ah me, ah me, dear Radiance!” she sobbed, “the Earth Fairy has cast a second and more cruel spell upon me, that causes me to flee as you draw near.” So overwhelmed with grief was the Prince by the news of this fresh misfortune that at first he was stricken dumb, but presently hope and courage sprang afresh within his breast. Across the distance that widened between them his answer rang tender and undismayed. “Go where you must, my Princess, I will surely follow. No power, however strong, no spell, however potent, can suffice to daunt my love. Believe always that I will surely overtake and save you in the end.” Princess White Flame heard him, and took comfort. The Earth Fairy heard him, and rejoiced, for now she knew that without doubt she could lead him where she would. Keeping herself out of sight, she drove the Princess away and away in the direction that Flying Soot had gone, and unswervingly Prince Radiance pursued the ever brightening flame. [Illustration] CHAPTER IX Away went Flying Soot at full speed until he came to the Seven Hills of Ash. There in a great hollow between them crouched the Giant of the Wide Grey Plain. He was grumbling and grumbling to himself, for no one had invited him to join them in any evil magic for a long while. So he was having a terribly stupid time of it, and wished with all his heart that something would happen that would give him a chance to show his power.