It was none too soon, for with a roar that shook the black hillsides the Dragon sprang toward him with outstretched claws. The magic ash of the Wise One flew from the hand of Prince Radiance, and met him half-way. It fell full upon the bulging eye-balls of the Great Dragon, and smote him with instant blindness. A howl of astonishment and rage burst from him, but he was undismayed. Although he could no longer see to direct his weapons, he struck out boldly with his claw. Again the ashes met him and at their touch the Dragon’s terrible claw withered and fell powerless at his side. One by one his remaining claws met with the same fate. And now no weapon remained to him but his powerful tail--that great tail with which he had thought to beat the Prince to finest dust. But blinded as he was, he could strike only at random--could only lash it aimlessly from side to side. Thus, the Dragon’s last weapon was soon rendered powerless also. Before the magic of the fairy ash it shriveled at the very root, and presently it trailed limp and useless along the ground. The Earth Fairy, watching the battle, saw that the Dragon had also failed, and anger rose hot within her. Flying Soot was quick to perceive this, and hastened to conciliate her. He tapped her gently, upon the arm saying: “My good Earth Fairy, to my great surprise I find that the Great Black Dragon is no match for the Prince after all. But do not let that discourage you. I have yet another friend to whom I will take you, who is much more powerful than he.” The Earth Fairy cut him short in wrath. “Were you not certain that the Giant could help me?” said she. “Were you not equally certain that this wonderful Dragon was invincible? Speak not to me of this third friend of yours, I have no faith in him.” “Ah,” answered Flying Soot, “but how should I know that the Prince possessed the fairy ash of the Wise One? This alone it is that has enabled him to overcome the Black Dragon. Neither this, nor the magic coal with which he burned the Giant’s cloak will avail him however against the great magician, Curling Smoke, to whom I now propose to take you.” “Nevertheless,” replied the Earth Fairy, “he wears a sword. Do you not see it? Who knows what fairy virtue may dwell therein?” Flying Soot laughed her to scorn. “Think you that if it possessed such fairy virtue that he would not long since have drawn this sword to cleave the Giant’s cloak, or to attack the Great Dragon? Nay, fear it not. ’Tis but a useless toy that he well knows will serve him not at all away from his father’s kingdom.”