Glad to find his wicked friend so ready to listen, Flying Soot began. “A Prince is traveling through this land--a stranger. He pursues a flame, who is an enchanted Princess whom he hopes to win as a bride by delivering her from the spell that binds her. This he expects to do by means of a magic Veil which he carries. My friend the Earth Fairy, who is not far distant, purposes to prevent this, for she has good cause to desire vengeance upon the Princess because of injuries that she herself has suffered from the parents of this Princess. Moreover, the Earth Fairy wishes the Veil for herself. It is for you, greatest magician in all this land, to vanquish this presumptuous Prince so that the Earth Fairy may take from him this Veil. You must give your word, however, that no matter what means you may employ to conquer him, that you will neither injure the Veil itself, nor seek to deprive the Earth Fairy of it. Indeed, in case you should attempt it, you would find that it would have no virtue in your hands.” In proud disdain Curling Smoke made answer: “Bring hither your Prince, and when I have conquered him the Earth Fairy may take from him his Veil and go where she wishes. What care I for such a miserable trifle as this Prince carries? Have I not my Veil that Blinds? Have I not also my Veil that Chokes? With these two I am able to work what magic I will.” “That I can well believe,” spoke Flying Soot in flattering tones. “As to the Prince--I need not go to fetch him. The Princess herself, driven by the Earth Fairy’s spell, leads him on. See you--even now they approach us. A moment more, and they will be here.” It was as he said. Straight toward them came the beautiful flame of the Princess, and behind her sped Prince Radiance still cherishing the hope that the fortunate moment would soon arrive when he should be able to overtake her. Hidden from the eyes of the Prince, but clearly visible to Curling Smoke and Flying Soot came the wicked Earth Fairy, eager to test the power of her new ally. Within the shelter of a black crag Curling Smoke sank down and lay concealed until the Princess had flitted by, but when Prince Radiance would have done likewise, the tall grey form of the magician stole from his hiding-place and filled the path. Twisted about his arm and trailing from it were the smoke veils in which his power dwelt. Delaying not he unloosed the Veil that Blinds. “Yield you to Curling Smoke, to Curling Smoke, Magician of Veils,” he cried. Tall and powerful as was the unexpected enemy who now beset him, Prince Radiance did not quail. Quickly he laid his hand upon his scabbard and his voice rang clear, “Magician though you be, I fear you not. Neither do I obey. Stand back then from my path, for I follow the Princess White Flame, and yield to none.”