A good steed and a swift, was he. Before Rushing Flame, with all his speed, had gone half the distance homeward, the Prince alighted at the door of his uncle’s palace and a moment later presented himself before the King. “Ah, my dear Ember,” exclaimed King Red Flame, grasping his hand, “your presence is most earnestly desired, for there has come to us a servant of the Shadow Witch, beseeching help for her mistress, who now lies captive to her brother, the Wizard of the Cave of Darkness. This punishment he inflicts upon her, because of her kindness to Prince Radiance and my daughter. Gladly would Prince Radiance prove his gratitude by hasting to her deliverance, but the Wise One has declared that it would be in vain—has declared that it is yourself, and none other, who is fated to set her free. Since this is so, is it your desire to go upon this adventure?” “Ah, Your Majesty!” cried Prince Ember, his countenance glowing with ardor, “no task could be more welcome. I am ready to set forth immediately.” The King was greatly pleased, and Creeping Shadow, her anxious fears at rest, bowed herself at Prince Ember’s feet in gratitude too deep for speech. The hearts of Prince Radiance and Princess White Flame overflowed with joy since the deliverance of the Shadow Witch seemed now assured, and their happiness was reflected in the faces of all the fairies gathered there. King Red Flame spoke again. “That your success in this adventure may be made certain, you must first go to the Wise One and receive his instructions. If you obey them, he assures me that you cannot fail.” “I will give good heed to them,” Prince Ember promised him. So saying he took his leave and followed by Creeping Shadow, set out on foot for the home of the Wise One. The queer little hut where the Wise One lived was not far off, and soon they stood before its door. Creeping Shadow looked with astonishment at its bright red walls, covered with magic inscriptions, whose meaning was hidden from all but the Wise One. She beheld with amazement the chimneys, like lighted torches, that topped its roof and the blazing flame-bushes that surrounded it. When the Prince knocked on the quaintly carved door and entered at the Wise One’s word, she drew back quickly and seated herself under a flame-bush until he should again appear. Within the hut the Prince found the aged fairy awaiting him. “Hail, Prince Ember,” said he, rising to greet him. “You go upon a noble quest.” “I go gladly,” replied the Prince, and the words came from his heart. “You must not go unprepared,” returned the Wise One. “Upon those fairy gifts that you carry with you, upon the use that you make of them, the success of your adventure depends.” “And what shall these gifts be?” inquired the Prince. “First of all, a sword,” was the instant answer. “A fairy sword of power.” “Alas!” sighed the Prince. “That I do not possess.”