“It can be provided,” returned the Wise One, smiling. He stepped to an ancient chest, deeply carved with mystic signs, that stood quite by itself in a corner of the hut. From out that chest many magic gifts had come, when need was great. Filled to the brim with treasures as it always was, none saw aught within but those gifts which were for his own use. The Wise One bent down and fitted a key in the lock. After its manner the key turned of itself in the lock; after its manner the lid rose of itself upon its huge hinges. “Come,” said the Wise One, “and behold your sword.” Prince Ember stepped quickly to his side. Before his eyes, close sheathed in its shining scabbard, lay the fairy sword of power. A thrill of awe passed through him at the sight. “Take it,” commanded the Wise One. The Prince lifted it out, and as he unsheathed it, at the Wise One’s word, it filled the hut with a burning glow. Heat, intense and ardent, streamed from it, making warm the air. “This is the Sword of Fire,” the ancient fairy told him. “As potent it will be in your hands and for your use, as was the Sword of Flames in the hands of Prince Radiance. In every danger that you must meet, over every obstacle that you must encounter, save one, it will be victorious.” Prince Ember’s heart beat fast. “And for that other?” he asked eagerly. “For that, also, I have a gift,” was the answer. “Look within the chest once more and you will see.” Leaning down the Prince peered into the dimness of the chest. “There is a small round box,” he said. “Take it, and open it,” commanded the Wise One. Obediently Prince Ember drew it forth and undid its clasp. He looked within and saw a bit of charcoal, black and glistening; nothing more. He regarded it with astonishment. “What power has this to help me?” he inquired. “Its power is great,” returned the Wise One, gravely. “Guard it with care. When escape for yourself and for the Shadow Witch seems impossible, take it out, and cast it boldly into the midst of the danger that threatens you, and by its good spell your way to safety will be made clear.” The Prince thanked him. He closed the box, and placed it carefully in his breast. “In order that you may succeed in this undertaking,” continued his adviser, “you must be able to reach the prison of the Shadow Witch unseen. You know, as well as I, that among the good fairies of the Fire, only the Ember Fairies have power to become entirely invisible. Within the Wizard’s Cave your own magic will serve to make you so, but in the Plain outside you must have the Cloak of Ash.” “This, also, you will give me?” demanded the Prince with quickening breath.