axed in power and
brilliance, the stronger the heat that flowed from it in mighty waves.

Cowed by it, the Wind retreated for a moment, but seeing that the flame
waned when he did so, he took fresh courage and raged against it once
more. Yet quite in vain. Wielding his Sword with steady hand, protected
by its wall of leaping fire, its rampart of glowing heat, the Prince met
him at every turn dauntless and unharmed.

Still farther back stood the Shadow Witch, her tall form swaying in the
blasts of the Wind. At his advance her black hair streamed behind her
like a cloud; her grey garments and long grey sleeves, illumined by the
red glory of the Sword, billowed round her like floating banners.
Through the fierceness of the fight her voice was heard cheering the
Prince sweetly, that his courage might not fail.

So the battle raged: on the one side with unavailing fury, wild shouts,
insolent boasting, and slowly wasting strength; on the other hand with
steadfast courage, quietness and undimmed confidence.

For long the Wind could not believe it possible that he would be
vanquished, but gradually he was convinced that the foe whom he had
despised was invincible. Humiliated and sullen, he determined to give up
the losing fight. With one last shriek of rage and discomfiture, that
rang out to the farthest confines of the Plain and echoed across the
Borderland, he fled back in haste to the Chimney, and hurled himself
into its depths.

Prince Ember put up his Sword. The Shadow Witch stole to his side to
thank him for this new deliverance, but her exceeding gratitude made
her dumb. She could only lay her hands in his, and look into his beloved
face in silence.

Knowing what was in her heart, Prince Ember bent to her. "Dear Lady of
the Shadows," he said, "to serve you is my highest joy. And now there is
no other enemy left for us to dread. I have but to lead you home."

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XV

With what happiness Prince Ember and the Shadow Witch resumed their
journey! All the way before them seemed a way of brightness, though it
led across a Plain as grey and desolate as it had been before; but they
knew that no perils lay in wait for them, and that every step led them
safely on.

While the Shadow Witch talked gaily with the Prince, she turned to him a
face as radiant as though a light shone through it from within. Ever and
again her laughter rang out