he Shadow Witch. She said no word, but she guessed the treacherous
part that her servant had already played, and what she now meant to do.
"Let her go her way," she thought. "She can harm us no more."

Meanwhile Prince Ember was thinking of his great debt to the Elf. It was
in his mind to stop at his dwelling, as they passed through the
Borderland, and thank him for the service which the Cloak of Ash had
rendered. But he had no need, for the Elf, espying the travelers from
afar, came to meet them. He gave them warm greeting and listened
intently while Prince Ember told him all that had befallen them and
whither they now were bound.

"Alas, for your marvelous Cloak!" the Prince said regretfully in
closing. "When the Wind tore it from me he resolved it to ashes and
scattered it far and wide."

The Elf smiled. "That does not surprise me. You know that I told you
something of what might come to pass. Forget not, however, that the
secret of its weaving still dwells with the elves of the Borderland, who
will never refuse to provide another if need arises."

He stretched his pudgy hand to the Shadow Witch, who caught it
gratefully in both her own. "Ah, good and kind friend!" she cried, "What
do I not owe to your faithful friendship!"

"As to that," responded the Elf heartily, looking into her lovely face,
"I am already well rewarded by seeing you restored to liberty, and in
knowing of the happiness which is to be yours."

Then their farewells were spoken, and the Elf stood watching them till
they vanished from his sight.

In the meantime, Black Shadow had reached the Cave of Darkness, and
there she found the Imps still at the entrance. They had awakened and
were now rubbing their eyes confusedly and whispering to each other
their fears concerning what might have happened while they had slept.

"Little need have you now to guard this Cave mouth," Black Shadow flung
at them as she passed. "The Prince, whose entrance it was your duty to
prevent, has long since come and gone, taking with him the Shadow
Witch."

She did not stay to reply to their frightened and excited questions, but
sped straight to the Cave Hall.

There she found the Wizard sitting upright in his chair, though he
looked pale and exhausted. He was surrounded by the Imps who had been
imprisoned in the vaulted chamber, and who, when the Shadow Witch had
reached her own land and the spell of the Sword of Fire had been lifted,
had heard their master's voic