lace windows, the sound of many feet was
heard, and the air was rent by shouts of welcome.

The Princess broke off her song. With one accord the royal company
started to their feet, certain that naught but the return of Prince
Ember could cause so great a tumult. At that very instant the scarlet
figure of Rushing Flame appeared before them, proclaiming, "Your Majesty
the King, Prince Ember has returned."

While he was yet speaking, Prince Ember and the Shadow Witch entered the
palace hall. Close after them glided the band of Shadows, and
accompanying them came the Wise One, kind old Grey Smoke and a multitude
of Fire Fairies, who had come quickly together from everywhere, eager to
have a part in greeting the unknown guests, and to hear the adventures
of the brave young Prince.

With a lover's pride, Prince Ember led his beloved to the King. Never
had the Shadow Witch looked more beautiful. Her ebon hair fell like a
rich cloak over her grey robes; her cheek was mantled by a crimson
flush; her dark eyes gleamed with a soft radiance.

King Red Flame, won by the first glimpse of this lovely stranger, forgot
his state and went to meet her. Without waiting for his nephew to make
her known, he drew her to himself in cordial greeting. "Welcome fair
Princess of the Shadows," he said, "and welcome, also, to your train."
Then to his nephew he turned in deep affection. "Welcome, dear Ember,
thrice welcome. Long have we waited and anxiously hoped for your safe
return."

"Welcome, welcome," cried Prince Radiance heartily, coming to clasp
hands with the Prince and his companion in his turn. Right glad was he
to see his good friends once more.

The gentle Princess White Flame, thinking of what she must have endured,
took the Shadow Witch to her arms and kissed her as a sister might.

Then did the King demand to know the story of their adventures, and a
deep hush fell over the assemblage while Prince Ember related
everything, from first to last, that had befallen them. Of all who
listened with deep interest and earnest sympathy, only Prince Radiance
and Princess White Flame, who themselves had once journeyed in that
far-off land and had met its perils, could fully understand how great
the task of Prince Ember had been.

The Wise One, hearing how his own gifts and his advice concerning the
Elf of the Borderland had been the means of bringing them safely through
all the dangers that had threatened them, smiled and nodded his head