ere the very same. Close beside him was the Princess, in
shining robes, with floating hair of the palest gold. Never before had
the Shadow seen her, but from her charming face, so tender and
beautiful, she knew that it could be none else, knew, also, that no cry
for help and pity could come to her in vain.

Gathering her grey robes closer about her, Creeping Shadow entered
boldly, and sped through the hall. Groups of gaily chattering
fire-fairies saw this strange visitant flit by them, but were too
startled and amazed to check her as she passed. So she came unhindered
into the presence of the royal company.

But before she had reached them, the Princess saw her. With a low cry of
terror, she caught the Prince's hand. "See Radiance! See who comes!" she
whispered tremulously. "Is not this one from that grim land where we
once wandered so long?"

Then the Prince saw her also and knew her to be a servant of the Shadow
Witch, yet before he could answer, Creeping Shadow had reached them and
had thrown herself at King Red Flame's feet.

"Hear me, oh, King," she implored, "I am Creeping Shadow. I come not to
bring evil, but to beseech aid from Prince Radiance for my mistress, the
Shadow Witch, who is now in bitter trouble, and who not long since was a
true friend to him."

Touched by the sorrow in her voice, King Red Flame gave gracious answer.
"Arise, Creeping Shadow, and speak without fear. I give my royal word
that whatever we can do to succor your mistress shall surely be done."

Prince Radiance stooped down and himself raised the Shadow to her feet.
"Your mistress was indeed my friend," he declared. "I can never forget
my debt to her. Tell us quickly, what is this trouble that has befallen
her?"

To their words the Princess White Flame added gently, "Yes, tell us, for
not my Prince alone, but my father and myself, also, are debtors to the
Shadow Witch."

Thus cheered and encouraged, Creeping Shadow began her tale, surrounded
by the pitying fairies, all eager to show their sympathy for her and
their desire to befriend her.

When all was told, Prince Radiance, without waiting for the King to
speak, cried at once, "Your Majesty, my duty is plain. The Shadow Witch
must not be left to suffer punishment because of me. Let me go at once
to her rescue. With my Sword of Flames, by which I so lately conquered
the Wizard, I can again put him to naught."

For a moment the King made no answer. At the generous words of the