Prince, a sob of joy broke from Creeping Shadow, but Princess White
Flame shuddered. In memory she saw again the dark cavern of the Wizard,
remembered its cruel master, and the evil spell by which he had
endeavored to destroy her Prince; and for a brief space she forgot the
sore trouble of the Shadow Witch, helpless and in that Wizard's power.
It was but for an instant, however; then her voice, tender and full of
sympathy arose, quivering though it was with her fears for the safety of
her Prince. "Ah, no! We cannot let her suffer! You must go."

"Come, come quickly then," breathed Creeping Shadow. "Come, while there
is yet time."

Before the Prince could make further answer to her plea, King Red Flame
interposed with firm, yet gentle, authority. "Stay, my son. In so grave
a matter we must take no step amiss. We must seek the best counsel that
our kingdom affords. The Wise One alone, out of his great store of
wisdom, will know how to give it."

With lifted hand he summoned his swiftest messenger. "Go, Rushing
Flame," he commanded. "Say to the Wise One that the King has need of
him."

In haste Rushing Flame departed, and in a deep silence, broken only now
and then by the low whispering of the fire fairies, all awaited the
coming of the Wise One.

So ready was the Wise One to give counsel wherever it was required, that
much sooner than could have been expected from one of his age, he stood
before the King. Creeping Shadow, lifting her eyes eagerly, beheld a
very ancient fairy, clad in deep scarlet. His beard was white as snow.
His eyes were piercingly keen. Never had she seen anyone who looked at
once so ancient and so wise.

"Your Majesty," said the Wise One gravely, making him a low obeisance,
"How can I serve you?"

"Give me of your good counsel," King Red Flame besought him. "Far away
in the cave of her brother, the Wizard, the Shadow Witch lies
imprisoned, not for any fault of hers, but for her kindness to Prince
Radiance and my beloved daughter. Her servant Creeping Shadow, whom you
see yonder, has come to beg the Prince to haste to her deliverance. What
say you? If he goes, will he have power to deliver her? If he goes, will
he return in safety?"

Anxiously Princess White Flame fixed her eyes upon the Wise One's face,
and awaited his answer to her father's question. No less anxiously did
Creeping Shadow listen to hear the fate of her dear mistress.

"Nay, Your Majesty," replied the Wise One, with great ea