"Know you aught of what these matters may be?" demanded Prince Ember.

"This much only I may tell you, Your Highness. They concern a dangerous
and difficult adventure. More than this you must learn from the King
himself," answered Rushing Flame.

Prince Ember sprang to his feet, his eyes kindling with eagerness. "See
that my horse is brought quickly to the palace door," he cried to the
Ember Fairy, who still lingered near, "for I go in haste to my uncle,
the King."

The fairy obeyed, and presently the hoof-beats of the ruddy charger that
bore the Prince resounded on the road that led to the Palace of Burning
Coals.

A good steed and a swift, was he. Before Rushing Flame, with all his
speed, had gone half the distance homeward, the Prince alighted at the
door of his uncle's palace and a moment later presented himself before
the King.

"Ah, my dear Ember," exclaimed King Red Flame, grasping his hand, "your
presence is most earnestly desired, for there has come to us a servant
of the Shadow Witch, beseeching help for her mistress, who now lies
captive to her brother, the Wizard of the Cave of Darkness. This
punishment he inflicts upon her, because of her kindness to Prince
Radiance and my daughter. Gladly would Prince Radiance prove his
gratitude by hasting to her deliverance, but the Wise One has declared
that it would be in vain--has declared that it is yourself, and none
other, who is fated to set her free. Since this is so, is it your desire
to go upon this adventure?"

"Ah, Your Majesty!" cried Prince Ember, his countenance glowing with
ardor, "no task could be more welcome. I am ready to set forth
immediately."

The King was greatly pleased, and Creeping Shadow, her anxious fears at
rest, bowed herself at Prince Ember's feet in gratitude too deep for
speech. The hearts of Prince Radiance and Princess White Flame
overflowed with joy since the deliverance of the Shadow Witch seemed now
assured, and their happiness was reflected in the faces of all the
fairies gathered there.

King Red Flame spoke again. "That your success in this adventure may be
made certain, you must first go to the Wise One and receive his
instructions. If you obey them, he assures me that you cannot fail."

"I will give good heed to them," Prince Ember promised him.

So saying he took his leave and followed by Creeping Shadow, set out on
foot for the home of the Wise One.

The queer little hut where the Wise One lived was not far off