once upon any adventurer
into our lands. Seek these friends of mine, Black Shadow, and bid them
lie in wait for this bold prince. Say to them that the Wizard of the
Cave relies upon their aid."

Black Shadow rose, well pleased. With all hope of liberty for the Shadow
Witch destroyed, she saw her way to power. "I will be your willing
messenger," she said. She turned away and followed by the piercing
glances of the Imps, she left the Cave Hall, and a little later again
passed by the guards at the Cave Mouth and came into the open country
without.

There she glanced about her, hoping to catch sight of those whom she
sought. She did not look in vain, for almost immediately the giant,
Curling Smoke, uncurled his tall form from a deep chasm in the cliff
close by and towered high above her, blocking the way.

"Whither do you go, Black Shadow?" demanded he haughtily. "You cannot
pass until you answer."

"I have no wish to pass, for it is yourself whom I seek," she returned.

"What is it that you desire?" he asked ungraciously, for he was no
friend to the Shadow Witch and made naught of her servants.

"I bring a message from the Wizard of the Cave," replied she. "He
desires your assistance. Because of an ill turn that she served him, he
holds his sister prisoner, and Creeping Shadow, knowing that it would be
vain to ask any of the powerful ones in our own land to rescue her,
journeyed to the Land of Fire to ask aid of Prince Radiance."

At the very mention of Prince Radiance, whom he hated, Curling Smoke
twisted himself about in a violent rage. "Let him not dare to return
here, lest I make short work of him!" he shouted hoarsely. "Let him not
flatter himself that he can escape me this time as he did before."

"It is not Prince Radiance who comes, but another; that one, so Creeping
Shadow tells me, who alone is fated to set the Shadow Witch free. Prince
Ember is his name, and even now he is close by, in the house of the Elf
of the Borderland, there to receive from him, doubtless, something which
will aid him to deliver my mistress, and make him proof against any who
assail him, or who may seek to prevent his success."

Curling Smoke laughed loud and disdainfully. "What has the Elf to give
that could avail against me and my magic?" he exclaimed. "You amuse me,
Black Shadow. Go to that weakling, the Ash Goblin, with such tales, if
you will, but do not bring them to Curling Smoke."

"I repeat only what has been told me,"