WHERE the Gloomy Vale borders the plain beyond, rises the low-walled dwelling of the Ash Goblin.

So low it lies that only those familiar with that land know of its presence. Only those with eyes accustomed to the grey stretches can see the Ash Goblin himself. Very small he is, and grey of face and eyes and hair. Grey, too, are his garments, soft and grey as the ashes that surround him.

So he moves about, concealed from the view of all but his friends. Not less[153] eager than the rest of the Evil Fairies is he to join in any mischief, but because he is so small and weak, his help is less often sought than is that of the more powerful fairies of the land.

Flying Soot had no intention of asking him to join in the affairs of the Earth Fairy. He had not even thought of him. On many former occasions as he had passed through the Land of the Evil Fairies he had stopped to chat with the Ash Goblin, and give him the news, but to-day he had not time for so much as a glance at the grey walls of his dwelling.

The Ash Goblin seated beside his door saw him as he approached, and saw too that he intended to pass without speaking. Astonished and displeased he determined not to permit it. He sprang to his feet in haste, and caught[154] at the fluttering mantle of the Soot Fairy to drag him back.

“Ho there,” he cried. “On what errand of mischief are you bound, that you do not even give me good-day?”

“Pray let me go at once,” answered Flying Soot impatiently, with a jerk of his mantle, “I have business of importance that must not be delayed.”

“But it is of this important business that I wish to hear,” insisted the Ash Goblin, clutching his raiment only the more firmly.

Flying Soot knew well that one so insignificant as the Ash Goblin could do little to further the wishes of the Earth Fairy. So he put him off. “It is an adventure,” said he, “in which you cannot be of the smallest use to me. Let me go then to where I can get the help that I need.”

[155]At this the Ash Goblin became exceedingly affronted, and was at no pains to conceal it. “If it is a matter in which you require assistance you do ill to despise mine,” he declared, drawing himself up haughtily.

But Flying Soot did not tarry to argue the matter. He wrenched free his mantle, and hurried away to seek Curling Smoke, leaving the Ash Goblin to nurse his wrath at his leisure.

Wavering and swaying in the plain beyond the dark hill where Flying Soot had first beheld him, hung Curling Smoke, the grey magician. In all the Land of the Evil Fairies there were few who possessed such power as he, or were so ready to wield it.

Even at this moment he was watching craftily for a chance to work ill upon whoever might come his way, now[156] crouching low to peer between the hills, now rising to the full spire of his height to overlook the black valleys, and ashy plains.

Thus he caught sight of Flying Soot from afar, and waited for him, for well he knew that mischief was afoot wherever that black mantle flew.

Flying Soot came fast, calling to him as he drew near. “Curling Smoke, Curling Smoke, do not depart! I have urgent business with you.” Nothing that he could have said would have been more pleasing to Curling Smoke, and when the Soot Fairy reached him he waved him to a seat, settled himself down beside him and gave him an attentive ear.

Glad to find his wicked friend so ready to listen, Flying Soot began. “A Prince is traveling through this land—a stranger.[157] He pursues a flame, who is an enchanted Princess whom he hopes to win as a bride by delivering her from the spell that binds her. This he expects to do by means of a magic Veil which he carries. My friend the Earth Fairy, who is not far distant, purposes to prevent this, for she has good cause to desire vengeance upon the Princess because of injuries that she herself has suffered from the parents of this Princess. Moreover, the Earth Fairy wishes the Veil for herself. It is for you, greatest magician in all this land, to vanquish this presumptuous Prince so that the Earth Fairy may take from him this Veil. You must give your word, however, that no matter what means you may employ to conquer him, that you will neither injure the Veil itself, nor seek to deprive the Earth Fairy of it. Indeed, in case you should[158] attempt it, you would find that it would have no virtue in your hands.”

In proud disdain Curling Smoke made answer: “Bring hither your Prince, and when I have conquered him the Earth Fairy may take from him his Veil and go where she wishes. What care I for such a miserable trifle as this Prince carries? Have I not my Veil that Blinds? Have I not also my Veil that Chokes? With these two I am able to work what magic I will.”

“That I can well believe,” spoke Flying Soot in flattering tones. “As to the Prince—I need not go to fetch him. The Princess herself, driven by the Earth Fairy’s spell, leads him on. See you—even now they approach us. A moment more, and they will be here.”

It was as he said. Straight toward them came the beautiful flame of the[159] Princess, and behind her sped Prince Radiance still cherishing the hope that the fortunate moment would soon arrive when he should be able to overtake her. Hidden from the eyes of the Prince, but clearly visible to Curling Smoke and Flying Soot came the wicked Earth Fairy, eager to test the power of her new ally. Within the shelter of a black crag Curling Smoke sank down and lay concealed until the Princess had flitted by, but when Prince Radiance would have done likewise, the tall grey form of the magician stole from his hiding-place and filled the path. Twisted about his arm and trailing from it were the smoke veils in which his power dwelt. Delaying not he unloosed the Veil that Blinds. “Yield you to Curling Smoke, to Curling Smoke, Magician of Veils,” he cried.

[160]Tall and powerful as was the unexpected enemy who now beset ............