Gertrude Crownfield

“ In the very heart of the Fire Country stands the palace of King Red Flame, the gleaming flame-colored palace, the Palace of Burning Coals. Round it lies a wonderful garden, where paths wind away among great fields of fire lilies, and flame roses lift their heads, and the tall shining trees rustle in the wind [3] with a sound like the whispering of the fire on the hearth. Here in this glowing country the good and happy fairies work and play, and serve their king as all good fairies should. ”

“ The lips of the Shadow Witch curled in a smile. “I have much skill with magic,” she said. “Beautiful may be the flame of your Princess, of wondrous sweetness may be her voice, yet if you would consent to remain in my land, I think I should be able to make you forget them both.”
“Nay,” replied Prince Radiance firmly, “that would never be.” Turning from her, he sought to depart, but the Shadow Witch would not have it so. She waved her long arms to her servants, and instantly they surrounded him in so dense a barrier that he could not pass. ”

“ Here, spread wide open, is a part of the magical Land of Fire, the wonderland of the good and peaceful Ember Fairies. A golden gate gives entrance to it. Shining pathways lead through its bright gardens. Its skies are warm and glowing. Here, decked with flaming banners, stands the home of the good Prince Ember—his fairy Palace of Good Cheer. Here moves the beautiful Shadow Princess, in trailing garments of rose and amethyst. Here she may be seen in her dance of joy and ecstasy followed by her faithful band of Shadows. ”

“ Looking upon the monster’s huge form, his terrible claws, his fiercely lashing tail, Flying Soot knew that the Great Black Dragon had good cause to boast.
“I leave the matter entirely to you,” said he. “There is one thing more, however, that you must promise me. You must on no account harm, or even touch the fairy Veil of which I have told you. Least of all must you attempt to take it for yourself. I assure you that it is of no value to any but the Prince or the Earth Fairy. For others it will work no charm.” ”

“ The Ash Goblin made fast the door, and as he did so he turned his crafty head to her and inquired her errand. She told him all.
“Well may you come to me,” he assured her. “I have long desired to revenge myself upon your impudent mistress. Often she has made sport of me with her tricking shadows. Often she has even dared to make my own form flicker and dance before me—not as it is—indeed, but twisted and misshapen to please her own mischievous fancy.” His eyes glinted with malice, and Black Shadow was well pleased to find him so willing to give his help. ”

“ Giant raised his Cloak high in air, and set it spinning about his head like an enormous revolving cloud. Larger it grew, flying faster and faster the while, and at every turn its stifling folds settled closer about the captive Prince.
The hoarse laughter of the Giant roared in his ears like thunder. Half choked, the Prince beat back the Cloak from his face, and struggled violently to escape. But round and round spun the Cloak as the Giant whirled his powerful arm, and Prince Radiance only exhausted himself against its tightening clasp, in vain. ”