at once.

Like an arrow she sped out of the Cave and swept down the cliff-side and
across the Plain in noiseless haste. The Ash Goblin met her, and would
have detained her to ask her business, but she escaped him without
reply. In trembling fear of the Wind, who might swoop down upon her, she
approached the Chimney Mouth, but she had the good fortune to pass by it
in safety.

She had entered the Borderland and was not far from the Elf's door, when
suddenly she encountered him. He was sitting quietly upon a mound of
ash, a curious little figure, with eyes that twinkled with a kindly
light under thick fuzzy brows. His fuzzy ears stood out from beneath a
peaked cap; his pudgy hands were almost hidden by the sleeves of the
soft ashen garment that clothed him from head to foot.

He saw Creeping Shadow approaching and knowing at once from her face
that she was in trouble, he guessed that she had come to ask his help.
So he beckoned her to a seat beside him and listened to her story with
the keenest attention, hearing her through to the last word without
interrupting her.

"And now," Creeping Shadow besought him, when she had told him all,
"What can be done to deliver my dear mistress? There is none so wise and
kind as yourself. Advise me, I beg of you." With eyes fastened eagerly
upon his face she awaited his answer.

"There is but one thing to do," returned the Elf instantly. "You must
obtain the assistance of some noble Prince--one who, by the power of his
good magic, can overcome the Wizard, and set her free."

"Alas!" sighed Creeping Shadow, "Where might such a prince be found? You
know as well as I that all in this land are evil and use evil
enchantments."

"True," he answered. "From this land no help can come for the Shadow
Witch. But you must not forget the Land of Fire. In it there are many
good and powerful fairies, and among them is Prince Radiance. You must
go to him and tell him of this desperate plight of your mistress. He
will not refuse to come to her relief."

Creeping Shadow shook her head slowly. "I cannot believe that he will do
so," she asserted, "for not long since my mistress caused him great
distress and disappointment by leading him astray."

"Ay, that she did," agreed her companion. "But she made amends for it
immediately afterward by rendering him a noble service. He himself told
me of it with gratitude. I am certain that he has not forgotten it and
will be glad to repay his great debt."