for a moment and then went on more earnestly. "Though
your foes will not behold you, yet you must be on your guard against
them, for who can say what traps they may set for you, what snares may
await you. Beware, therefore, of the Ash Goblin. He is small of
stature, but he cannot safely be despised, for he is very cunning. He
will not only assist the Wizard gladly because he hates his sister, but
for some grudge, also, that he bears to the dwellers in the Land of
Fire, he will not fail to wreak his spite on any who comes from thence."

"I will not forget your warning," Prince Ember promised him.

"Beware, also, of Curling Smoke," the Elf continued. "None more wicked
and dreadful than he inhabits the lands you must pass through. He
travels far and wide, and because Prince Radiance lately conquered and
scattered him by the power of his Sword of Flames, he has vowed to be
revenged upon one and all who enter here from the land of the good Fire
Fairies."

Again Prince Ember assured him that he would remember.

The Elf drew closer to him and laid his hand upon the Prince's arm.
"Beware," he adjured him solemnly, "Beware of the Wind in the Chimney.
Against him only the Cloak may not protect you. His eyes are keen to
pierce disguises. His hands are strong to break down spells. See to it
that he does not snatch from you in an unguarded moment this sheltering
Cloak."

Once more the Prince gave his promise, and stretching his hands in
gratitude to the giver of so priceless a treasure, poured out his
thanks.

But the Elf checked him. "Speak not of it," he protested kindly. "The
elves of the Borderland rejoice to have a part in any noble undertaking.
Only succeed, and we are well repaid."

"The Wise One has said that I shall be victorious," declared the Prince
confidently. "And when my task is done, and the Shadow Witch has
returned in freedom to her own land, I shall preserve as my chief
treasure this marvelous Cloak, which you have been at such pains to
weave for me."

The Elf smiled and shook his head. "Not so," he answered. "None takes
the Cloak of Ash from the Borderland."

"Then I will return it safe to your hands," the Prince assured him.

"There will be no need," replied the Elf, "for the Cloak perishes when
its work is done."

With these words he led him from the dim room where the marvel had been
wrought, and brought him to the outer threshold of his house. There the
Prince bade him farewell.

"Good fortun