And now from the palace doors and from everywhere, the Shadows came gliding swiftly, to burst into exclamations of joy when they saw, in their turn, who it was that had come.
Among them came the traitor, Black Shadow, hastening to learn whether what she had believed to be impossible, had, in spite of her treachery, been brought to pass. She saw Prince Ember and her mistress surrounded by the welcoming Shadows, saw that her plots had been in vain.
She would have turned at once to flee to the Wizard, to make known to him what had happened, had she not been arrested by the voice of her mistress speaking strange words, words such as she had never thought to hear.
“I have come to show you that I am set free,” said the Shadow Witch, “have come, also, to bid you, my loyal servants, farewell.”
A murmur of astonishment went up from the listening Shadows. What could such words mean?
The Shadow Witch continued. “I have found light and joy and true happiness by the side of this good Prince, and I can no longer pass my days in this grey land of mine with its grey magic.” She would have spoken further, but a burst of sorrow interrupted her. With one accord her servants swayed mournfully, and with sobs and cries, cast themselves at her feet.
She looked upon them with love and compassion. What could she do for them, these faithful friends and servants, whom she must leave if she followed her dear Prince? Go she must, but what could she say to comfort them? A thrill of pain went through her heart, tempering her exceeding joy in her new-found happiness.
Prince Ember came to her help. “The light and gladness of the Land of Fire is forbidden to none who are true and faithful,” he proclaimed. “Let all, then, who love their mistress, follow her to her new home, if it is their wish.”
At these words, so comfort-bringing, the Shadow Witch turned upon her Prince a glance of tenderest gratitude. The Shadows, hearing them, were lifted at once from deep grief to boundless rejoicing. They rose to their feet, their grey robes all a-flutter. “Ah, generous Prince,” they cried, “we follow, follow—happy indeed to be her faithful servants still.”
All but Black Shadow. She alone had given no cry of grief, she alone had shown no sign of joy. She had prostrated herself with the rest at the feet of the Shadow Witch, and had bowed her head, but merely to conceal the anger which she felt at the sight of her mistress safe returned. No sound passed her lips now. She was glad to hear of the coming departure, but that gladness, also, she would restrain. Until her mistress had gone, she would keep her own counsel, hide her own purposes, so that she might fulfil them in her own time and in her own way.