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CHAPTER VIII
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BACK across the dismal1 land through which she had led the Princess, flitted the Earth Fairy. Freed though she now was from her long imprisonment2, she yet hoped for even greater liberty. When Flying Soot3 had told her that the Veil had power to disenchant the Princess, she felt sure that it would have a like magic influence over herself; that if she could but obtain it, and cast it about her that she should once more become a true Earth Fairy.[107] Should this come to pass, she would flee forever from the Land of Fire which she so hated, to her own people and her own home.

Therefore she determined4 to go in search of the Prince, and by means of her wands wrest5 from him the coveted6 Veil. She knew that it would soon be discovered that Princess White Flame was no longer in her father’s kingdom, and she believed that Prince Radiance would then come to seek the Princess in the Land of the Evil Fairies. She herself would be in wait for him near the boundary and would endeavor to overpower him there.

So rapidly did she journey that she soon reached the borders of the Land of the Fire Fairies, and began to watch for the coming of the Prince.

Some time had passed before she beheld[108] a scarlet7 cloaked figure approaching, looking eagerly on all sides, as if in search of someone. From what Flying Soot had told her she knew that it was Prince Radiance. She crept to meet him, concealing8 herself cleverly from sight as she went.

When she was but a short distance from him she stopped and opened her bundle of wands. She had taken out the Green Wand, and was about to use it, when she paused. Well did she know that she had none other so powerful, none other that could so fully9 work her will. By this she held the Princess completely under her sway. Upon the Prince she was unwilling10 to risk it unless all else failed. She laid it back among the rest and took up another that she had always trusted. Waving it toward the Prince she murmured the[109] words of a spell so potent11 that she expected to see him fall instantly to the ground unable to speak or to move. But it was as though the spell had never been uttered. The Prince continued on his way as before, and the Earth Fairy knew by this that all power had departed from her wand. She cast it away, and selecting another without hesitation12, she followed close after him, repeating the words of her spell. This time also, the spell was of no avail; the second wand became as useless as the first, and was discarded in its turn.

“Truly there must be magic in this that will overpower him,” she muttered, taking out the third. “Never before has this one failed me.” Yet the third wand had no more power than the rest. One by one, she tried them all, until there was none left but the Green Wand. She[110] looked at it longingly13, but dared not risk it. Should it too be useless before this mysterious influence that protected the Prince she would have nothing at all by which to work her will.

She ceased to follow Prince Radiance, and sat down to think of what she should do in order to carry out her purpose.

Pondering deeply, she did not know that someone had approached her from behind, and was standing14 close beside her. It was Flying Soot. He waited a few moments but finding that the Earth Fairy was too much engaged to be aware of his presence, he tapped her upon the arm. “Well, my good friend,” he began, “how have your affairs prospered15 since you left me so abruptly16 in the palace gardens?”

The Earth Fairy looked up with a[111] start. No one had been further from her thoughts than Flying Soot.

“Do not disturb me,” she answered impatiently, “I am thinking over an important matter in which you can be of no use to me.”

“Do not be too certain of that,” the Soot Fairy replied. “Remember that you are now in a land where I have many and powerful friends.”

The Earth Fairy had not realized that. At his words, she suddenly began to wonder if some of these wicked fairies of which he spoke17, might be able to help her to obtain what she so desired. Instantly she changed her tone.

“Hark you,” she said, “I believe you told me of a magic Veil that the Prince was to obtain from the Wise One. I have decided18 that I want this Veil for myself. I have tried all my wands upon[112] the Prince in an effort to take it from him, but they have failed. One alone I have not tried. It is the Green Wand which rules the Princess White Flame. This I am unwilling to risk—for the present at least. Have you, perhaps, among your friends, any who is sufficiently19 powerful to overcome Prince Radiance, so that I can take from him this Veil?”

Flying Soot threw back his black mantle20 from his shoulder with a confident gesture. “To be sure I have,” he assured her, “and if the first should not succeed there are many others who would be willing to try.”

“There is one difficulty,” the Earth Fairy warned him, “I can offer no reward.”

“Do not let that trouble you,” was the reply. “The friends whom I shall ask[113] to assist you are too proud to receive rewards. They are sufficiently pleased when they have succeeded in accomplishing the mischief21 they set out to perform.”

This was good news to the Earth Fairy. Her face shone with satisfaction.

“There is one thing that you must do, however,” continued Flying Soot. “You must contrive22 to lure23 the Prince to my friends, for they are far too haughty24 to seek him, even to do him harm. Is there any plan by which you can do this?”

For a time the Earth Fairy sat plunged25 in thought. Then she sprang up clapping her hands in delight. “Ay,” cried she, “that I can. I will compel the Princess herself to lure him on. Well has my Green Wand proved its power over her, and she it is who shall lead him to his destruction.”

[114]“How shall this be done?” inquired her companion.

“That is simple enough,” replied the Earth Fairy. “You have but to tell me whither I must bring the Prince. Then while you have gone to enlist26 the services of this friend whom you have chosen, I will release the Princess, will seek out the Prince, and bring him by her influence to the appointed place.”

He gave her most careful instructions as to where she would find him. “And now,” said he, when he had made everything clear, “I go to engage my friend the Giant of the Wide Grey Plain to assist you. You need have no fear. He will agree to do so. As soon as you arrive with your Prince you will find him ready.” He rose from his seat, shook out his black mantle, and quickly vanished in the distance.

[115]The Earth Fairy on her part, hastened to the cave where the Princess White Flame was imprisoned27. Carefully she unwove the spell which sealed its walls, and in a loud voice she commanded the Princess to come forth28. Out of the yawning entrance glimmered29 the flame, pale and faint, but still of a pure and beautiful whiteness.

The Earth Fairy drew out her Green Wand, and held it aloft. “Go where I bid you,” she cried, “and delay not.”

Unable to resist the spell of the Green Wand, the Princess without word or sound, flitted rapidly away with her enchantress to seek the Prince.

Meanwhile Prince Radiance, knowing nothing of the attempt that the Earth Fairy had already made to destroy him, proceeded on his quest. All across the Wide Grey Plain where he now was,[116] are scattered30 hills and mounds31 of ash in great number, and so much alike in size and shape are they, that the traveler often becomes confused and knows not which way to direct his steps. Thus it was with Prince Radiance, and at last quite bewildered he stood still, and looked about him, seeking for something to guide him. It was while he did so, that suddenly he saw gleaming in the distance a flame so pure and lovely that he could not doubt that it was the spirit of his Princess. In an ecstasy32 of joy he threw out his arms to it. “White Flame! Ah my beloved White Flame,” he cried, “can it be that I have in truth found you so much sooner than I had dared to hope?”

Quickly he hastened toward her, drawing nearer and yet nearer until he was sure that she could hear his voice.

[117]“Princess,” he called to her. “Wait, ah, wait until I reach you. See, it is I, Prince Radiance, who follow. I bring with me the Veil that is to set you free.” He expected her to pause; but it was not so. Slowly, yet steadily33 she retreated from him, and as she went her well-loved voice floated back to him, not singing sweetly, as when he had heard it in her garden, but weeping, and in anguish34.

“Ah me, ah me, dear Radiance!” she sobbed35, “the Earth Fairy has cast a second and more cruel spell upon me, that causes me to flee as you draw near.”

So overwhelmed with grief was the Prince by the news of this fresh misfortune that at first he was stricken dumb, but presently hope and courage sprang afresh within his breast.

Across the distance that widened between[118] them his answer rang tender and undismayed.

“Go where you must, my Princess, I will surely follow. No power, however strong, no spell, however potent, can suffice to daunt36 my love. Believe always that I will surely overtake and save you in the end.”

Princess White Flame heard him, and took comfort. The Earth Fairy heard him, and rejoiced, for now she knew that without doubt she could lead him where she would. Keeping herself out of sight, she drove the Princess away and away in the direction that Flying Soot had gone, and unswervingly Prince Radiance pursued the ever brightening flame.

点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 dismal wtwxa     
adj.阴沉的,凄凉的,令人忧郁的,差劲的
参考例句:
  • That is a rather dismal melody.那是一支相当忧郁的歌曲。
  • My prospects of returning to a suitable job are dismal.我重新找到一个合适的工作岗位的希望很渺茫。
2 imprisonment I9Uxk     
n.关押,监禁,坐牢
参考例句:
  • His sentence was commuted from death to life imprisonment.他的判决由死刑减为无期徒刑。
  • He was sentenced to one year's imprisonment for committing bigamy.他因为犯重婚罪被判入狱一年。
3 soot ehryH     
n.煤烟,烟尘;vt.熏以煤烟
参考例句:
  • Soot is the product of the imperfect combustion of fuel.煤烟是燃料不完全燃烧的产物。
  • The chimney was choked with soot.烟囱被煤灰堵塞了。
4 determined duszmP     
adj.坚定的;有决心的
参考例句:
  • I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
  • He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。
5 wrest 1fdwD     
n.扭,拧,猛夺;v.夺取,猛扭,歪曲
参考例句:
  • The officer managed to wrest the gun from his grasp.警官最终把枪从他手中夺走了。
  • You wrest my words out of their real meaning.你曲解了我话里的真正含义。
6 coveted 3debb66491eb049112465dc3389cfdca     
adj.令人垂涎的;垂涎的,梦寐以求的v.贪求,觊觎(covet的过去分词);垂涎;贪图
参考例句:
  • He had long coveted the chance to work with a famous musician. 他一直渴望有机会与著名音乐家一起工作。
  • Ther other boys coveted his new bat. 其他的男孩都想得到他的新球棒。 来自《简明英汉词典》
7 scarlet zD8zv     
n.深红色,绯红色,红衣;adj.绯红色的
参考例句:
  • The scarlet leaves of the maples contrast well with the dark green of the pines.深红的枫叶和暗绿的松树形成了明显的对比。
  • The glowing clouds are growing slowly pale,scarlet,bright red,and then light red.天空的霞光渐渐地淡下去了,深红的颜色变成了绯红,绯红又变为浅红。
8 concealing 0522a013e14e769c5852093b349fdc9d     
v.隐藏,隐瞒,遮住( conceal的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • Despite his outward display of friendliness, I sensed he was concealing something. 尽管他表现得友善,我还是感觉到他有所隐瞒。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • SHE WAS BREAKING THE COMPACT, AND CONCEALING IT FROM HIM. 她违反了他们之间的约定,还把他蒙在鼓里。 来自英汉文学 - 三万元遗产
9 fully Gfuzd     
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地
参考例句:
  • The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气,然后全部呼出。
  • They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。
10 unwilling CjpwB     
adj.不情愿的
参考例句:
  • The natives were unwilling to be bent by colonial power.土著居民不愿受殖民势力的摆布。
  • His tightfisted employer was unwilling to give him a raise.他那吝啬的雇主不肯给他加薪。
11 potent C1uzk     
adj.强有力的,有权势的;有效力的
参考例句:
  • The medicine had a potent effect on your disease.这药物对你的病疗效很大。
  • We must account of his potent influence.我们必须考虑他的强有力的影响。
12 hesitation tdsz5     
n.犹豫,踌躇
参考例句:
  • After a long hesitation, he told the truth at last.踌躇了半天,他终于直说了。
  • There was a certain hesitation in her manner.她的态度有些犹豫不决。
13 longingly 2015a05d76baba3c9d884d5f144fac69     
adv. 渴望地 热望地
参考例句:
  • He looked longingly at the food on the table. 他眼巴巴地盯着桌上的食物。
  • Over drinks,he speaks longingly of his trip to Latin America. 他带着留恋的心情,一边喝酒一边叙述他的拉丁美洲之行。
14 standing 2hCzgo     
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的
参考例句:
  • After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
  • They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
15 prospered ce2c414688e59180b21f9ecc7d882425     
成功,兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The organization certainly prospered under his stewardship. 不可否认,这个组织在他的管理下兴旺了起来。
  • Mr. Black prospered from his wise investments. 布莱克先生由于巧妙的投资赚了不少钱。
16 abruptly iINyJ     
adv.突然地,出其不意地
参考例句:
  • He gestured abruptly for Virginia to get in the car.他粗鲁地示意弗吉尼亚上车。
  • I was abruptly notified that a half-hour speech was expected of me.我突然被通知要讲半个小时的话。
17 spoke XryyC     
n.(车轮的)辐条;轮辐;破坏某人的计划;阻挠某人的行动 v.讲,谈(speak的过去式);说;演说;从某种观点来说
参考例句:
  • They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
  • The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。
18 decided lvqzZd     
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的
参考例句:
  • This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
  • There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。
19 sufficiently 0htzMB     
adv.足够地,充分地
参考例句:
  • It turned out he had not insured the house sufficiently.原来他没有给房屋投足保险。
  • The new policy was sufficiently elastic to accommodate both views.新政策充分灵活地适用两种观点。
20 mantle Y7tzs     
n.斗篷,覆罩之物,罩子;v.罩住,覆盖,脸红
参考例句:
  • The earth had donned her mantle of brightest green.大地披上了苍翠欲滴的绿色斗篷。
  • The mountain was covered with a mantle of snow.山上覆盖着一层雪。
21 mischief jDgxH     
n.损害,伤害,危害;恶作剧,捣蛋,胡闹
参考例句:
  • Nobody took notice of the mischief of the matter. 没有人注意到这件事情所带来的危害。
  • He seems to intend mischief.看来他想捣蛋。
22 contrive GpqzY     
vt.谋划,策划;设法做到;设计,想出
参考例句:
  • Can you contrive to be here a little earlier?你能不能早一点来?
  • How could you contrive to make such a mess of things?你怎么把事情弄得一团糟呢?
23 lure l8Gz2     
n.吸引人的东西,诱惑物;vt.引诱,吸引
参考例句:
  • Life in big cities is a lure for many country boys.大城市的生活吸引着许多乡下小伙子。
  • He couldn't resist the lure of money.他不能抵制金钱的诱惑。
24 haughty 4dKzq     
adj.傲慢的,高傲的
参考例句:
  • He gave me a haughty look and walked away.他向我摆出傲慢的表情后走开。
  • They were displeased with her haughty airs.他们讨厌她高傲的派头。
25 plunged 06a599a54b33c9d941718dccc7739582     
v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 );暴跌;骤降;突降
参考例句:
  • The train derailed and plunged into the river. 火车脱轨栽进了河里。
  • She lost her balance and plunged 100 feet to her death. 她没有站稳,从100英尺的高处跌下摔死了。
26 enlist npCxX     
vt.谋取(支持等),赢得;征募;vi.入伍
参考例句:
  • They come here to enlist men for the army.他们来这儿是为了召兵。
  • The conference will make further efforts to enlist the support of the international community for their just struggle. 会议必将进一步动员国际社会,支持他们的正义斗争。
27 imprisoned bc7d0bcdd0951055b819cfd008ef0d8d     
下狱,监禁( imprison的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He was imprisoned for two concurrent terms of 30 months and 18 months. 他被判处30个月和18个月的监禁,合并执行。
  • They were imprisoned for possession of drugs. 他们因拥有毒品而被监禁。
28 forth Hzdz2     
adv.向前;向外,往外
参考例句:
  • The wind moved the trees gently back and forth.风吹得树轻轻地来回摇晃。
  • He gave forth a series of works in rapid succession.他很快连续发表了一系列的作品。
29 glimmered 8dea896181075b2b225f0bf960cf3afd     
v.发闪光,发微光( glimmer的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • "There glimmered the embroidered letter, with comfort in its unearthly ray." 她胸前绣着的字母闪着的非凡的光辉,将温暖舒适带给他人。 来自英汉 - 翻译样例 - 文学
  • The moon glimmered faintly through the mists. 月亮透过薄雾洒下微光。 来自辞典例句
30 scattered 7jgzKF     
adj.分散的,稀疏的;散步的;疏疏落落的
参考例句:
  • Gathering up his scattered papers,he pushed them into his case.他把散乱的文件收拾起来,塞进文件夹里。
31 mounds dd943890a7780b264a2a6c1fa8d084a3     
土堆,土丘( mound的名词复数 ); 一大堆
参考例句:
  • We had mounds of tasteless rice. 我们有成堆成堆的淡而无味的米饭。
  • Ah! and there's the cemetery' - cemetery, he must have meant. 'You see the mounds? 啊,这就是同墓,”——我想他要说的一定是公墓,“看到那些土墩了吗?
32 ecstasy 9kJzY     
n.狂喜,心醉神怡,入迷
参考例句:
  • He listened to the music with ecstasy.他听音乐听得入了神。
  • Speechless with ecstasy,the little boys gazed at the toys.小孩注视着那些玩具,高兴得说不出话来。
33 steadily Qukw6     
adv.稳定地;不变地;持续地
参考例句:
  • The scope of man's use of natural resources will steadily grow.人类利用自然资源的广度将日益扩大。
  • Our educational reform was steadily led onto the correct path.我们的教学改革慢慢上轨道了。
34 anguish awZz0     
n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦,烦恼
参考例句:
  • She cried out for anguish at parting.分手时,她由于痛苦而失声大哭。
  • The unspeakable anguish wrung his heart.难言的痛苦折磨着他的心。
35 sobbed 4a153e2bbe39eef90bf6a4beb2dba759     
哭泣,啜泣( sob的过去式和过去分词 ); 哭诉,呜咽地说
参考例句:
  • She sobbed out the story of her son's death. 她哭诉着她儿子的死。
  • She sobbed out the sad story of her son's death. 她哽咽着诉说她儿子死去的悲惨经过。
36 daunt 8ybxL     
vt.使胆怯,使气馁
参考例句:
  • Danger did not daunt the hero.危险并没有吓倒这位英雄。
  • Even a greater natural calamity cannot daunt us.再大的自然灾害也压不垮我们。


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