6 The spell breaks

Chapter 6 The spell breaks "You've come just in time," the prince cried. "I was to marry the troll queen tomorrow night, but you've found me before the year is out."

Then, from the stone turret, came the sound of heavy feet. "Hurry! We must flee," urged Asta. "The troll queen is coming." As she spoke, the first light of dawn pricked the night sky.

"I am still a bear for one more day," roared the prince. Turning, Asta saw he was a white bear once more. "Climb on my back," he said.

As the troll queen opened the bedroom door, the bear charged past her down the turret stairs. "Come back!" she cried. "Never," snarled the bear. "Stop them," the troll queen ordered her guards.

But the trolls were no match for the giant bear. With one swipe from his paw he scattered them like leaves, then burst through the castle door. Together, Asta and the bear galloped to the icy shore. There, a boat bobbed on the water. In one bound, the bear leaped aboard.

"I thought you would need help escaping," said the North Wind. "All this time I have been resting. Now I will take you home." For months, they journeyed south, the North Wind blowing the boat as gently as he could.