3 The Firebird and the Horse of Power

Chapter 3 The Firebird and the Horse of Power Nervously, Prince Ivan climbed onto Silver Wolf's back. The wolf sprang up, cleared the trees and flew through the winter air.

They soared over snowy woods, fields and villages, until night fell. At last, they saw the lights of a great palace in the distance.

"That is King Dalmat's palace," said Silver Wolf. "If you climb to the top of the tallest tower, you will find the Firebird in a golden cage. Take the Firebird but, whatever you do, don't touch her cage."

Ivan crept through the palace gardens and found the tower door unlocked. Silently, he climbed the stairs. There at the top was the Firebird, just as the wolf had promised. She fluttered around a golden cage that glittered with precious stones.

"How can I carry her without a cage?" Ivan wondered. "She'll burn me if I even touch her." He picked up the cage, and bells and alarms instantly rang through the palace. Guards rushed in, and dragged Ivan off to the palace prison.

The next morning he was brought before King Dalmat, who looked at him curiously. "What kind of a prince acts like a common thief?" he wondered. Ivan told him the story of his father's orchard, the Firebird and his meeting with Silver Wolf. Then he showed him the glowing feather.