CHAPTER 3
The Mist Maidens
From the top of the hill Ozma and Dorothy looked down into the valleybeyond and were surprised to find it filled with a floating mist thatwas as dense as smoke. Nothing in the valley was visible except theserolling waves of mist, but beyond, on the other side, rose a grassyhill that appeared quite beautiful.
"Well," said Dorothy, "what are we to do, Ozma? Walk down into thatthick fog, an' prob'bly get lost in it, or wait till it clears away?"
"I'm not sure it will clear away, however long we wait," replied Ozma,doubtfully. "If we wish to get on, I think we must venture into themist."
"But we can't see where we're going, or what we're stepping on,"protested Dorothy. "There may be dreadful things mixed up in that fog,an' I'm scared just to think of wading into it."
Even Ozma seemed to hesitate. She was silent and thoughtful for alittle while, looking at the rolling drifts that were so gray andforbidding. Finally she said:
"I believe this is a Mist Valley, where these moist clouds alwaysremain, for even the sunshine above does not drive them away.Therefore the Mist Maids must live here, and they are fairies andshould answer my call."
She placed her two hands before her mouth, forming a hollow with them,and uttered a clear, thrilling, bird-like cry. It floated far out overthe mist waves and presently was answered by a similar sound, as of afar-off echo.
Dorothy was much impressed. She had seen many strange things sincecoming to this fairy country, but here was a new experience. Atordinary times Ozma was just like any little girl one might chance tomeet--simple, merry, lovable as could be--yet with a certain reservethat lent her dignity in her most joyous moods. There were times,however, when seated on her throne and commanding her subjects, orwhen her fairy powers were called into use, when Dorothy and allothers about her stood in awe of their lovely girl Ruler and realizedher superiority.
Ozma waited. Presently out from the billows rose beautiful forms,clothed in fleecy, trailing garments of gray that could scarcely bedistinguished from the mist. Their hair was mist-color, too; onlytheir gleaming arms and sweet, pallid faces proved they were living,intelligent creatures answering the call of a sister fairy.
Like sea nymphs they rested on the bosom of the clouds, their eyesturned questioningly upon the two girls who stood upon the bank. Onecame quite near and to her Ozma said:
"Will you please take us to the opposite hillside? We are afraid toventure into the mist. I am Princess Ozma of Oz, and this is my friendDorothy, a Princess of Oz."
The Mist Maids came nearer, holding out their arms. Without hesitationOzma advanced and allowed them to embrace her and Dorothy plucked upcourage to follow. Very gently the Mist Maids held them. Dorothythought the arms were cold and misty--they didn't seem real atall--yet they supported the two girls above the surface of the billowsand floated with them so swiftly to the green hillside opposite thatthe girls were astonished to find themselves set upon the grass beforethey realized they had fairly started.
"Thank you!" said Ozma gratefully, and Dorothy also added her thanksfor the service.
The Mist Maids made no answer, but they smiled and waved their handsin good-bye as again they floated out into the mist and disappearedfrom view.
Glinda of Oz Page 3
