She sat silent for a moment , and then went on : ` There is no danger if you will only follow my counsel ; and first you must return to earth , and go up to the top of a high mountain , where the giant has built his castle . You will find him sitting on the steps weeping for his daughter , who has just died while the prince was away hunting . At the last she sent her father my crown by a faithful servant . But I warn you to be careful , for if he sees you he may kill you . Therefore I will give you the power to change yourself into any creature that may help you best . You have only to strike your forehead , and call out its name . ' This time the journey to land seemed much shorter than before , and when once the fish reached the shore she struck her forehead sharply with her tail , and cried : ` Deer , come to me ! ' In a moment the small , slimy body disappeared , and in its place stood a beautiful beast with branching horns and slender legs , quivering with longing to be gone . Throwing back her head and snuffing the air , she broke into a run , leaping easily over the rivers and walls that stood in her way . It happened that the king 's son had been hunting since daybreak , but had killed nothing , and when the deer crossed his path as he was resting under a tree he determined to have her . He flung himself on his horse , which went like the wind , and as the prince had often hunted the forest before , and knew all the short cuts , he at last came up with the panting beast . ` By your favour let me go , and do not kill me , ' said the deer , turning to the prince with tears in her eyes , ` for I have far to run and much to do . ' And as the prince , struck dumb with surprise , only looked at her , the deer cleared the next wall and was soon out of sight . ` That ca n't really be a deer , ' thought the prince to himself , reining in his horse and not attempting to follow her . ` No deer ever had eyes like that . It must be an enchanted maiden , and I will marry her and no other . ' So , turning his horse 's head , he rode slowly back to his palace . The deer reached the giant 's castle quite out of breath , and her heart sank as she gazed at the tall , smooth walls which surrounded it . Then she plucked up courage and cried : ` Ant , come to me ! ' And in a moment the branching horns and beautiful shape had vanished , and a tiny brown ant , invisible to all who did not look closely , was climbing up the walls .
It was wonderful how fast she XXXXX , that little creature !
branching came find leaping look reached sat stood turning went