39
Belle sprinted to Toby and flung her arms around his waist. ‘I thought you died,’ she said as he stroked the back of her head. His mother, father and brother arrived moments later.
‘Yah!’ A distant call drew away his attention.
Thundering in the direction of the Tower’s main entrance, a horse and carriage powered over the threshold and into the city. Grim drove, arms tense against the reins. Pesta was perched at his side. Several Cursed Men bumbled behind, fighting to climb aboard.
‘They’re running!’ Toby flinched.
‘Let them,’ said Nicko. ‘With Oberon gone, they won’t be a problem.’
‘You’re sure?’
‘Nothing can bring him back,’ Future explained. ‘Anyway, we’ll catch them in time.’
Nicko faced the horde of warlocks, some tossing torn cloaks over their shoulders and scooping their
