9
Toby took a few seconds to process what he had heard. A rash of goose bumps spread across his arms.
‘How long has he been gone?’
‘Two days.’
Toby placed his tea on the low table alongside Stella’s. ‘Are you sure he might be dead?’
Stella paused for an intolerable time. ‘I can’t be certain, but given the circumstances, I can’t rule it out.’
‘What circumstances?’ Toby glanced at Violet who returned his look of concern.
‘The “vandals” weren’t vandals; they were kidnappers. We think someone broke into the camp and took him. Now, if they were human, every elf in this place would have known. There’s no way they could break into the camp without us sensing them. No mortal could take Nicko unless he allowed them. You saw how he announced that he was leaving before the police took him last
