Gordon had been surprised by the tumult of the mob before the manor. Parents, explained Nick Collys as they had hurried to the manor, became particularly invidious when children were concerned. Mobs would be formed, laws passed, action taken, when children were at risk.

“Are children at risk in the village?” asked Gordon. It occurred to him that were he a parent he, too, would be nervous about all the kidnappings that seemed to be taking place.

“Gravely at risk,” said the old gameskeeper. He turned to look at Gordon in the middle of the street, and his bushy eyebrows furrowed. “They should be nervous.”

Gordon gulped. “Do you mean because the children are taken but returned as changelings?” They kept walking without the gameskeeper answering.

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