We found Chava in the hallway, face pale and basket of foodstuffs forgotten on her arm.

"It's the prince," she told us, "he's been found."

Another shriek of fury tore through the castle. It sounded like a dying animal, crying out in rage against the world that had wronged it.

"The courtyard." Chava pointed.

Minerva and I sped through the halls. We were joined by others: partygoers that had stayed the night in the castle, confused servants who looked at me expectantly ...