It was Gammel who stood beside her in the heavily winterfrosted forest, a brown leather satchel in his left hand, and much to Bettina’s dismay, there was no sign of baby Pia with him. “Good morning, Gammel,” she answered, hoping her disappointment wasn’t too apparent. Fleetingly, she wondered if nisse call it morning when they are about to go to sleep. “I trust you had a good night’s sleep.” Bettina nodded. “And Hagen has filled you in on the plan as it stands at this time?” Again she nodded. “He said I should go home and wait. It seems no one is having any luck finding my sister.” “Oh, to the contrary, my dear,” the old nisse replied, his round eyes twinkling. “A nisse without luck would be a terrible thing.” “Do you know something more?” Bettina asked breathlessly. “I’ve learned that she’s not terribly far. But I’m waiting to know more before we make our next move.” “How long do you think that will take?” Bettina asked. “Patience, my dear.
