A harsh wind lashed at Julia’s bare arms and face, and the smell of a hard, chilly rain cling to the air. Daylight was fading fast. Thick, roiling storm clouds blocked what would have been another gorgeous sunset. Julia frowned. From the hills she spotted a small frontier town, nothing more than a few dozen or so houses and buildings seemed to make up Longwater. The rumors surrounding the place had regretted mentioning how small this town was. An unusually chilly gust of wind sent shivers running through Julia’s arms and back. Clicking her tongue, she urged her horse along and down into the valley. 

It was unusually quiet, she noted upon entering the town. Her horse was twitching and seemed agitated. More than once she had to pull back on the reins to get him quiet. Julia found the inn easily enough. After dismounting, Julia pulled an apple out of her satchel. She rubbed Anna’s nose and feed her the apple. She seemed appeased but Julia knew better than to assume considering the last time she had the fool animal had nearly lost her cart. 

Out of her satchel came a small black vail. Popping the cork she waved it under the dappled grey’s nose. Anna’s pupils went large then dilated to pinpricks. The horse’s head Hung and her eyelids drooped. Julia patted the horse’s nose and chanced a smile before going climbing the rickety stairs up and into the inn.