The rain drizzled down in a steady mist. Not hard enough to soak through the heavy cloak he was wearing, but hard enough to be totally annoying and prevent him from drying out. It was a dark night and there was not much to be seen as he slogged into the small village. He could see a bit of flickering fire light through the shutters in a few homes. That was not a bad thing in his mind, less likely to encounter anyone. The only place that had much light was the tavern at the end of the street.

His clothes seemed to blend into the night. The occasional flashes of lightening would have revealed a weather worn face to anyone that might have been watching. His age wasn't apparent, the elements having made any determination impossible, but it was not a cruel face. He moved efficiently, placing him at middle age, or perhaps younger if he had matured and learned quickly. No one noticed as he dismounted and walked the horse down the muddy street. He was a tall man and the fact that he was in the mountains only served to accentuate his height. He headed toward the light and up to the front of the small inn. A dark lump huddled in the corner moved and stood up. It was a small boy trying to take shelter from the wind in the corner by the door. "Take your horse, mister?"