Soon enough, the trees parted again. Tara directed her mare to follow a trail that led downhill to a stable below.

“We made it.” She said.

Once Tara and Witch reached the bottom of the hill, Tara loosened her reins so the mare could relax as they rode to the trail gate. Tara reached out with a hand and swung the green painted metal gate open, maneuvering Witch around it so they were inside. After closing the gate, the mare walked back on a long rein and Tara allowed herself to breathe.