The crows were getting antsy. Their caws came more frequently; a few of them stretched or flapped their wings as they danced on the edge of the building. Ava imagined she could feel their claws on her, pulling her away from here. The sound of horse’s hooves was getting louder, but Ava could see no sign of the source. Abe and Cece, too, stared through the dark in confusion. The moon was covered by a heap of clouds, making it difficult to see anything.

One of the birds suddenly flew forward and landed just a few feet in front of her. Cece yelped in fear and jumped backwards--and the sounds of the horse stopped. Ava turned to glare at Cece, but it had little effect; the woman was trembling from head to foot, staring at the crow. Who, unfortunately, stared right back. And then cawed.

Ava ignored it. Abe and Cece would have to deal with whoever was on that horse--she had a job to do.

She walked towards the archway and gripped the straps of her bag nervously. The transitions seemed to vary in comfort levels and she wanted to be ready.

"Ava!” Abe hissed suddenly from behind her, and pointed. She glanced to her left along the side of the brick building. There, not five feet away, an armored knight sat on his horse, nearly hidden in the shadows, staring at her intently.