The sun sunk below the high stone walls of the capital city, painting the sky in deep shades of twilight. The evening air was cool and crisp, carrying the soft scent of dry pine trees.
Damon rode his black horse through the large iron gates of the Benson estate. The horse's iron shoes crunched loudly against the clean, white stone pavement of the courtyard. The animal was tired from the long journey from the military camp, and its dark skin was covered in a thin layer of grey road dust.
Damon pulled gently on the leather reins, bringing the strong beast to a complete stop near the center of the courtyard.
A young stable boy, wearing a simple brown tunic and dark trousers, came running quickly from the stables. The boy stopped a few feet away and bowed very deeply from his waist, keeping his eyes on the ground.
"Welcome home, My Lord," the stable boy said respectfully.
