Wordcount: 1,411

Synopsis: Two doctors in the 1800’s meet to discuss what to do about a mysterious patient who refuses to speak.

The cobblestone dissolved into mud half a mile from the city limits, and the carriage horse was soon pastern-deep in fast-flowing water. It yanked at the reins, cantering blindly into the splattering wind. At last it staggered to a halt, snorting at the rain running ceaselessly down its face. The carriage door flew open, smacking back against the vehicle in t...