Canter Hollow

Canter Hollow is the town at the center of Trail's End.

Humans
The citizens of Canter Hollow are a diverse bunch, migrating from all over North of North. They reflect the various regions of the land. Many have settled at Trails End because of the proximity to the Rolands Hold Arena and the equestrian events routinely held there, others attracted to the regal spires of Rolandsgaard Castle, while others are interested in the mysteries of Darkcomb Forest. Others are traders and peddlers who travel through Canter Hollow to buy and sell goods. Regardless of the various offerings found at Trails End and Canter Hollow, the estate valley is primarily the home to horse enthusiasts.

Festival
Every year the Festival of Lights is held in high summer, a grand pyrotechnic celebration to commemorate Sara’s birthday. The highly anticipated annual festival attracts a wide attendance. Months in advance, travelers come from far and wide to experience the one-of-a-kind light show (some are even rumored to have journeyed from faraway lands beyond the Sea of Light).

Trails End is known for its holiday celebrations. In the winter months the Winter Festival is celebrated and Ronnie the Reindeer makes an appearance. Hot drinks, candies and other delicacies are whipped up by the specialty shops to the delight of enthusiastic party-goers. Art exhibits are put on display for all to enjoy – ice sculptors craft intricate snow and ice-shard carvings taken from Whitemantle Mountain; these amazing life-like statues come to life fueled by the magic glow of the night sky, they dance and frolic, bringing great pleasure to the on-looking crowds.

History
Canter Hollow, also known as Canter Downs, is a township that lies in the shadow of Rolandsgaard Castle nestled amidst the fields of the lower terrace. A thriving little business district is built up around a fabulous marble horse fountain in the central town square—forever a reminder of their equine roots. Shops and exotic little boutiques are the hub of activity and the social gathering for the populace of Trails End. Because of its central location many goods and services are funneled through the town. Strange and wonderful shops have sprung up in Canter Hollow beyond common day-to-day General Stores and Cafés. Gems and jewelry and other curios are brought from faraway regions, including a pet store for bizarre creatures and exotic clothing shops. Canter Hollow has offerings for the high-minded, art stores, a small but highly touted museum, a world cultural center, a university of higher learning with a well-stocked library and even a little village theatre for amateur thespians. Canter Hollow’s modest and practical lifestyle cloaks a sophisticated culture with splendid offerings seldom found in larger cities.

Canter Hollow has a long and colorful history dating back before the construction of Rolandsgaard Castle. Legend says that a family came from beyond high pass, a mother, a father, and a daughter and with them they brought “an abundance of belongings” in a single cart, stacked high, pulled simply by the father. When the family reached the Fastalon River they could not easily cross; its swift tumultuous waters flowing over talon like rocks prevented their passing. It is said they rested from their arduous journey, perplexed as to how to proceed. The next morning a beautiful white horse appeared, cantering up and down the opposite shore. Two more horses appeared until there were three in all. The fable explains that the white horse passed over the water, walking upon its liquid surface as sure as it was granite. The second horse, just a small foal, leapt the river in a single bound. The third, a giant black male stepped into the rushing current, stopping the river completely—the male joined the other two on the far shore. Bounding gleefully forward, the young daughter locked the foal in a friendly hug. The parents, taken back by what they witnessed, bowed before the mare and stallion. Indicating the river beyond, the horses urged the family to follow. The mother mounted the white mare, the daughter followed the frisky foal and lastly the father walked in stride with the black lord, his heavy load all but weightless. Together the two families crossed the earthen bridge, the surging waters held in check. The two mothers ran ahead to a beautiful little hollow sheltered between the river and looming forest—slowing to a canter the white mare introduced the family to their new home and that’s how Canter Hollow got its name.