High in the mountains separating the valley of Barovia from Strahd von Zarovich, the Old Svalich Road split in twain, widening toward the east. Not far from the Gates of Barovia, the dirt road turned to patches of cobblestone, suggesting that it was in the past a place of important thoroughfare. A permanent sign indicated 130 miles to the Village of Barovia to the southeast, 130 miles to Vallaki in the northwest, 40 miles to Castle Ravenloft to the east, and 40 miles to the Durst Windmill in the west.
At all times, parked at the fork in road, was a large black carriage drawn by two black Draft Horses. The carriage was magical, opening silently to any visitors, and would place riders to sleep until they came in view of the castle at the Gates of Ravenloft.