February 1895

Addison, Webster County

From Cherry River to Sugar Run, the appearance of a giant bird alarmed locals; sightings hinted that the ave nested within Owl Mountain— specifically in Snaggle Tooth Knob—which is almost inaccessible to humans because of the steepness of its cliffs and dangerous winter conditions.

Feb. 1

Landy Junkins was a ten-year- old a mile and a half from home. Sent by her mother after lunch, Landy was checking in on one of their neighbors and friends—a sickly woman known as Mrs. Warnick. When 5 p.m. drew near, her mother became worried that she had still not returned; when Mr. Junkins arrived home from work, he left immediately to find her—his wife staying in the cabin in case Landy came back.

He walked the familiar path through the snow as the sun began to set. Coming to Mrs. Warnick’s cabin, he knocked loudly on the door, expecting to find the old woman and Landy chatting over warm milk and sweetbread; however, with a few words, he discovered Landy…