Anya didn't know much about horses. Horses that looked similar could just as well be the same. She also didn't have any magic still, and was only slowly regaining it, so she couldn't detect the lack of magic coming from her new steed's shoes. These factors, combined with the speed and urgency Anya took to get to her childhood home, meant she did not notice the switch.
Starling, ever the amiable horse, took quickly to being called a new name, and greatly enjoyed the care and attention Anya gave her, even if she was ridden to her limit every day. But after almost three months of rough riding and avoiding bandits and rebels, they finally arrived at the Copperstone estate in Wind's Grove, in the Eastern Hills region.
Anya dismounted and led Starling into the stables, giving her feed and water, and promising to return shortly to return her to normal. She came back with her brother, Yevgeney, who knew instantly that there was nothing magical about this mare. He informed Anya that she must have taken the wrong horse by mistake.
"What?! But how?" Anya wailed. She gasped suddenly, remembering the farmer. "That damned farmer! He must have done the switch! Oh, I feel such the fool!"
"Relax, sister," Yevgeney said soothingly. "It is a difficult time, it makes sense you made a mistake. Locating Sassy will be easy enough for you to do, given she is protected by your magic." Anya nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes. She mustered up the magic that had returned to her and cast a spell to detect the amulet. To her relief, it was still located at the farm where the switch had been made.
"Ready me a new horse," Anya said briskly. "I must leave again immediately."
"No," Yevgeney said firmly. "You must rest. You and your steed have been pushing your limits for months! Take a week to recover before leaving again."
"But Sassy-"
"-is safe. She can wait. I insist you rest."
"Fine," Anya muttered angrily. "Hopefully the roads will be better by then anyways." She removed Starling's saddle and tack, brushed her, and went inside to rest. She could only hope for the best right now.