Black Shadow did not feel right letting Gavner go alone, but he knew that it was necessary. He just hoped that his traveling companion had escaped safely. As they left the mountain range, Black Shadow felt Echo’s presence in his mind, and he gave him his attention. The black Pegasus' voice boomed within Shadow's head.

"I will take you as far as I can. I will not be able to take you all the way though. You must find your own way after a time, as I am needed to escort the king to The Hall of the High Dramorsha."

The flight was accompanied by King Hronzak gripping Echo's mane tightly in fear. It was when the steed's booming voice entered his mind that the king released his grip, almost falling off while doing so. As the night grew old, Black Shadow remained alert and awake, observing the rustic landscapes fly by underneath them. Trees and meadows, streams and lakes, all different kinds of habitat were all seen. The pegasus flew over several small villages, and continued towards the great forests of the North.

A dark tree line grew into a light green field, and Echo began to tire. He found a small cave, and quickly dropped his passengers off, speaking to Black Shadow.

"I will stay and attend to the King’s needs tomorrow evening. You go and negotiate with Queen Olivia." Echo said in his deep voice. Black Shadow nodded and turned to exit the cave. “Black Shadow,” Echo said.

Black Shadow turned to look at the entity, to whom the king was still clinging. “Stay true to your course, and remember that there is quite virtually no time left for the dwarves. They grow weaker and weaker as we speak.” Black Shadow nodded. “Godspeed.”

“Wait!” The king said before Black Shadow could turn to leave. The short royal wriggled himself off and landed on the ground to run over to the archer. “You’re going to leave me?”

Black Shadow looked around and couldn’t find any paper, so he grabbed stone and began to write on the wall, “Yes, Your Majesty. Echo will take you to a safe place.” The king hesitated a moment, and then nodded reluctantly.

Black Shadow turned to the mouth of the cave. The journey would be at least a few days. Before Black Shadow left, he tended to baby Espoir. She was still fast asleep from the journey, as Shadow had kept her out of the cold, and stopped the wind from irritating her face. He made sure that she was comfortable before starting off. The journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step.