Henry laughed, and before he disappeared into the trees he rushed forward and pressed his forehead against his father's chest once more. Hallowed's head jerked up in sudden surprise, but then he lowered his head and wrapped his neck around his son, both of them breathing in the scent of one another, wanting to never forget. Hallow didn't want to let his little boy go, but Henry pulled away and smiled up at him before quickly bounding after Skadii.

The large bay watched as the white mare touched her muzzle to his son's cheek affectionately, and was surprised when he saw another foal, a lighter version of the buckskin stallion that walked beside them, skip up to Henry. She must have been Skadii's previous foal. Hallow watched them until his eyes could no longer see them. His heart ached within his chest to watch his son leave his side. But what choice did he have? Henry was barely a yearling, he needed the watchful eye and caring heart of a mother.

Meanwhile, Hjalmar had noticed his friends sad mood. "Don't worry yourself too much Hallow. Skadii lives in a large herd, and Spirit is a very strong and fair stallion. Henry will be well protected."

Hallow nodded before turning his back to Hjalmar and began to walk down the sloping hill to the water hole that lay at the base of the valley. After several minutes of walking he felt the tight clamp of Hjalmar's talons as the raven perched on his back for the ride. 

"Thank you, Hjalmar. For finding Skadii as Henry's mother." He flicked his ears towards the raven on his back.

"There is no need for a thank you." The raven replied warmly. "You have been a good friend of mine for a long time now. And you and Henry meant the world to Evangeline. It's the least I can do for her, and for you and your son." 

Hallow smiled and then tossed his head, glancing quickly behind him. "Is there anything I can do for you in return, old friend?"

Hjalmar thought for a moment. "Well," he cawed, ruffling and then preening his feathers. "You could find me some lunch."

And with that the two old friends shared a good long laugh. Little had they known at the time that it would be their very last, and that something would stand in Hallow's way to prevent him from ever fulfilling his promise to his son.