Through analyzing the information that the others had presented to him, Skobeloff had realised that the creature that had attacked Fogdance was likely the source of the Darkness that had corrupted this island, likely some sort of monster or perhaps another sapient being turned to their Shadow Self. It had likely corrupted other creatures as well, given how quiet the forest had been. It certainly was intelligent to some degree, giving its strategy of not going after groups and sensing the vulnerability in its victims. It also hadn't gone for the stronghold, despite likely knowing where it was, and had instead lured its prey out into the woods. It had likely done this to Vipereyes, Alto, Maug, Kyte and the pixies in the nearby village, and assuming they were all still alive, taken them somewhere deeper into the woods. Skobeloff's comrades were likely much closer to this being's den, and likely in much more immediate danger than the lot at the Stronghold. Obviously, they had the numbers on their side, but if they ended up stumbling too close to the being's base of operations, the creature might attack out of desperation. 

If Skobeloff were to use the magic sand he had gotten from the beach, he could teleport to his friends and tell them of what he had figured out. They could also share any information they had gathered, which would help them formulate a plan of attack. However, that did leave the question of what to do with Tamba and the others: if he left them here, and told them not to leave the stronghold under any circumstances until he returned, they'd likely be much safer than coming with. Then again, Skobeloff had no way of knowing whether they would stay put, and there was definitely safety in numbers. 

What will Skobeloff do?

[hr]

Kyte shook their head slightly, still not meeting the eyes of the other drakes. [color=ffab72]"Doesn't matter,[/color]" they muttered. [color=ffab72]"That's finished, anyway, and it's got nothing to do with any of this."[/color]
 
Almost as soon as Kyte had finished speaking, the water the group had just emerged from started to bubble and froth as Echo's form began to materialize. While there was still obvious tiredness in her eyes, her body was much more stable here than it had been outside the cave. "Much better," she says. If she had overheard the group's conversation, she showed no signs of it, and merely gave the group a small smile before her eyes finally settled on Kyte, at which point she frowned. "Shouldn't you be resting? That wing is still healing."

[color=ffab72]"Yeah, sorry,"[/color] Kyte muttered. Any excitement or relief they had had about seeing other dragons had evaporated, and they simply went back to lying down where they had been before.

Echo glanced back to the rest of the group. "Make yourselves comfortable," she says, motioning to the ground. "I know it's not probably like the strongholds you're all used to, but I assure, it can be quite homey once you get used to it." She sits herself down near Kyte, and motions for the group to do the same. "I'm sure you all have many questions."