How had it changed so quickly? Darinel couldn’t tell later. One moment, the sun was bathing the mountain meadow. The next minute, clouds loomed over them, expelling lighting, and gusting winds pummeled their bodies. It came too fast, even for a mountain storm.
“Run for cover,” he shouted against the wind. Grabbing Tuskja’s hand, he dragged her toward the rock face. “Can you see a cave, Idunal?”
The dragon perched up high above them, visibly fighting the wind to stay in the air. His neck stretched low under his massive body, most likely to shield it from the wind gusts rocking him like a rowboat at the sea. He swung his head to scan the wide valley.
The air grew thick with energy, but no raindrops had fallen even though steel-grey clouds towered over them blocking the sun.
Straight ahead. On the shadow side of the mountain, Idunal’s voice directed Darinel.
“Idunal said to the left.” Darinel tightened his grip on Tuskja’s hand.
“But that’s solid rock. I can’t see any opening…” The wind roaring in his ears claimed the rest of Tuskja’s protest.
He pointed with his left hand and pulled her closer to him. “I trust Idunal.”
Tuskja stumbled, and her hand slipped out of his. He turned to help her as a silent cry escaped her lips. Horrified, he froze, his out-stretched hand suspended in midair, but Tuskja was not there. She floated a couple of meters above the meadow, engulfed by a blinding blue light. Darinel stepped toward her.
No! Idunal’s voice rang through his thoughts. Don’t touch her. That’s no ordinary lightening strike.