the advantage as defenders. In the worst-case scenario, I reckon there’ll be ten of us left, and then winning will be very difficult.’
‘As long as we stay clear of the traps…’ Zane was interrupted by the sound of a horn echoing across the Crater. ‘…or don’t do anything stupid…’ he continued, undeterred.
Draco seemed to be the only one who took any notice of the strange sound. The others continued to listen to the conversation, whilst the dragon looked around.
‘It’s just a blackout.’ Noah, standing beside the dragon, seeing his reaction, decided to explain to the reptile what was happening. ‘Just don’t move. That’s the only rule.’
‘What’s…’
He didn’t manage to finish his question before a heavy curtain of darkness descended upon everything. An almost unnatural gloom enveloped the area, and even the sounds were muffled. Draco shuddered, feeling as though he could almost touch the darkness surrounding him. Feelings of heaviness, slight dizziness and disorientation only served to heighten his fear. The dragon barely managed to stop himself from panicking.
Suddenly, just as abruptly as it had begun, everything returned to normal. The reptile, panting heavily, began to look around with a slightly panicked expression. The others looked as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened, perhaps just something a little unpleasant. The cadets immediately resumed their interrupted conversation, whilst Draco tried to make sense of what had just happened.
‘The first time is the worst, I’ll admit.’ Noah looked at the dragon with understanding. ‘During the blackout, the instructors evacuate those who’ve been eliminated from the Crater, but the phenomenon itself occurs from time to time, at irregular intervals.’ Parthir began to explain, trying to focus his listener’s attention on something concrete, here and now, rather than on the feelings from a moment ago. ‘The process itself isn’t very pleasant either, but you can get used to it.’
‘Formation?’, muttered Draco, feeling his stomach churning.
‘Yes, one of its charms,’ Noah shrugged. ‘It may be practical, but it’s as clunky as hell. You’ll get used to it after a few times.’ He smiled wistfully.
