Without hesitation, Baren folded his wings and dove, his massive form plummeting toward the earth like a meteor wrapped in orange flame.
At the last possible moment, he spread his wings wide, the sudden air resistance sending shockwaves through the ranks of undead as he landed with ground-shaking force directly between his friends and their attackers.
The impact sent cracks racing through the centuries-old stone beneath his claws, while the displaced air from his landing scattered lesser undead like leaves in a hurricane. Dust and debris exploded outward in a perfect circle around his massive form, temporarily clearing a space in the chaotic press of battle.
Rena stumbled backward, her eyes wide with shock as she took in the sight of the magnificent dragon that had materialized between her and certain death.
For a moment, fear warred with hope in her expression—dragons were creatures of legend, and not all such legends were pleasant ones.
