In that instant, the dragon truly showed what it was, and why it ought to be feared. Oliver could see the claws rise up, ready to scratch him across the face, and send him flying, in that single fearful swing. That which he had so supposed would happen from the very instant that they had crossed swords.
"All coalesces," he had to remind himself, seeing how quickly, despite their careful movements, they had ended right up in the heart of a trap.
Again that mighty dragon, when the claw did still come for him, It was such an effort to not grow towards the overwhelm that Oliver always so relied upon. It was an effort to keep himself hidden, and his will dampened, even knowing that he would soon enough be defeated.
