Riding the storm

by Susan Holliday

When a powerful Welsh legend comes to life and creeps its way into a hospital, suddenly everyone begins thinking of miracles. When Alun wakes up from the terrible darkness, he can't tell where he is - doesn't really want to know where he is, or what has happened. His wonderful bike has gone, that's for sure, the bike his father had saved so hard to buy. The rest of his nightmare only gradually unfolds, as his new friends in the hospital ward bring warmth back to his cold, cold heart. Then there's the story that starts out as just a piece of schoolwork, but which gradually takes hold of everyone in the ward: Sara, in her wheelchair; Huw, hobbling on his crutches; even Morgan, the brainy one who scoffs at first. When the power of the legend begins to work its spell, everyone will be thinking of miracles. This story is set in west Wales. The Black Mountain, only a car-ride away from the hospital, is the westernmost edge of the Brecon Beacons, and is the setting of the ancient Welsh legend