Free Land of Ice and Snow [Cairngorm Dragons 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Clair de Lune Page B

it intended to make landfall, but who knew? It was many years since the raids that had devastated the coastal communities, but the memories of them had been handed down and lost nothing in the retelling. Braemuir, too, had picked up the fear and worry. He as Solus and Lachlann as Feasgar in dragon-form flew to the coast and found Ness there. All three were ready to defend their Clans at any cost, but they knew such a ship was expected. They had picked up the sense of alarm from the people’s minds alarm at the sight of one of the once-feared ships. The inchoate thoughts of their people had alarmed them. They flew over the heads of the crowd, and the cheers and the relief that flowed from the people heartened them. Feasgar saw the longship and recognised the standard it flew.
    “ No danger threatens. That is the ship bringing Axl and Gudrin and the bride gifts for Sigourney.”
    He flew around the ship and dipped his head in salute. Solus and Ness did the same to the surprise of the crowd on the shoreline. The three dragons led the way into port, and the great ship followed and drew alongside the quay at Balintore on the Moray Firth. The dragons landed and assumed their man-shapes. Braemuir, flanked by Lachlann and the huge Ness, turned and addressed the crowd.
    “There is no threat from this ship. It comes bringing the parents of Lachlann of Braemuir’s mate, and her bride gifts. Sigourney is from the land of the Norsemen and has mated with Lachlann. This will mean peace for our lands, and a close alliance with Axl Hillesland will be good for both peoples. I ask you to extend the Highland welcome to these, our welcome guests.”
    Axl and Gudrin, dressed in the traditional dress, not the skins and helmets the people associated with their warrior ancestors, descended from the ship. The three warriors moved forward. Lachlann embraced them both.
    “This is my brother, Braemuir of Braemuir. Brother, let me present Axl and Gudrin Hillesland, parents of my beloved mate, Sigourney.”
    Braemuir stepped forward. He held out both hands to Axl and kissed Gudrin on the cheek. Then he stepped back as Ness came forward. Ness towered over them all.
    “My lord of Ness, let me present Axl and Gudrin Hillesland.”
    Ness took both of Axl’s hands, and then he, too, kissed Gudrin. There was an audible sigh from the crowd assembled. The five withdrew and allowed the people to approach and touch the once-feared longship. Soon they were chattering and exclaiming over the carving and painting of the ship. All fear had dissipated.
     
    * * * *
     
    The dragon mating took place two days later. Lachlann had told Sigourney what to expect, but she was very nervous. It was not like what she had been told about in her own country, and she wondered if she would be able to manage to do what was expected of her. She didn’t want to disappoint her mate or disgrace her family. Braemuir and Eilidh had invited as many of their friends and family as could manage to get there in the short time available. Gudrin and Axl had opted to retain human-form and were arrayed in their traditional dress. Then the sky began to lighten. On the horizon streaks of rose and gold could be seen in the duck-egg blue vault of the sky. Another perfect Scottish morning was beginning. It wasn’t just any morning . I t was a dragon mating. It wasn’t the summer solstice because Feasgar was not the Clan chieftain, nor was he the heir now. Braemuir had two children, and to judge by the glow in Eilidh’s cheeks, there was another one on the way.
    Braemuir as Solus and Eilidh as Ceanag, the dragon name given to her by Braemuir at their mating, flanked Sigourney. They escorted her from the Caisteal and waited while she dropped to her knees . She remained motionless on her knees , her wings stretched out on either side of her. Feasgar lowered his huge head, and he twined his neck with hers. Then he raised his head and emitted a bellow of pride and challeng e. As expected, there was