The Dragons Of The Misty Highlands

By Lee Cushing

When humans begin encroaching on their territory, a family of dragons seek the opportunity to fight back. A fight that may lead to the destruction of both species.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lee Cushing
• Release date: Mar 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215658956

Lee Cushing

Lee Cushing is a paranormal thriller author and a lifelong fan of the occult. Having become obsessed with supernatural folklore and the world of horror from an early age, Lee has spent years studying tales of the occult and immersing himself in stories of otherworldly phenomenon. He’s also the owner of a number of vampire and horror-related groups in Facebook, where fellow fans of the supernatural come together to celebrate and discuss all things paranormal.  His debut novel, Voodoo Mambo, blends high-stakes action and shadowy agencies with a dark underworld of demonic creatures and their insidious plots to attack humanity. Lee draws his inspiration from classic horror movies – including Hammer and Universal – as well as beloved TV shows including Doctor Who, Supernatural, The Avengers, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. 

Book preview

The Dragons Of The Misty Highlands

Lee Cushing

Published by Lee Cushing, 2023.

The Dragons Of The Misty Highlands

Lee Cushing

Published by Lee Cushing, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE DRAGONS OF THE MISTY HIGHLANDS

First edition. March 1, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Lee Cushing.

ISBN: 979-8215658956

Written by Lee Cushing.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE DRAGONS OF THE MISTY HIGHLANDS

First edition. March 1, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Lee Cushing.

ISBN: 979-8215658956

Written by Lee Cushing.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

The Dragons Of The Misty Highlands

Further Reading: Tourist Trap

Also By Lee Cushing

This book is dedicated to all my fans who have supported me by buying this book and leaving a review.

It is appreciated.

Chapter 1

Draig paced back and forth atop Mount Snowdon waiting for his brother Ironclaw to return. It was his turn to keep watch, and like most nights, he was late.

Where have you been? Draig snorted in discontent after his brother finally showed up.

Sorry... I was out searching for food in the lowlands, and I lost track of time.

Were you alone?

No, Dungeon and Talon were with me, Ironclaw admitted as he looked away. He hated it when Draig questioned him, always playing the part of the older brother.

You expect me to believe that the three of you were out hunting after dark?

Well... we might have run across a village on the way back, and Talon may have accidently set fire to it, Ironclaw snickered under his breath.

If you keep provoking the humans, they will never stop attacking us! Draig snapped in an angry tone.

Why are you so fond of the warm-bloods? They are spreading across our realm like a disease, claiming the land as if it was theirs to claim!

I know you don’t like the humans, but attacking them will not solve the problem.

Then what will...? Dungeon told me that he saw several new castles being built along the northern coast, and when he flew in for a closer look, the humans shot at him with their puny arrows. Fortunately, he wasn’t injured, but clearly the time has come for us to take a stand and fight for what is ours!

Do you really think an all out attack is our only option? Draig questioned in a parental tone.

Yes, and if you and Sapphire would stop opposing it, the dragon council would have the votes it needs to declare war on them!

You forgot to mention Terra, she is still opposed, Draig added.

Not anymore, Ironclaw snapped as the moonlight glistened off his razor-sharp teeth. When she was out on patrol the other day, the humans attacked her after she landed near a stream to get a drink of water. She escaped unharmed, but it made her realize just how dangerous these savages really are.

We have never had these issues before... Draig replied as he thought about the shepherds that lived in the lowlands.

These fortune seekers invading from the mainland do not respect, or fear us. You had better open your eyes brother, war is coming whether you like it or not. If you don’t believe me, go south to Cothi and see for yourself... they are planning to attack the Cambrian clans.

Alright, you have made your point. I will head down there in the morning and see what they are up to. If what you say is true, then perhaps it’s time for us to relocate on the Emerald Isle.

You would rather tuck your tail and run, than vote for war? Ironclaw snarled as his tail whipped back and forth in disgust.

When the Romans invaded our land centuries ago, we took refuge on the Isle... and when their empire fell, we returned and not a single drop of dragon’s blood was spilt. All we have to do is wait, because the humans are as fickle as the wind, and they come and go like the seasons.

You are wrong about these mainlanders, they are building their castles out of stone, and they will not leave unless we force them to.

Brother, war is not the answer.

Your weakness will get us all killed! Ironclaw snorted as he stomped the ground in anger.

I am too tired to argue with you, Draig replied as he turned to leave.

Run you coward... Ironclaw muttered under his breath, as he watched his brother fly back to his den. Once he was out of sight, Ironclaw abandoned his post and headed down to Glaslyn Lake where Talon and Dungeon were waiting for him.

What did your brother say when you told him about Terra? Talon asked the moment he saw him.

The fool wants to relocate the clan rather than fight for what is ours!

It’s too bad you’re not the older brother, then you would be on the dragon council instead of him, Talon snarled in an irritated tone.

I know, he’s very stubborn, even for a dragon, but I did convince him into going south to Cothi in the morning.

Do you think he will change his mind after he sees how many humans have moved into that area?

Not unless they attack him while he’s down there... Ironclaw snickered in a sinister tone.

What do mean? Dungeon asked, sensing that he was holding something back.

Well... even though our attacks on the villages have been stirring things up, what we really need is something more personal... something that is sure to make my brother realize these primitives are not our friends...

What are you planning? Talon interrupted.

Just a little something to get his attention...

Stop teasing us! Talon snapped at the air with anticipation.

Come closer, Ironclaw whispered as he looked around for a moment, making sure they were alone. We’re going to attack him when he gets to Cothi, and blame it on the humans.

Oh, you’re so evil, I love it, Talon replied as he flicked his tail with delight.

We can’t do that, he’ll have our heads, Dungeon objected.

Don’t worry, my plan is fool-proof. We’re going to steal a fishing net from the humans, and then drop it on him while he is busy looking down at the village. He will blame the humans, believing that they used a catapult to launch it at him while flying too low. After he breaks free, I bet he will vote for war, Ironclaw snarled.

What if he doesn’t escape the net? Dungeon replied.

Then I take his place on the council, and vote for war.

Okay... but where are we going to get a fishing net from?

The Water Dragons have been complaining that the humans are fishing with nets in the waters off Aberdovey. All we have to do is get over there and borrow one before daybreak. Then we’ll continue south so we can intercept Draig in Cothi.

For your plan to work, you’re going to have to abandon the post... aren’t you worried you will get in trouble? Dungeon asked in a reluctant tone.

Who’s going to know? My brother and the rest of the clan are asleep in their dens, and he is the only one who gets up early. I bet we can ambush him and be back before anyone realizes we were ever gone, Ironclaw added as he glared at Dungeon for a moment. If you’re worried about it, go to the overlook and take my place while Talon and I have some fun.

I want to come, I just don’t want to get caught, Dungeon admitted.

When is the last time we were in trouble? Ironclaw scoffed before taking to the air. Dungeon didn’t bother to dispute him, not because he couldn’t think of any examples, he just knew from experience that Ironclaw would manipulate the truth so it seemed like he was innocent of any wrongdoing.

As they glided over the lowlands, Ironclaw glanced back as if checking to see if Dungeon had turned back or not.

I didn’t think you had the scales to come with us, he remarked in a condescending tone.

I always follow you, Dungeon replied, as if being the youngest meant he was the bravest of the three.

I know, Ironclaw grinned as he looked over at Talon for a moment.

There are some lights on the beach, Talon remarked when they reached Aberdovey.

I’ll take care of that, Ironclaw snickered as he swooped down towards them. A moment later a ball of fire lit up the night sky sending a group of fisherman running back up the beach. Once they were out of sight, Ironclaw landed on a boat anchored near the shore and started yanking a net out from a pile of them.

Do you need any help? Talon asked after landing on the deck behind him.

No, I’ve got it, Ironclaw mumbled he pulled it the rest of the way out. Where’s Dungeon? he asked as he proceeded to roll it into a tight ball.

He’s circling the beach to make sure the fishermen don’t come back.

Oh good, he’s making himself useful...

What are you Fire Dragons doing? a large Water Dragon interrupted after surfacing alongside the boat.

We’re going to use this net to capture some humans.

Why? the Water Dragon questioned.

For food of course, Ironclaw