title: Land of the Silver Dragon (An Aelf Fen Mystery)
author:  Alys Clare 
description: *Starred Review* In eleventh-century England, bard, village healer, and occasional sleuth Lassair faces a challenging case when a band of red-haired giants attack some of his distant family members, killing some and severely injuring and traumatizing others. Given the way the victims homes are invaded, it appears the killers are searching for something. But Lassairs relations are poor, with few possessions, so what could the men want? But worse is to come when Lassair is kidnapped and taken to the distant and mysterious land of Iceland. Strangely, her kidnappers seem to want to befriend her, but Lassair is having none of it until a gentle old man called Thorfinn explains why Lassairs kidnapping was necessary and that the red-haired giants were trying to find a magical stone that Lassairs family is supposed to possess. But Lassair is sure her family doesnt have the stone. So, where is it, and can she find and deliver it to the giants before they kill again? This is an outstanding book in an outstanding serieshaunting, atmospheric, magical, and gripping, with a charismatic young heroine, an unusual premise, believable period details, and plenty of action and suspense. A cracking-good read that is recommended for all collections. --Emily Melton
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  [Map: Caemlyn](../Graphics/map-caemlyn.jpg)
  
  ## Chapter 54
  
  ![Dragon](../Graphics/dragon.gif)
  
  #### _To Caemlyn_
  
  * * *
  
  Five hundred of the Maidens behind Sulin accompanied Rand back to the Royal
  Palace, where Bael waited in the great court inside the front gates with
  Thunder Walkers and Black Eyes and Water Seekers and men from every other
  society, their numbers filling the courtyard and crowding back into the palace
  through every door down to the smallest servants' way. Some watched from lower
  windows, waiting their turn to come out. The surrounding stone balconies were
  empty. In the entire courtyard only one man waited who was not Aiel; Tairens
  and Cairhienin--especially Cairhienin--stayed clear when Aiel gathered. The
  exception stood above Bael on the wide gray steps leading into the place.
  Pevin, with the crimson banner hanging limply from its staff, and no more
  expre