Royal Twins Shalin ε Esme ~ Book 2 Bat Island

By Dory Lee Maske

Bat Island is Book 2 of an 8-book series. In this book, Shalin is finally released from her punishment of being confined to her room for disobeying her father.

As she joins her family once again at the castle’s dining table, she learns that not only has her freedom been restored, but there is a possibility of a trip to Africa aboard her uncle’s ship.

Preparations for the twins’ twelfth birthday party are underway when Shalin’s twin sister Esme returns to Henge. A play given in honor of the twins turns out to be a humorous parody of their impending voyage.

With high expectations, the twins and their mother Serafina the Sorceress, set out for Bat Island off the coast of West Africa.

Using their secret powers to gather errant breezes into a wind strong enough to fill the ship’s sails, they reach bat Island, a place rich in the guano needed to make exploding arrows.

But who will mine the guano on this hot, humid, insect-infected island?

They sail to the African mainland in search of willing workers, but what do they find instead? Slaves for sale.

Their journey progresses into the heart of Africa where wild animals, drenching rains, desert sands, hidden treasures and raft trips along the Eger River await.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dory Lee Maske
• Release date: Nov 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463199039

Dory Lee Maske

I've always been a reader--loved fairy tales when I was young. I started writing when I had children of my own. My husband, Bob Maske, does all the art work for my stories. He did all the book covers and the animations that accompany each story.I try to keep at least half of my stories and books free and would love to receive feedback from my readers. You can contact me at [e-mail] or at [e-mail] Thanks to all you readers out there for your support.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Village of Helsop

Esme and her good friend, Dag, jogged silently along a narrow trail in Helsop’s old growth forest. The scent of damp fallen leaves floated on the autumn breeze. Dag had his bow and arrows ready, should they run across game. Esme ran with him for love of the forest and its wildlife, but was not one to celebrate a kill. She looked upon the wildlife as her friends rather than as meals to be savored.

Dag stopped suddenly and Esme bumped into him.

Did you see something? Esme asked, catching her balance.

Yes, it’s a rub, Dag said, with a hint of pride in his voice.

A rub. Esme sighed as she echoed his words. Since Dag began his apprenticeship as a militia scout under Maki the Scout, he had been impossible. Esme herself was no slouch as a tracker. She had learned a great deal from hunts with her pet wolf. Please enlighten me as to the meaning of a rub.

See that patch of disturbed dirt? That is a place where a deer has lain, stretching and wiggling – in other words, rubbing – against the dirt in an effort to rid itself of mites and ticks.

Esme looked closely at the patch of ground Dag pointed to.

Yes, I see, Esme said, interested in spite of her disinclination to believe Dag might know something she did not know. It is called a rub? Or is that your own word for it?

That is Maki’s word. A rub could also be a scraping against a tree, perhaps when a deer rubs his antlers to scrape off the velvet.

Esme was impressed in spite of herself. I can see there is a great deal of detecting goes into becoming a scout.

You have no idea, Dag stated, inspecting the grass around the disturbed patch of dirt.

I believe I have some idea. Esme looked pointedly at her blond-haired, blue-eyed friend. He had grown several inches taller in the last year, but then, so had she.

Ummm. Dag seemed not to have heard her rebuttal. Serrated edges on the grass. Definitely a deer.

Esme gazed out at a tree-lined meadow. Shall we stop here for breakfast?

What? Dag looked up from his inspection of the tips of the blades of grass. Breakfast? You brought some?

Yes, I have bread and smoked fish. Esme pulled a cloth-wrapped packet from her small satchel.

Thank you. I have water. A good scout is never without water, Dag said.

Esme let out another long-suffering sigh as she handed Dag a chunk of bread.

Let us sit under the shade of that cedar, she said.

They leaned against the wide trunk of a large cedar tree and looked out at the forest around them.

I had a message from my mother today, Esme said, examining her piece of fish.

From Serafina? Is everything all right in Henge? Is she calling you home?

No, I mean yes, she is calling me home. But not from my studies here at the school of medicine. She wants me to come home for my birthday.

Dag laughed. You are finally turning twelve?

Esme knew Dag was only thirteen himself and would not turn fourteen for a few more months. But he delighted in the fact that he was so much older and supposedly more mature. She decided to ignore his teasing tone. She could play at being mature herself.

Yes, it seems there is to be a celebration and a performance by the acting troupe. Will you come?

Dag paused with a hunk of bread halfway to his mouth. Am I invited?

Of course, I just invited you, Esme said.

Dag frowned. I mean was I invited by your parents.

Esme could see in her friend’s mind he supposed correctly that the rulers of Henge might not consider Dag a person to be invited to a family celebration, but after all it was her birthday. It is my party. I can invite whomever I choose. Besides, Electra and Dagon are going along with their sons, Gregor and Soren. For all I know there might be a whole crowd of people going.

Dag smiled. Then I will come if I am given leave to do so by Maki. Now that I’m an apprentice, I do not have the final say on how my time is spent.

Shalin will be pleased to see you, Esme said. She was sure Shalin would be pleased to see anyone. For several months now, her twin sister had been confined to her room in Henge’s castle as punishment for stowing away on Phinn the Ambassador’s ship.

Is she still under house arrest? Dag asked.

As far as I know, Esme said. I’ve not had any word from her since we parted ways in Fernland; I, to return to my study of animal medicine here in Helsop and she, to suffer confinement for her misdeeds.

Dag’s face looked thoughtful. I suppose such a confinement would not be so bad for her. She seems to prefer to spend most of her time in study anyway. She knows languages no longer spoken – to what use I am not sure..

She wants to solve the mystery of her ring, Esme said. She believes the ring holds powers and hidden knowledge yet to be unlocked.

Dag seemed to shiver a bit as he poured water into his mouth from a canteen held high above his head. He smiled when the water hit its mark, swallowed and handed the canteen to Esme. And do you think she is right?

Yes, we both know there are spells hidden in the ring, as yet uncovered.

And how do you know that? Dag asked.

I can feel their presence, Esme said, lifting the canteen to her lips.

Dag looked askance at her – the same look he always wore when the subject of the twins’ unusual powers was broached.

How does it feel? he asked.

Like an awareness. The sort of thing that happens when you know someone is watching you.

Dag nodded. I know that feeling. It is important to be aware when you are a militia scout. That might be the only warning you get when an enemy is watching you.

Esme sighed again. They were back to the science of scouting.

So you will come if it is all right with Maki?

Yes. I suppose I will also need permission from my parents and from Dagon and Electra to accompany you on the trek over the pass to Henge.

Esme pursed her lips. It might not be a good idea to mention the play that will be part of the celebration.

Dag laughed. I had already thought of that. You are afraid the whole of Helsop will want to come.

Esme blushed. You have caught me. Everyone is still talking about the play Phinn and his acting troupe put on here in Helsop last year.

Don’t worry. I won’t be mentioning the play. If Dagon and Electra are as smart as I think they are, they won’t even be telling Gregor and Soren. They are too young to keep a secret.

Esme smiled. We will leave in two days. She stood up and dusted the crumbs from her lap. Are you having that prickly sense of someone watching you right now?

No, Dag said, stuffing his canteen back into his pack. Why?

There is an antlered buck watching us from that clump of bushes.

As Dag turned to look, the buck jumped from the bushes and raced for the cover of the forest.

Chapter 2

Village of Helsop

Esme and Dag returned to the village from their unsuccessful hunting foray into Helsop’s forest. Helsop was a small village, set in a curve of the river that flowed from a glacier an hour’s horseback ride to the north. It had been a desperately poor village before Electra, Princess of the neighboring Kingdom of Fernland, had married Helsop’s headman, Dagon, and established her school of medicine. This union had opened up trade routes for the village, and Helsop had begun to prosper. The village even had its own castle now – modest by any standards – but a walled castle, nonetheless.

As Esme and Dag neared the village they saw a large contingent of men on horseback heading north toward the glacier.

There goes Dagon, and Maki the Scout is with him, Dag said. I had best go and see if I am needed.

And I had best get back to my classes, Esme said. Shall I tell Electra that I have invited you to come to Henge for my birthday celebration?

No, let me ask Maki first. It would not do to attempt to circumvent his authority. So far he allows me a good bit of freedom, Dag said. Though it would have made a better impression had I returned with some venison.

Esme smiled and waved as they parted ways.

When Esme arrived at the school of medicine, she was surprised to find Fernland’s royal carriage standing vacant at the door to the school.

She quickened her steps, wondering if she would find her aunt and uncle, Queen Delphinia and King Geoffrey, inside. Delphinia and Geoffrey were Electra’s parents and they were also Esme’s aunt and uncle since her mother, Serafina and Delphinia were sisters.

She flung open the door to the school to find Electra, Queen Delphinia and Dag’s mother, Isa, all seated around the dining table drinking tea.

Esme, my dear, Delphinia called out. Where have you been? Come, give your aunt a hug.

Esme hugged her aunt and said, I have been with Dag. She decided not to add, ‘in the forest’ as she knew this would bring a lecture from her aunt on the dangers of two young people being alone in the forest. He is apprenticed to Maki the Scout now.

Delphinia patted the chair next to her, inviting Esme to sit beside her. How interesting. I remember young Dag; his dog is mother to Gregor’s puppy, Skadi.

Yes. Esme thrust her chin in Isa’s direction, Dag is Isa’s son.

Delphinia hit her head with the heel of her hand as she turned to face Isa. Of course, I did not make the connection even when you spoke of having two sons, Isa.

Isa flicked her fingers in a dismissive manner. Why would you? You know me only as a teacher at the school of medicine.

You are all such a close knit group here in Helsop, Delphinia said. I envy you your closeness.

Esme somehow doubted that. Though she did know her Aunt Delphinia attempted to familiarize herself with her servants’ families back in Fernland, and would sometimes step in to help when said families suffered adversity, there was a definite social order in Fernland that did not exist in Helsop. In Fernland there were servants and there were masters. Servants were not invited to share meals with the Royal Family.

I saw a large group of men traveling north towards Cold Lake and the glacier. Esme looked at Aunt Delphinia. Was Uncle Geoffrey among them?

Delphinia shook her head. No, this time King Geoffrey stayed in Fernland. Prince Avor wanted to come to Helsop. I decided at the last minute to accompany him. It has been too long since I last saw my daughter and grandsons, and, of course, my niece.

Esme smiled to be included, even if last. Her Aunt Delphinia had not addressed her real question. Who were those men and what were they about?

Did you see Dagon with them? Electra asked.

Esme nodded. Yes, and Maki the Scout.

Electra sighed. I knew Dagon would manage to include himself. They are on their way to the glacier. They need a large barren area to test the new weapons Dorian the Sword Maker has been working on. Electra glanced at her mother. It is not a secret, is it?

Delphinia shrugged. To the outside world, I am sure it is a secret, but not to those of us at this table. You likely already know more than I, since you live here. Have you seen the weapons tested, or heard the noise of explosives?

No, Electra said. I know some of the men tested various prototypes when Avor was here several months ago, but they were too far away for me to hear anything. Dagon said Avor chose two metal casings and asked that Dorian make a hundred of each using specific mixtures of ores and metal thicknesses.

The exploding balls? Esme asked. She had heard all about them from Dag.

Delphinia nodded. But surely you were not present during testing. It would have been much too dangerous.

No, I was not present, Esme said truthfully. I, uh, must have heard rumors about it.

Everyone at the table knew Esme could read minds and could easily have access to any secrets that were of interest, though they all chose not to mention it.

Yes, likely rumors abound about such an undertaking, Electra confirmed. But enough talk of weapons. I am sure Mother would love to see your animal hospital.

Delphinia looked uneasy about such a visit, but managed an expression of faint enthusiasm. You are caring for sick animals, Esme?

I have a few in cages out in Yeshua’s Bower. Only a crow with a damaged wing, two abandoned young rabbits and a bobcat with lacerations.

Delphinia could not hide her distress at the thought of seeing injured animals, but to her credit, she tried. She managed to change her squished up expression of distaste to one of mild enthusiasm. Of course you must show me.

They all trooped out to the bower constructed next to the clinic. Sweet peas climbing up the curved vines of the bower were still in bloom along with the wild red roses that had taken root along the sides of the twining canopy. Inside the bower, next to a bench, sat three wooden cages.

The crow cawed loudly as Esme entered the bower and flapped its splinted wing. Silent, as always, the two rabbits moved to the side of their cage nearest Esme and put their tiny paws up against the wooden slats. The bobcat made a low throaty sound half way between a growl and a scream.

My, my. Delphinia’s voice signaled relief. They all look to be quite restored, thanks to your medical skill.

They are doing quite well, Esme granted. I believe I will release the crow in a few days. The cottontail rabbits still need to be weaned before being released and the bobcat has had his wound stitched, but I want to make sure infection does not take hold before setting him free.

Delphinia sat down on a bench. A most restful place in which to recover, this sanctuary you have made in your philosopher’s honor. Are you still translating the teachings of Yeshua, Electra?

I am. Electra joined her mother on the bench while Esme and Isa checked the wounds of Esme’s patients. Since learning Greek, I have read the writings of several Greek philosophers but have found none to match the depth or breadth of Yeshua’s teachings. Are you interested in learning more about him?

Delphinia smiled. Of course I am interested in anything that interests you. Perhaps you would lend me some part of what you have translated so far.

Electra returned her smile. I would be delighted to do so. And now I think perhaps we should return to the castle and prepare some lunch. I have no doubt that the men will return hungry from their testing at the glacier.

Chapter 3

Helsop’s Glacier

Dag raced to the stables where he quickly saddled a horse and caught up to the group of men just at the edge of Cold Lake.

Maki the Scout beckoned to him with a wave. Any luck on the hunt? he shouted.

No, I saw a buck but he saw me first. I should have been more alert. I found the place he laid down to rub off his mites.

Good, good. That’s a start. Maki glanced in the direction of the tent set up by the two men from Sandovia. Waving, he caught Dagon’s eye. He pointed to himself and Dag, then to the tent erected on the shore of the lake.

Dagon nodded and Maki, along with his apprentice, veered off from the group turning east toward the glacier, to take a closer look at the tent.

I like to check on our Sandovian visitors from time to time – see if they have given up looking for Henge’s source of white powder, Maki said.

Dag nodded. King Gundar must be offering a big reward to learn the location of the mine, to keep men sleeping in a cold tent for this many months.

It would surely be a kindness to tell them there is no mine, but it’s not our place to do it. Maki swung down from his horse. Hello the tent, he called.

No reply came from the tent. Dag dismounted and they both approached the silent campsite.

The campfire held only cold ashes. Maki sifted through the ashes with a stick and then with his fingers. It’s been several days since this fire pit was used.

He wiped his fingers on the side of his britches, walked to the tent and threw open the flap. A few bundles of clothes littered the sleeping mats. A small stack of venison jerky lay in tatters on the floor of the tent. It looked as though it had been dragged out from somewhere and half-devoured by rats or voles.

Voles. Maki held up a piece of venison. Take a look at the size of the teeth marks.

Dag looked closely at the bitten strip of jerky. Voles, certainly. The bite marks are chisel-shaped and much smaller than rat bites. He nodded in agreement.

It would seem our Sandovian guests, Gunnar and Gustav, have been gone several days, Maki continued. He picked up a pile of clothes and wrinkled his nose. This pile needs cleaning. We could try to track them, but if they went west, toward Henge, most of their tracks will have been ruined by this mob that’s come a testing their hand-thrown explosives.

They made a circle around the camp and, as feared, the only tracks led west. Maki shook his head. We knew it would only be a matter of time before the fools decided to turn their search for the mine in Henge’s direction.

I’ve been invited to go to Henge myself. Dag decided now was as good a time as any to ask Maki’s permission.

Maki smiled. Invited, is it? And who might be issuing invitations to young scouting apprentices?

Esme. Dag felt his face warm. She is having a birthday party.

I see. Maki was still smiling. And when is this birthday party supposed to take place?

She is leaving to go back to Henge in two days.

Maki pursed his lips. I suppose you might save us some time should you go there and find our two Sandovian friends already abiding in Henge’s dungeon. I had hoped to find them before Blackwell’s soldiers do, but it may already be too late.

I wanted to ask you first. Dag could not quite meet Maki’s eyes. I will still need my parents’ permission and Dagon’s permission, so I may not be allowed to go after all.

Why would Dagon care if you go? Maki asked.

Esme says he and Electra are invited as well, so I would likely be traveling with them if I go.

Maki nodded slowly. I see. He whistled for his horse and mounted as the horse came to a stop beside him.. Let’s go and tell Dagon what we found here and what we suspect. We will see if he wants us to begin tracking them right away. If not, you’re free to go.

Dag and Maki rode to within sight of the group of men when the first explosion sounded. Dag’s horse reared up and Dag was barely able to keep from being thrown. They both dismounted and tried to calm their horses. As they led the horses forward slowly, the second bomb exploded.

This time the horses were less startled by the noise. Dag leaned into his horse to quiet him, soothing him with calm words.

Those hand bombs surely do make a racket. Maki ran his hand down his horse’s neck. Let’s go see how big a hole they made.

There was a large ragged cavity where the hand bombs had exploded. Dirt and dust still hung in the air, and bits of exploded rock chips and charred clumps of grass littered the area around the hole.

Prince Avor, who had placed the order for the hand bombs, smiled as he circled the bomb site. Impressive. He looked in the direction of Dorian the Master Sword Maker. I believe I counted about three seconds between lighting the fuse and the explosion.

That matches our own estimates. Dorian looked relaxed and pleased with the results of their testing.

Plenty of time for a thrown ball to find its mark, Avor said, thoughtfully.

Dagon saw Maki and Dag approaching the group, excused himself from the group doing the testing and walked toward his two scouts. Did you see the test? he asked.

No, but we heard it. Maki patted his ear.

Any news from our Sandovian visitors? Dagon asked.

Maki shook his head. They look to have been gone for several days. Tracks head west, those that haven’t been obliterated by your horses.

Dagon looked west as he scuffed the edge of a newly made hoof print with his boot. I knew they would try it eventually. I told them they should stay within Helsop’s borders. I warned them that Henge would not tolerate trespassers.

Do you want us to follow them? Maki asked. Bring them back?

Dagon shook his head. No. Prince Blackwell knows about them. Knows they’re after King Gundar’s reward, trying to find a mine that doesn’t exist. Of course knowing all that doesn’t mean he won’t throw them in his dungeon. Dagon flung out his hand in a helpless gesture. I’ll be traveling to Henge in a couple days anyway. I’ll likely find out then where Gunnar and Gustav have got off to.

Maki nodded. Young Dag mentioned a few of you have been invited to a birthday celebration. The scout’s lips curved up into a grin.

Dagon raised an eyebrow. You’ve been invited as well? Dagon asked Dag.

Yes, though only by Esme, Dag said. "Maki said I could go, but I’ve not asked my parents’ permission as