Royal Twins Shalin & Esme ~ Book 3 Fire Flowers

By Dory Lee Maske

Things are not going well in either Henge or neighboring Helsop. A summons from the Great Khan’s troublesome daughter-in-law Odval of Barburee means another unwanted trip to Taz for Princess Electra and her family in Helsop. The death of the twins’ beloved panther Ebony brings Esme home to Henge for the big cat’s funeral.

Once back in Henge, the twins’ father learns that his enemy King Gundar has found a new source of exploding white powder and is no longer buying Henge’s exploding arrows at inflated prices.

With these new developments swirling around them, our northern friends begin plans that will take them far from their homeland and out into the dangerous ports of the Great Sea.

While buying up the sources of white powder around the Great Sea, Shalin finds new clues to her ring’s history. Esme, who goes along reluctantly and under protest, is surprised to find an unexpected source of joy in Constantinople. The joy and excitement are short-lived as the situation turns grim aboard the Kingdom of Henge.

Fire Flowers is a book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats for another wild ride through the medieval world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dory Lee Maske
• Release date: Oct 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463498897

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

Stupid dog! Esme complained, as she saw her patient had managed to bite through the bandage she had so carefully applied the day before. The dog had licked the wound she had stitched closed and reopened it.

The dog cowered before her harsh words and lowered his head, watching her with frightened eyes.

Immediately repentant, Esme dropped to her knees and rubbed behind his ears. I am so sorry, she soothed. Of course you are not stupid. You are a good dog.

The dog reached out with his tongue to lick her hand. She was forgiven.

Esme continued to console her patient in a high, fussy voice that she knew made dogs happy. What a good boy you are. Do not be afraid of me. I do not know why I am so cranky lately. I am just a sourpuss and you are a good boy.

She applied a new bandage, satisfied that no real harm had been done, and moved on to her next patient, a young hawk with a cracked beak. The taped crack seemed to be healing itself and he would likely be able to hunt again soon.

As Esme looked over her growing menagerie of wounded birds and animals, she wondered why she had grown so short-tempered of late. It seemed small things she would not have noticed a year ago now irritated her to such an extent she had to be constantly on watch to keep from exploding with hurtful words. Perhaps Electra would know.

Esme saw Dag walking in her direction and raised her arm to wave, but he suddenly veered off in a direction that would take him to the stables. Had he seen her? Was he trying to avoid her? Had her disposition become so volatile that even her friends steered clear? She picked up her pace and headed for the school of medicine.

There you are, Coco the Parrot announced as soon as Esme came through the door. Esme laughed and felt better.

Electra was at the dining table, sorting through the herbs harvested from the forest yesterday.

How are you this morning, Esme? Electra asked.

Did Electra’s voice hold a cautious note? Had she even managed to put her sister- cousin on edge?

I fear I might be mentally unbalanced, Esme admitted. Everyone I know seems able to suddenly annoy me for no real reason. Do you think I might have a brain sickness?

Electra laughed and patted the seat next to her. I have often seen such a brain sickness in girls your age.

Esme sat down, grateful for Electra’s light tone. What is the cause?

You are almost thirteen years old now. Your body is changing. You are becoming a woman, Electra said, gently. It will pass – the moodiness, that is – but you will become a different person with different interests. It does no good to fight it. I am afraid it is inevitable.

Esme relaxed. Why should it make one moody to become a woman? Should it not be a thing to celebrate?

It will be, trust me. Electra looked at Esme with her physician eyes. I believe we will add more almonds and leafy greens to your diet. You should see a lifting of your bad moods after that. Have you had your first discharge as yet?

Esme knew she was speaking of the onset of menses. It was part of her medical training and she was prepared for it with a supply of rags. Yes. There was something a few days ago, but it was very short lived.

Any abdominal cramping? Electra asked.

Nothing worth mentioning, Esme said.

Electra nodded. Mark down the day and see if it occurs again in a month or so.

So I am not coming unhinged? Esme asked.

Electra laughed again. No more than the rest of us of the female gender.

Esme found she was able to let some of her tension go and laughed with Electra. Do you still have times that small infractions make you unreasonably irritable?

Electra nodded. I do, and when I begin to feel that way I prescribe more almonds and leafy greens for myself.

Esme began to sort through the pile of herbs before her. I wonder if Shalin is feeling the same sort of growing pains.

It would not hurt to pay a visit to Henge and find out. Electra stood up. I believe we should have some tea and discuss the possibility of such a visit. It is spring now and the snows are mostly gone.

The door to the school of medicine opened and a militia soldier entered, carrying a message scroll.

We have this from Fernland, he announced. The Fernland messenger who gave it into my hand told me it was carried to Fernland by ship from Taz. The original was written in the Barburee language but was then translated by Prince Avor and this translation sent on to you. At the end of his long explanation the militia man handed over the rolled-up scroll bearing Prince Avor’s unbroken wax seal.

Electra unrolled the scroll and flattened it out so she and Esme could read it together.

To my friend Electra of Helsop,

Greetings from your friend Odval of the great Kingdom of Barburee. You have been keeping my daughter Chimeg for some time now and we are sure you have become close family, but now it is time for Chimeg to come here to Taz to join me and the baby who will be born soon. I know you will want to come also, my friend Electra, to be here at the birth of my new child and to offer any necessary assistance with the birth. Bataar will send a ship to carry you here as he is now in charge of the Great Khan’s Navy, as you know.

Please bring a charm for long life for the newest person in the Great Khan’s family.

Your good friend Odval

Electra rolled her eyes and threw her arms up in a dramatic display. Will I never be rid of this infuriating Barburee woman?

Esme’s eyes were wide with disbelief. Does she really expect you to leave your family and your school to bring her child back to her in Taz?

Electra nodded I am sure she does. There is no end to outrageous expectations on Barburee’s part. Electra reread the message silently, clucking her tongue in annoyance as she considered the demands. I shall have to speak to Dagon at once. It may not be possible to ignore such a summons without repercussions. I fear there is no easy solution to contain this hornets’ nest Odval has set upon us.

Would you like me to come with you to speak to Dagon? Esme asked.

No. But it looks as though our proposed trip to Henge has become a necessity. I will at least have to go to Fernland to speak to my brother Avor, and traveling by ship from Henge is the quickest way to get to Fernland. Electra shook her head sadly. Mother will be devastated by this news. I left Chimeg with her in Fernland after Odval deserted her daughter here in Helsop. Since my brother Avor was the only one who could speak Chimeg’s language, it seemed right to leave her with him in Fernland. But you know how quickly my mother, your Aunt Delphinia, can become attached to a child. I am sure she already loves Chimeg like a daughter.

Will you go with Chimeg to Taz? Esme asked.

I hope not. Poor little Chimeg. She is only four years old. I will have to see what Dagon thinks. She shook her head again. In the meantime, could you tell Isa that we will likely be leaving soon for Henge and that I will be putting her in charge of the school?

Esme stood up. I will go there now, and we will meet you back here after you have seen Dagon. She smiled at Electra. You had best take a handful of almonds with you.

Electra returned her smile and did just that.

Chapter 2

Village of Helsop

Electra found Dagon at militia headquarters playing a game of dice with his best friend and second-in-command, Deimos.

Dagon looked up, smiling, then sat up straighter on seeing his wife’s angry expression. Trouble? he asked.

Deimos stood up and offered Electra his chair.

Electra nodded gratefully and sat down across the small table that served as her husband’s desk. She unrolled the scroll and placed it on the table in front of Dagon.

I think I will go see how Dorian is doing on his new weapons order, Deimos said, heading for the door.

Dagon did not reply as he read the words on the scroll. He looked up at Electra when he had finished reading and tilted his chair back.

If you go, I am going with you, he said with finality.

But you hate traveling to that part of the world, Electra reminded him.

Yes, but there is a thing I hate even more, and that is allowing you to go there alone. Dagon let his chair fall forward and stared into his wife’s eyes.

Electra shrugged. Perhaps it will not be necessary. Avor would be better able to accompany the child. He speaks her language.

Avor knows better than to ignore a request from a member of the Great Khan’s family, and so do we, Dagon said.

Electra’s shoulders slumped. It could be a long journey. I would want to take Gregor and Soren along.

As would I, Dagon agreed.

I thought we might go first to Henge and find a ship there to take us on to Fernland, Electra suggested.

Good. I had planned to go to Henge anyway, as soon as the pass was free of snow.

Electra looked up, surprised. You had? Why?

Dag found an area there in the hills above the castle, rich in high-grade iron ore. I thought I might make some sort of offer to Prince Blackwell for the rights to mine it, if it looks as good as Dag thinks it is.

I see. Electra nodded slowly. Perhaps we should take Dag along to show you the location.

Yes, I had planned on taking him. Dagon thought for a moment. If we come to an agreement with Prince Blackwell, Dag could return to Helsop and inform Deimos. They could begin the mining operation while we are on this absurd mission to Taz.

Electra nodded. I plan to take Esme as far as Henge. She wants to visit her sister and might prefer to stay with her family while we are gone to Taz. Shall we plan to leave as soon as possible?

Yes, I will need to speak to Deimos and Dorian about taking over my duties. And I will need Maki the Scout’s permission to borrow Dag. Will you put Isa in charge of the school of medicine while we are gone?

Yes. Electra rose from her chair, her head filled with things she must do before leaving for such a long period of time. When I speak to Isa, I will also ask her permission to allow her son, Dag, to accompany us to Henge. She hesitated before continuing. Do you think Gregor and Soren will want to go with us?

Dagon laughed. I think they will insist on it. Though it will be hard for Gregor to leave his dog, Skadi, behind.

Electra smiled. Yes, you are likely correct. Do you want to tell them or should I?

Let me tell them. Dagon stood up. Are they at the castle keep?

Yes, they are likely training Skadi to track using breadcrumbs. It is their favorite game.

We will plan to leave tomorrow at first light. He smiled. Perhaps it will not turn out to be such an inconvenience after all. We could think of it as a vacation at the Great Khan’s expense.

Electra frowned. I have yet to see the Great Khan do any favors for people outside his own friends and family.

But as Odval declared in her message, you are her good friend, Dagon said, smiling.

Electra only glowered and mumbled something that might have been an oath.

Dagon saw Skadi first, her nose to the ground as she sniffed diligently along the trail she followed. He heard giggling behind a fish-drying shed. I am sure Skadi could track the two of you by your scent without the need of breadcrumbs, he noted as he ruffled Soren’s dark hair.

She doesn’t want to miss finding one of the breadcrumbs on the way, Soren whispered.

At that moment Skadi rounded the shed and jumped up with her paws on Gregor’s chest, her tail wagging frantically.

Your mother and I are leaving for Henge in the morning, Dagon announced.

Soren looked at his father with sad eyes. Will you be gone a long time?

Dagon smiled. Too long to leave the two of you behind in Helsop.

Gregor’s eyes lit up with excitement. You mean we can come with you?

Yes, that is what I mean. We will likely be going on to Fernland after Henge, and then on to Taz.

Soren’s mouth fell open. On a ship?

On a very big ship, with cabins to sleep in, Dagon assured him.

May I take Skadi? Gregor asked.

Dagon pursed his lips. I have been thinking about that, and have decided that you might take Skadi as far as Henge. Dag and his dog, Fang, will be going with us as far as Henge, and Skadi could come back to Helsop with them. How does that sound?

Gregor looked unsure for a moment, then said, I think that would be all right. Skadi likes to be with Fang, and Dag would take good care of her while we are gone.

Good, then. It is settled. Dagon placed a hand on each of his sons’ shoulders. Do you want to come with me while I tell Deimos and Maki the Scout about our trip?

Yes! they said in unison.

How far away is Taz? Gregor asked.

Quite far, Dagon said as they walked across the drawbridge. We may be a fortnight at sea between Fernland and Taz.

Esme had found Isa at her home and brought her back to the school of medicine to await Electra’s decision of what to do about Chimeg.

Electra was very upset when she learned Odval had left Chimeg behind here in Helsop, Isa told Esme. I know she felt sorry for Chimeg.

Electra came through the door of the school, frowning. She smiled when she saw Esme and Isa waiting at the table.

Look who’s here, Coco the Parrot called out.

Electra laughed. Yes, I see, Coco. She turned to Isa. Has Esme told you about our newest predicament?

Isa nodded, looking concerned. She has. What have you decided to do?

Electra took a chair and sat down, shaking her head. Dagon has decided our family will take a vacation and go to Taz at the Great Khan’s expense. I have decided to go, under protest, to once again do the bidding of that infuriating woman, Odval, for the sake of peace in Helsop. She looked up hopefully. Will you take over my duties here at the school while I am gone?

Isa smiled. Of course. And thank you, for keeping the peace in Helsop. and found his two sons there

Chapter 3

Kingdom of Henge

Ebony the Panther died peacefully during the night. Serafina was with her at the time. The old panther’s death had not been a surprise. The surprise was that Ebony had lived as long as she did.

Shalin sat eating a sweet roll in Cook’s kitchen. She was sad about Ebony’s passing but not devastated. She loved the old cat who had served as the twins’ nursemaid from the time they were born. But she understood that animals, like humans, had lifespans and death was inevitable.

Yer mama has sent word to Helsop telling yer sister to come home, Cook said. As soon as she gets here, there’ll be a memorial. Colonel Price is making a stone for the grave.

Shalin could read Cook’s mind easily. Cook hoped if she kept talking to Shalin she could ease some of Shalin’s sadness over the cat’s death. Perhaps she should tell Cook it was not necessary.

You’re just like me, Cook continued. When I’m sad I always look for something sweet ta’ eat ta’ ease my sorrows. Cook smiled kindly at Shalin.

Shalin did not want to be like Cook, who was very overweight and had trouble walking due to bad knees. Suddenly she felt tears running down her cheeks. The sweet roll tasted like sawdust in her mouth. She forced herself to smile at Cook and take another bite of her sweet roll, so as not to hurt her friend’s feelings.

Thank you for being such a friend to Ebony all these years, she told Cook. Your warm kitchen is likely the reason she lived as long as she did.

At these words, Cook’s eyes filled with tears and she was unable to continue speaking. She sat down on an unopened barrel of flour and dried her eyes with her sleeve.

I should go see how Mother is doing. Shalin slipped out the door quietly.

As she walked up the stairs, tears began to flow in earnest. Whether she cried for Ebony or for her fear of being like Cook – overweight with bad knees – she really did not know. It seemed she had been very emotional of late and could find no reason for it. But she was happy to hear her sister had been called home. It would be good to see her. The thought of her sister sent more tears cascading down her face. Perhaps she was going insane. She wondered if insanity might run in her family. For some reason this new thought struck her as funny, and she found herself laughing and crying at the same time. She closed the door to her room and hoped no one would come calling before she was able to staunch this erratic flow of emotions.

By the time her mother knocked on her door and opened it at the same time, Shalin was back in control and reading a Greek tragedy from her mother’s library.

Serafina smiled. You are reading Medea?

Shalin nodded. She looked at the books her mother had in her arms. Are those new? she asked.

Our long-awaited books from Timti have finally arrived. Serafina set the books down on Shalin’s bed.

Shalin’s eyes sparkled as she spread the three books out. She saw the one Timti had chosen for her and immediately hugged it to her chest. My book on ancient astrology. She opened the book carefully and studied the first page. It seemed an exact replica of the book she had first seen in Timti’s vast library in Timbitu so many months ago.

It seems exactly as I remember it. The copier has done a good job. She turned over a few more pages. He has even painted the star charts exactly as they appeared in the African books.

Serafina took the astrology book from her daughter. I believe your Latin is good enough now for you to read it easily, but I will help you if you have any problems translating. I am actually quite eager to read it myself.

Shalin drew in a sharp breath as she picked up Esme’s book and leafed through it. Esme will be ecstatic when she sees this. Every picture had been dutifully copied in color. All the animals and birds they had seen along their trek through northwest Africa were represented, along with many more they had not seen. And the text has been translated into English.

Lucky for Esme, Serafina commented. The original text was in an African language unfamiliar to me.

And what of your book, Mother? Did she send you the one on African sorcery?

She did. Serafina picked up the last of the three books and opened it. This one, thankfully, is in Latin as well and seems to have been originally written in Roman times. Some of the rituals and hexes described are ones I am familiar with, but others are new to me. It will be a good addition to my black arts collection.

Shalin was quiet for a moment. What can we possibly send Timti in return that she does not already have?

Perhaps something on our northern forests, or something to do with trade goods or trade routes. I have never seen a blue-veiled trader of her clan hereabouts, so the northern world is likely unknown to them. We will need to put some thought into the matter.

Shalin looked down at her hands, still clutching her sister’s book. Do you think Esme will come when she learns that Ebony has died?

I am sure she will. Ebony was with her when she was kidnapped by the Silent Men. For days on board the Vagan ship, Ebony allowed no one near her. Esme was devoted to her panther.

She knows Ebony has already lived longer than most jungle cats. Shalin ran her fingers over the picture of a black panther.

She will come. I have no doubt. Serafina stood up with her book in hand.

Shalin smiled. "Then I had best read my book on ancient astrology without delay. Perhaps within its pages