Ruby Dragon Kingdom: Tales of the Cousin Kingdoms, Book One

By Michele Israel Harper

Blaze, Maverick, and Gwen have never seen a dragon before, and they're from the Ruby Dragon Kingdom. That changes one summer when they're whisked away to the Land of Sand and Sun-against their will.

Their cousins, Hailey and Claire, happen to be visiting at the time, so yeah, they're kidnapped too.

They discover dragons aren't the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Nov 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781943788484

Michele Israel Harper

Author of Wisdom & Folly: Sisters, Zombie Takeover, Beast Hunter, and the recently released Kill the Beast, Michele Israel Harper is also a freelance editor and the acquisitions editor at Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing, LLC. Harper has her Bachelor of Arts in history, is slightly obsessed with all things French-including Jeanne d'Arc and La Belle et la Bête-and loves curling up with a good book more than just about anything else. She hopes her involvement in writing, editing, and publishing will touch many lives in the years to come. Visit www.MicheleIsraelHarper.com to learn more about her.

Book preview

1

Once Upon a Time, there were two princes, Blaze and Maverick. They had a lovely little sister named Gwenivere, and they all lived in one of the Cousin Kingdoms, the Ruby Dragon Kingdom.

Blaze was twelve, Maverick was ten, and Gwen was eight years old.

Their cousins, Hailey and Claire, who were also princesses, were visiting from their own Cousin Kingdom, called the Diamond Unicorn Kingdom.

Hailey was eleven, and Claire was nine.

One day, at the end of a summer filled with adventure, all five of the cousins went horseback riding. The Ruby Dragon Kingdom was surrounded by thick forests on all sides, the perfect place to ride horses.

They were talking and laughing and teasing and racing and didn’t see the old woman standing in the middle of the road until it was almost too late. But they pulled on their reins just in time and didn’t trample the old woman in their path.

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! cried Gwen.

Are you all right? asked Hailey.

Did we hurt you? asked Claire.

Instead of asking questions, Blaze and Maverick slid off their horses and rushed to the old woman’s side to see for themselves if she was all right.

The old woman touched her forehead, looking shaken. I think so. I—

She wobbled a little, and each prince grasped one of her arms and gently led her to the side of the dirt road.

They helped her sit on a log under a shade tree. The shade tree’s mighty branches stretched wide, providing the most delightful shelter from the sun, as it bent over a little to see for itself if she was all right.

You see, the Cousin Kingdoms were magical kingdoms, filled with the most wonderful things, including magical shade trees.

Oh, thank you, good sirs, she said. You are very kind.

Are you sure you’re well, ma’am? asked Blaze.

Yes, she said. You gave me quite a scare, but I’m just fine.

Oh, thank goodness! cried Gwen.

May we get you anything? Maverick asked. Water, perhaps?

A drink of water would be lovely, the old woman replied.

Maverick, who was always prepared for every situation, pulled a knife from his satchel and started looking for a cup tree while Blaze went in search for a stream.

The three girls urged their horses off the path.

The old woman eyed their swords as the girls dismounted. Swords? On such a lovely day?

Claire patted the sword on her belt proudly. My daddy says to always be prepared for anything.

Does he now? The old woman nodded. Your daddy’s a smart man.

The girls led their horses toward the tree the old woman was sitting under.

The shade tree moved to cover them as well.

Gwen stretched up on her toes to tie her horse’s reins to its branches. The shade tree bent over just a little so she could reach it better. She curtsied to the tree after her horse’s reins were secure.

Thank you, dear shade tree. You are too kind, she said.

The tree shivered just a little in response, its way of saying, You’re welcome.

Found the cup tree! called Maverick.

One of the trees nearby, the cup tree, had leaves that, when folded just so, hardened into the perfect cup.

As soon as Maverick found it, he cut off a leaf with his knife and folded it while Blaze searched for the stream.

Not only were the trees magical, the stream was also magical. The water tasted just like the person’s favorite drink, and one sip could refresh a person for a full day.

Found it! Blaze called.

Maverick hurried deeper into the woods, following Blaze’s voice, and soon the boys were back with a bright-green leaf cup full of glistening, fresh water.

Here you go. Maverick handed the old woman the cup.

She took a long drink, and when she’d drained it, sighed contentedly. Strawberry juice. My favorite.

Hailey brightened. Hey! Mine too.

Mine always tastes like lemonade, offered Claire.

Gwen crossed her arms. Mine tastes different every single time.

Blaze laughed. That’s because you can never make up your mind!

I can too! Gwen stuck her nose in the air, but then she laughed as well. Okay, maybe you’re right.

Maverick was still close to the old woman, watching her. Would you like me to get you some more?

She smiled. Thank you, my dear. I am quite satisfied. She studied each of the princes and princesses. Tell me, my dears, although you’re laughing and having fun, you all seem sad about something. What is it?

The cousins looked at each other with wide eyes. How did she know?

Well, Claire began hesitantly, we’ve had a wonderful summer visiting our cousins, but it’s almost over.

Yeah, we have to go home today, Hailey added.

Blaze, Maverick, and Gwen nodded in agreement.

Not only that, added Gwen, our other cousins were supposed to visit us too, but they sent a messenger phoenix saying they couldn’t make it. I was looking forward to seeing Penny.

Don’t forget Sterling and Jasper! Blaze said.

Gwen nodded. Them too.

Hailey added, But we’re not complaining! We had a wonderful summer that was so much fun, even if we are sad it’s almost over and we didn’t get to see our other cousins.

Maverick said, Or even if we didn’t get to practice our talents more.

You see, not only were the trees and water and messenger phoenixes magical, the cousins were too. Each of them had been given a special talent from the Creator at birth, and part of their schooling was learning how to use it wisely.

Blaze had a strong leadership talent and was uncannily good at protecting the other cousins and helping everyone get along. His father often said he would make a fine king someday.

He was also wicked-good with a sword.

Maverick could enhance other people’s talents, making them stronger and helping their talents last longer.

Gwen, well, she didn’t know what her talent did. It changed every time she tried to use it!

Hailey’s talent was one of the most sought after: she could heal wounds by simply placing her hands over them.

And Claire could understand animals. Although her teachers said she would one day be able to talk to animals as well, it hadn’t happened yet.

Blaze shifted on his feet. Is there anything else we can do for you, ma’am?

No, but perhaps there is something I can do for you.

The cousins exchanged glances.

And what would that be? asked Maverick.

The old woman smiled and changed the subject. You know, it has been a long time since I’ve met such kind young people. Why, just last week, a herd of youngsters came galloping through here on their horses and nearly ran me over! When they saw me, they laughed and said that’s what I got for getting in their way.

That’s horrible! cried Hailey.

So rude, agreed Claire.

I’d like to thank you properly. The old woman tapped her chin as she thought. Now, what should I do for such kind and thoughtful young people?

Gwen laughed. Do something for us? We should do something for you! We’re the ones who almost ran you over.

The old woman smiled. You’ve proven my point exactly. Let’s see. Hmm…that’s it! She snapped her fingers. I have just the thing.

She stood up from her log, and when she did so, she was no longer old and haggard looking with gray hair, leaning on a gnarled cane. Instead she was young and beautiful with dark, creamy skin and shining black hair, and she held a long staff of smooth wood.

Her white dress glistened as if it were studded with hidden gems.

Gwen gasped. Who are you?

The beautiful woman smiled. I am Fiona, fair enchantress of this forest. For your kindness to me, I shall grant you one last summer adventure—with your other cousins.

They all gasped now.

But how can you do that? asked Maverick.

The beautiful woman winked at him. Magic, of course.

Everyone started talking at once, but the beautiful enchantress held up her hand. The cousins quieted, and she held their rapt attention.

I have a gift for each one of you, to help you along the way. Your talents will be tested to their limits, and you will have to work together to succeed. But I guarantee if you put others before yourselves, as you have done with me, you will have a grand final adventure indeed. She winked. You may even help someone else along the way.

And with those words, she tapped her staff on the ground, and the forest disappeared.

2

The five cousins stood in the middle of a hot, dry desert, rocks towering all around them. The rocks offered meager shade from the blast of the full sun. And their horses were gone.

The girls cried out and huddled together, while the princes drew their swords and stood back to back.

Who was she? cried Hailey.

Where are we? asked Claire.

What happened to our horses? Gwen wanted to know.

Are you guys okay? asked Maverick.

Be quiet! demanded Blaze.

Their voices echoed far away, bouncing between the spires of rocks, and the only sound that came back was the mournful cry of wind on the desert sand.

Maybe you should draw your swords as well, said Maverick. You know, in case you need them?

The girls looked at each other, a little embarrassed they hadn’t thought of that. They all drew their swords, and now the cousins stood in a circle, swords pointing out.

After a little while of nothing happening, Hailey said, I’d still like to know who she was.

Claire agreed. And where she sent us. We’re supposed to go home tomorrow!

Gwen put her sword away and crossed her arms. And I want to know what happened to our horses. I hope she takes good care of them.

The rest of the cousins put their swords away too when no danger appeared.

Hey, look at this. Maverick held up a green water bottle, made from the leaves of the cup tree. The vibrant-green bottle was see-through, and the veins of the folded leaves glowed. He opened it and sniffed the clear water. Lemonade. My favorite.

They all had a green leaf water bottle hanging off their belts, full to the brim. The bottles hadn’t been there before.

Must be a gift from the enchantress, Gwen mused.

Maverick started to take a drink, but Blaze stopped him. How do you know we can trust her? It could be poisoned.

Maverick sniffed it again. I don’t think so. Only one way to find out, I guess. He smiled at Hailey. Be ready in case you need to heal me.

Hailey came over to him and stood close, in case her talent was needed.

Maverick took a sip. When nothing bad happened, he licked his lips. Delicious. Then Maverick looked down into his water bottle, and his eyes widened. Whoa, look at that! My water bottle just filled itself back up!

The cousins quickly took their own water bottles off their belts, took a big gulp, and watched their bottles fill back up.

Whoa, that’s so cool! cried Gwen.

I can’t believe it, agreed Hailey.

I’ve never seen anything like it, added Claire.

Blaze smiled. Well that must be the gift she mentioned.

Maybe, said Gwen. I kinda think there’s more to it than that.

As soon as they’d clipped their water bottles to their belts, Claire gasped. You guys, look!

This time, the girls drew their swords immediately, and all five of them stood in a circle, blades out.

Faces surrounded them, all peeking out from behind rocks, boulders, and the tall rock spires. The tan rock spires were tall and skinny and striped dark brown, all the way up.

Blaze called, Show yourselves!

Maverick added, We mean you no harm.

A boy about Blaze’s age with red hair and freckles stood and walked around a boulder. He faced them, but he didn’t say a word.

What’s your name, son? Blaze deepened his voice and said it with the same authority his father, the king of the Ruby Dragon Kingdom, often used.

Gwen rolled her eyes. He’s the same age you are, Blaze.

Maverick shushed her, but Claire said, Remember that lady said to work together…

They all shushed her together, then turned back to the boy.

Your name? Blaze asked