Royal Twins Shalin & Esme Book 5 Greek Fire

By Dory Lee Maske

A royal summons from her father, King Blackwell, has medical student Princess Esme traveling from Helsop back to her home in Henge. Cousin Electra decides to go with her to travel on past Henge to Fernland to visit her mother, Queen Delphinia. But why does Headman Dagon of Helsop suggest his two sons, Gregor and Soren go along with them?
Esme knows the answer to this since she can read minds.

Secrets abound in this small corner of the world. Serafina hopes to reinvent the fearsome weapon, Greek fire and decides the Imperial Library in Constantinople is the best place to do her research. Usually her husband King Blackwell would forbid such a long journey but this time he is in favor of it. He wants his lineage to carry royal blood on both sides. The royal twins, Shalin and Electra, have other ideas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dory Lee Maske
• Release date: Jul 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005053116

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

Kingdom of Henge

The melted snows of a severe winter had engulfed Henge in muddy pools of stagnant meltwater. Early blooming vines and trees burst forth in purest whites and vivid pinks.

Shalin hugged her blanket tightly around her shoulders and looked out her castle window down to the newly arrived ships in Henge’s harbor.

She did not see her friend Soldad’s ship, the Sea Dancer, among them. She sighed and murmured the word, patience as she turned to splash water on her sleep-crusted eyes. A movement in the bay below caught in her peripheral vision.

A new ship was rounding the spit that framed Henge’s harbor. She watched as it came about and headed into the harbor. She held her breath, trying to read the name emblazoned on the side. The shape and size were right. The color and set of the sails looked familiar.

Yes, she decided, it was Soldad’s ship, finally, just as he had promised. She threw on her clothes and rushed from her room.

Racing down the stairs, Shalin spied her Uncle Phinn and his son Drake already at the breakfast table.

Phinn smiled at his niece. You must be hungry, he noted as she ran past.

"The Sea Dancer is coming into port," she sang out.

Soldad’s ship? Phinn managed to ask before she reached the door to the courtyard.

Yes, Shalin shouted as she closed the door behind her.

She ran down the hill to the harbor, passing Phinn’s theater on the way. She could see activity in the Gypsy Camp that sat next to the harbor. Off to her right, the soldiers were beginning to stir around the Army barracks.

The Sea Dancer had her sails down as the ship drifted closer to the dock. She saw a man up in the crow’s nest and wondered if it was Soldad.

The man in the crow’s nest waved. It was Soldad. He had seen her. Shalin slowed her pace. Her twin sister Esme would be embarrassed by Shalin’s effusive welcome – she would find it unbecoming for a princess. Shalin did not really care what Esme would think, but did not want to embarrass Soldad by being too familiar.

She caught her breath and walked demurely to the dock, wondering at the state of her hair, which she had not bothered to brush.

Soldad swung down from the crow’s nest while his crew saw to the ropes and fenders. Within minutes the ship was securely docked and Soldad was standing before her.

May I give you a hug? he asked with his teeth showing in a delighted smile.

You may, Shalin said, giggling.

When Soldad released her from his enthusiastic hug, Shalin searched for a proper greeting.

You have come, just as you promised you would.

And you have come to welcome me just as I hoped, Soldad said. Your family is well? You have come through the winter months unscathed?

Yes, we are all fine. Esme is in Helsop at the school of medicine. Mother has been doing dangerous experiments these last few months trying to re-create Greek fire, and Father has grown hoarse with trying to keep her from injury.

Soldad laughed. And has your mother been successful in her efforts?

I do not believe so. She still seems anxious to hunt for clues to the makeup of the ancient mixture at the Imperial Library in Constantinople.

Soldad smiled. And what of your own your needs? Do you still hunger to explore the ancient cities around the Great Sea for hidden knowledge?

More than ever, Shalin admitted. I have thought of little else this past winter. I believe I have perfected my Greek language skills.

Soldad switched to Greek as he asked, Will you allow me to be your guide around the ruins that speak to Constantinople’s past?

Most assuredly, Shalin answered in Greek. If we hurry we can still be in time for breakfast at the castle. Are you hungry?

Always, Soldad said. He turned to face his ship and shouted out orders to his first mate.

Shalin was pleased to find she could understand his Greek words easily. Should we send some breakfast to your crew members? she asked.

Soldad laughed. No, they are anxious to go ashore after so many weeks at sea. The mate will give them their wages and they will be off to the concession stands on the dock.

As they walked up the hill to the castle, Soldad spoke of a late storm that had swept over them off the coast of Greece.

Do you think it is safe now to leave for Constantinople? Shalin asked. I know Mother is anxious to go, but we could wait a while if need be.

I am at your service. Storms are unpredictable and may come even in summer with little warning.

They reached the door of the castle and Shalin paused. Ready to face my unpredictable family?

Soldad smiled. I look forward to it.

As the door swung open, many faces turned in their direction.

Shalin’s parents and many from Phinn’s acting troupe stared at the new arrival from their seats at the dining table.

King Blackwell stood up and offered his hand to Soldad de Medich.

Phinn tells us you have just arrived. Welcome to Henge. Will you join us for breakfast?

I would be honored, Soldad said, casting a smile over the crowded table.

Phinn stood and shook hands as well, as everyone shifted to make room. Two more chairs were pulled from the side as Soldad and Shalin joined the group.

Cook brought plates and another platter of bacon for the latecomers as platters of eggs and fruit were passed around.

How was your voyage here? King Blackwell asked.

Soldad recounted their experience with the storm that necessitated a stop for a new mainsail in Greece and another near encounter with a pirate ship close to the Straits of Gibraltar. Luckily the wind favored our ship and the pirates did not wish to follow us through the Strait and out to the ocean, he finished up.

I am anxious to begin my research at the Imperial Library, Serafina said. I have had disappointing results with my own experimentation with explosives.

I would not call preserving your own body intact, disappointing, King Blackwell huffed.

Serafina ignored her husband’s comment. I need only send word to Esme in Helsop to return at once and we will be able to depart for Constantinople.

Esme may not wish to journey to Constantinople, Shalin warned.

She will have no choice in the matter, King Blackwell said, unexpectedly. It is my wish that she go.

Chapter 2

Kingdom of Henge

King Blackwell sat across from his wife Queen Serafina in his castle office. His expression was grim.

Shalin was correct, of course, Serafina said, looking her husband in the eyes. Esme will not wish to travel to Constantinople.

King Blackwell let out a deep breath. The twins will be fifteen this year. It is time that they begin thinking about a marriage befitting their station in life. I do not approve of the young men they seem to favor.

You mean this young trader Soldad de Medich? Serafina asked.

King Blackwell nodded. Yes, I believe Shalin treats him as an equal which is entirely inappropriate. But I am more concerned with Esme who I am told spends time alone in the forest with this nephew of Dagon.

Dag. Serafina supplied the name.

Whatever, King Blackwell said. An apprentice scout is not a suitable companion for a princess. One would think Dagon would have the sense to put a stop to such fraternizing.

That is doubtful since he himself saw fit to take a princess hostage and then marry her.

I do not need reminding of that sorry affair, King Blackwell stated. He drummed his fingers on the top of the wooden desk that sat between them. I believe if Esme spends some time in the court of a royal family she will begin to see where her duty lies.

Constantinople’s royal family you mean, Serafina prompted.

Yes, a family that has something to offer our own kingdom of Henge.

And what would that be? Serafina asked.

Prestige, connections, wealth, a royal lineage… King Blackwell shrugged. Surely you need not even ask.

Serafina pursed her lips. I believe just now we have more to offer Constantinople in the form of the newest weapons to be had. The emperor wasted no time in dispatching Soldad to come to us. He knows what we have to offer and it is exactly what he needs. We have no need of the emperor’s royal lineage.

Perhaps not, but I would prefer royal blood run through the veins of my future grandchildren on both sides of the family. And close ties with the family of one of the most powerful empires in the world would seem a beneficial circumstance.

So you will order Esme to go along on this voyage? Serafina asked.

If I must, Blackwell said. Perhaps you could assist in the wording of the message I send to Helsop.

You might try making it forceful but vague, Serafina offered. Perhaps something like, Esme, please return to Henge at once. Your father has need of you."

She will think I have taken ill, Blackwell protested.

Yes, she likely will think that, Serafina said. That is why it should bring her here without delay.

King Blackwell frowned as he considered such a ploy and was about to speak when a knock at the door interrupted him.

Enter and state your business, Blackwell called out.

Soldad de Medich opened the door and walked in. He noticed the serious expressions on the king and queen’s faces. Forgive me, I am interrupting. I will return later when Your Majesty has the time to speak with me.

Come in, Serafina said. I believe we are finished here. She stood.

I am not sure we are finished, King Blackwell argued.

I will send an appropriate message to Esme, Serafina said with a smile as she stepped around Soldad and left the room.

King Blackwell glared at Soldad but gestured to him to take the chair vacated by Queen Serafina.

You have business matters to discuss? Blackwell asked with a hint of impatience.

Soldad smiled. I do. I have orders from my emperor who sends you good tidings.

Blackwell grunted. Good tidings?

Yes, he was very impressed with your gift of iron ore. He would, of course, like to purchase more and has entrusted me to be his representative in that regard. I also took the liberty of describing the weapons you have available for sale and he is most interested in purchasing all your available stock. Again he has entrusted me to negotiate such a sale on his behalf.

Blackwell studied the young man for a moment before replying. We might perhaps negotiate a price for a cargo of iron ore, but as my family will be traveling with you to Constantinople on this voyage, a cargo of weapons would not be a possibility.

Certainly, I quite understand. We might perhaps plan for that at a future date? Soldad asked.

You may wish to visit Fernland on your way to Constantinople. We in Henge share a new ship built specifically to transport weapons safely. Just now King Geoffrey will be shipping out a cargo of explosives and Henge will take the next turn.

And Fernland’s shipment will include the same weapons I saw demonstrated last year here in Henge?

Yes, the very same, Blackwell assured him.

Then, with your permission, I will indeed make such a stop in Fernland. I know your wife, Her Royal Highness, is anxious to arrive at the Imperial Library so we will try to conclude our business quickly in Fernland.

Blackwell nodded as he stared at the young trader. I understand your family has offered its hospitality to my family while they are visiting in Constantinople.

Soldad nodded. My parents are most eager to see to all your family’s needs while in our city.

They are most generous, Blackwell said, but I wonder if it might be more appropriate for my family to stay at the emperor’s residence while they are in Constantinople, seeing as how they are visiting royalty.

Soldad seemed unfazed by the request. Most assuredly, he replied. Perhaps they might stay with my family for a day or two while I make the arrangements with our emperor. I am sure he will agree that staying at the palace is, as you say, more appropriate.

King Blackwell could find no fault in Soldad’s responses and decided to say nothing about the appropriateness of his daughter’s friendship with the young man. Very well then. You may tell Sergeant Smythe that you have my permission to purchase a cargo of our iron ore at the going rate.

Soldad understood that his business was concluded and stood, making a respectful bow before leaving the office.

As he closed the door behind him, he saw Shalin waiting outside the door to her own room.

I saw you going to visit my father, she said. I hope your business is concluded and I might have you to myself for a time. I have so many questions to ask you about Constantinople.

Soldad smiled. I am at your service.

Chapter 3

Village of Helsop

The village of Helsop, which sprawled near the foot of Ice Mountain, came alive when the ice began to break and heave on Cold Lake.

Headman Dagon oversaw the sliding of Helsop’s two fishing vessels into the lake for their first fishing expedition of spring. His two sons, Gregor and Soren, had come along with the fishermen as had his nephew Dag and Dag’s mentor, Maki the Scout.

After two disappointing casts of their nets, with only a few small fish in the hold, they rowed further out into the huge lake.

Let us go into untested grounds, Dagon said. Perhaps we have begun too soon in our usual spots.

After a few hours’ travel, far from the shores of their village, they noted one of the white bears that patrolled the ice, hunting for lake seals.

Where the bears hunt for seals, there are fish, Maki the Scout noted. This might be a good spot to make a cast.

As the men prepared the large nets for another cast upon the waters, a movement caught Dagon’s eye. It was a ship off in the distance. A ship that brought a chill not caused by the floating bits of ice around them.

He beckoned his nephew Dag closer. Use your young eyes, Dag, and tell me, does yon ship curve up at both bow and stern?

Dag needed only a second to verify Dagon’s fears. It does. It appears to be a Vagan vessel.

Maki the Scout joined them to look in the same direction. A sight none wants to see, he agreed. Should we challenge them?

We have not the right, Dagon replied. We are far from our own fishing grounds and they could be fishermen themselves in a purchased craft.

Maki stared at Dagon with a skeptical expression. But you do not believe that is the case, do you?

No, Dagon admitted. It has been many years since they last tried to raid Helsop. They have had time to build new ships and grow strong in number. It is more likely a scouting ship come to judge our own vulnerabilities.

We have only nets aboard for weapons, Maki noted.

I know. We are not in a position to attack. Nor are they advancing on us. They are keeping to the north shore.

Shall we try the nets here? one of the fishermen asked, joining their small group.

Yes, Dagon said. We may as well.

As the fisherman walked away, Dagon said to Maki, I think the Vagans are only observing as yet.

The new cast of the nets proved successful and the fishing boats returned to shore with full holds and much rejoicing in the village. Their own burgeoning population and the addition of many traders from foreign lands had taken a toll on the reserves of fish taken before the freeze. All those they had dried on racks and sealed in barrels of salt last autumn were gone. It had been a long winter.

Dagon conferred briefly with his second-in-command, Deimos, at militia headquarters before returning to the lake to find Maki the Scout. Maki and Dag were still flinging fish from the holds to those waiting on shore.

Maki smiled. I suspected I would see you again ‘ere long.

Dagon nodded. We have our small racing boat still. Perhaps you and Dag could use that to set up patrols on the lake. From now on we will carry weapons aboard the fishing craft when we venture out. He paused and looked from Maki to his nephew Dag.

We will find out how close the Vagans are and how many in number, Maki offered before Dagon had a chance to ask.

It could prove a dangerous mission, Dagon cautioned.

Only if we are careless, Maki said, slapping Dag lightly on the shoulder.

Dag smiled. And, of course, we are never careless.

Dagon nodded. Helsop is grateful, he said.

We will leave tomorrow. We may be gone for some time, Maki told Dag, so say your goodbyes but tell no one our true mission. We will call it a spring training mission.

Dag wiped his slimy hands on his pants and jumped down from the ship into the shallow water. Shall we leave at dawn on the morrow?

Maki nodded. Dawn it is.

Dagon found his wife Electra at the school of medicine. She was speaking to Esme and they both seemed upset. Has something happened? Dagon asked.

Electra swept a loose lock of hair from her forehead with the back of her wrist. Esme has received a summons from Henge. She is to return home at once.

Was a reason given? Dagon asked.

No, Esme said angrily. Of course not. Had my father given the reason I would not have gone.

Dagon was confused. And why is that?

I suspect they want me to go to Constantinople now that ships are running again. They wish to parade Shalin and me before the emperor of Constantinople in hopes of attracting a royal husband for one or both of us.

Your parents want you to marry the emperor of Constantinople? Dagon asked, still confused.

Esme gave an exasperated sigh. I suspect one of the sons or nephews or cousins would do. As long as royal blood runs in his veins.

Oh, Dagon said, at a loss for what more to say.

We do not know this for a certainty, Electra said in a conciliatory manner. It could be someone is ill, in which case I should perhaps go as well.

Dagon had a fleeting thought – it would give him comfort to know his wife and niece were safe in Henge should the Vagans attack. Perhaps he should send his sons along as well. And is this what you have decided? he asked. To go to Henge?"

What choice do I have? Esme said, her face rosy with unspent anger. But you need not go, she added, turning to speak to Electra in a calmer manner.

Electra put her hand on her husband’s arm. I feel I should take this opportunity to go, not only to check on the health of Henge’s royal family, but to go on to Fernland and check on my mother’s mental state.

That business of Avor’s marriage, you mean, Dagon said. He knew Electra’s brother Avor had seen fit to marry a Barburee queen and Avor’s father, King Geoffrey of Fernland had, in turn, banished his own son, the heir apparent to Fernland’s throne, from Fernland.

Yes, Electra said. I promised mother I would help her find a way to see Prince Avor again, even against father’s wishes. I was afraid if I did not make such a promise, she would do something rash and dangerous. Electra looked up at her husband with pleading eyes, no doubt expecting he would forbid any request that might involve a voyage to Avor’s new home in Hormu.

Instead her expression turned to shock as Dagon said, Perhaps you could take Gregor and Soren along as well.

Chapter 4

Village of Helsop

Electra sat at the dining table with Esme after Dagon left. Her husband had made no more comments regarding her plans to visit her mother in Fernland, even though he knew she planned to arrange a way to bring her mother and brother together without King Geoffrey’s knowledge.

Did Dagon’s reaction seem strange to you? Electra asked Esme.

Yes, Esme said, with no embellishment.

Electra tilted her head as she stared at her cousin. You read something in his mind!

Esme shrugged. It is impolite to read people’s thoughts. You have said as much yourself.

Electra narrowed her eyes. But you seldom take other people’s advice. What did you see in his mind?

Esme stood and headed for the school’ front door. I saw that he knows nothing he says will dissuade you from keeping a promise.

Where are you going? Electra asked.

I thought I would go to tell Dag goodbye and ask if he will care for my parakeets while I am gone, Esme said

You are going then, to Henge?

I must go. The king has commanded it. Esme smiled. "And, as