The Eight Lands of Pharr are in trouble, and the only ones who can help are a young princess and the sister she believes lost. They hold two of the four Magical Stones, created long ago by an Ancient Mystic to channel the magic of his bloodline. But when an evil witch named Patadora Coggs seeks to control the Stones, the two girls must join forces to save their unsuspecting world. With them is a motley crew gathered as they travel to retrieve the remaining two Stones. Airk Ranon, cynical Weapons Master. The Baret Wray and First Commander Dungan Weir, who command King Randel's army. Elke, a centurion who has never been away from home. Skotak, an Emini Plainsman who provides steeds for the travelers. Dreux, a young prince seeking adventure, and his lover, Estelle. And Kitt, a young orphan held enslaved by pirates. Chased by Patadora's Maelnords and her own shapeshifting daughter, and by the infamous Weapons Master's outlaw reputation, the young friends travel land and sea in their quest to find the last two Stones. Once they have the Magical Stones of Pharr in their possession, they must travel to the witch's lair and end her evil reign of terror.

The Magical Stones of Pharr

Just then, a large, burly centurion came up to their table. His skin was a dark brown, his hair worn in long braids, his build more imposing than both the Baret Wray and Airk Ranon combined. His features were rough and rugged, and he moved with an infinite grace seemingly impossible for someone of his stature. The weathered antlers sprouting from his head were larger than those of a full-grown stag. He turned his black eyes to Airk and, in a rumbling voice, said, “Airk! How good of you to come back!”


“Bucky!” Airk exclaimed, scooting over to make room for his friend and inadvertently squeezing Shaela against the wall. “Sit down, old boy, and join us at our meal. Whenever that idiot brings it, that is.”


He clapped the huge centurion on the back, a solid sound. “Kids, this is my dear friend, Bucky. He’s my eyes and ears in Sydens. He’s the ‘usual,’ Shaela. He’ll tell us what’s going on. If anyone knows anything about Maelnords in town, it’s Bucky.”


Chapter 23