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

“Oh, don’t be silly,” Shaela reprimanded. “Put away your sword, he won’t hurt anybody. He’s only a big kitten.”


Airk muttered, “He doesn’t look like a kitten to me.”


A woman’s voice called out. “Cervicide! Cervicide!” Through the bushes stepped a young centurion, who stopped when she saw the group gathered at the altar. “Oh, my!”


“Is he yours?” Shaela asked, rubbing the feline under the chin.


The centurion tittered. “You could say that. But he won’t let me or anyone else touch him. How did you charm him?”


“I didn’t. He walked out into the clearing and I reached, not thinking.”


“That’ll get you killed,” Airk said, sheathing his sword.


The centurion reached out tentatively, but the cat began to growl. “I guess he just doesn’t like me.”


Shaela shook her head. “Maybe you’re a little scared of him. I live with animals, and you can’t be afraid around them because then they have the advantage. They can read body language and vibes pretty well, and they’ll know if you’re timid.”


Chapter 26