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

Tears shone brightly in her eyes. “Oh, Wray! You were shot with an arrow. Airk killed the Maelnords who did it, and Shaela is trying all she can, but Elke says we have to reach this place called Barre so you can get real treatment. That’s why we’re hurrying. I hope you weren’t disturbed.”


The words tumbled over one another. When they were all out, she broke down.


Coming up behind her, Airk led her away into Elke’s arms. Shaela bent over the Baret and peered into his face. “How are you feeling?”


He groaned. “I can’t feel my left arm. It’s numb. I can’t move it. My head’s cloudy, and my eyes aren’t focusing right. My throat is dry and my lips hurt; they both might be swollen. I can’t move the rest of my body, but I can feel I’m tied down. In my left shoulder is a stinging sensation. I’m very tired, but don’t feel like sleeping. And my neck is beginning to burn.”


Shaela laughed quietly. “You’ve been a patient before, I see. Tell me, how does your neck burn? Inside or out?”


Chapter 28