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

“My lady,” he replied, his voice husky as he pulled her close. “I never imagined my feelings would be returned.”


“As you say, Baret—never give up hope.”


The next morning they left the cave, and evening found them below the Open Plains of Andemni, by Jai’s Steppes. The Steppes—broad, flat hills between the mountains and the plains—were each over a mile long and marked the beginning of the Plainsmen’s domains.


The six companions climbed the first Steppe and, before it grew too dark, hid their fire and supplies behind a small clump of trees. They set up camp and slept lightly, with a change of guard every few hours. Morning passed without incident, and they progressed to the top of the Steppes and onto the Plains themselves.


Chapter 33