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

“What you say, unlikely as it is, must indeed be true, for the same story has been related to me six times this evening. I’ve seen with my own eyes the Stones you wield. So I think the fairest course, and safest for all concerned, would be for me to allow you to continue on your quest.”


An audible sigh arose from the travelers, and a few words of thanks were uttered.


“But,” the Shayrron continued, raising a hand for silence, “Airk Ranon must remain behind to be punished for his crime.”


Airk surged to his feet, livid with rage. “What will my sentence be?”


She seemed surprised. “We’ve long awaited your capture. You’ll be drawn and quartered at dawn. Mere death is too good for you.”


A knife the Emini hadn’t found beneath his cloak appeared as if by magic, and he was ready to fight. Shaela stopped him with a restraining hand on his arm. “Your Majesty, take me instead.”


Chapter 35