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

Rogue waves tossed the large vessel as if it were nothing more than a paper boat. Foamy crests flooded the decks and seeped into the hull. Airk reached the capstan as a bolt of lightning parted the anchor from its rope. The crew watched their one route to salvation vanish beneath the brewing waters.


“This is all your fault, outlaw!” Aetus bellowed above the racket.


Thunder punctuated his words, and Airk was thrown as a wave broke over the mainmast. “Me?” he argued, the wind whipping the word from his throat.


Aetus glowered at his old friend as he fought for control of the ship.


The storm ceased as suddenly as it had begun. The ship drifted the rest of the night while repairs were made. The rudder had cracked, making steering useless. One sailor had been thrown overboard during the ruckus, and the crew held a burial service for him. Warily Aetus eyed the travelers the next day, not caring to elaborate on the blame he bestowed upon them. Tensions rode high all morning.


Chapter 40