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 did he mean by that?” Shaela whispered to Airk.


The outlaw shrugged. “Usually the good stuff is nothing more than wood alcohol, made illegally at a home still.”


“I meant what he said to you!” she cried, exasperated. His carefree attitude was beginning to try her patience.


“Oh, that. A death threat, nothing more. It seems I’m to be executed next week sometime.”


She asked, “And that doesn’t bother you in the least?”


Airk waved his hand. “I’ve been sentenced to die a thousand times over. Remember the Shayrron?”


Shaela rolled her eyes. “How could I forget?”


“Something will come up,” Airk assured her. “It always has in the past. The Fates tend to like me.”


“Why is that?” the centurion asked. “You lie, steal, cheat, gamble, and murder.”


Airk gave her a devilish smile. “You’re really too kind. What’ve you been teaching her, Emini? My dear, the Fates like me because I do their dirty work for them.”


Chapter 42