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

She glanced at her sister. Since entering town, Jaelin had become withdrawn and jumpy, rubbing at her throat. Shaela now felt her Stone burning beneath her tunic. Pulling Airk’s arm, she whispered, “We’re in trouble.”


He smiled, a gleam in his eyes. “No one will remember us. We’re just a bunch of friends well met.”


“Not for long,” she warned, pointing to the bar. “I’ll make you a bet. If that isn’t Bhira there, I owe you a kiss.”


The gleam turned into a leer. “How do we know if she is or isn’t?”


“She’s part Jinni,” Shaela reminded him. “She can change her shape whenever she wants to whatever she likes.”


Airk grinned. “This is one bet I’m going to enjoy winning.”


“I can tell by her eyes. She looked at me and I knew.”


“Oh yeah, that would convince me.” He gave her a reproachful look.


“Stop it,” Shaela chided. “My Stone’s burning, and look at Jaelin. She’s been irritable ever since we crossed the Inlet. It’s her Stones and their closeness to Bhira.”


Chapter 48