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

“Ah, Ranon,” he said through a hideous smile. “How kind of you to join us.”


In open defiance, the outlaw spat on the ground.


Skurve’s smile spread into a grimace. “Entertainment? How kind of you to offer.”


The Baret strained against the pirates holding him. “What are you going to do with us?”


“We’re simple men,” Skurve said. “A strip show will suffice.”


Airk groaned. He’d been forced to watch such a show once in Skurve’s service. The wretched man had been lucky to die before they reached the skin on his arms.


Through clenched teeth, Airk asked, “What did we do to deserve this?”


If it were possible, the captain’s grin grew wider. “Why, nothing. Nothing at all.” He clapped his hands together and the smile quit his face. “Bring me the boy. Now.”


Horrified, Shaela watched Kitt led before the captain. He’d been beaten—his upper body was covered in deep purple bruises. As he passed, Shaela reached for him, but the pirates yanked her back. Kitt didn’t turn when she called his name.


Chapter 53