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

“No!” Shaela and Jaelin screamed in unison. Jaelin buried her face in Shaela’s cloak as her sister hugged her close.


Patadora laughed, a chilling sound. “I need the Stones. There’s no easier way to get them from you than this.”


Shaela looked at Airk, who shook his head. She still felt his kiss on her lips, but it was Kitt she thought of now. What could she do? Reaching under her cloak, she pulled out a bulging pouch. Her years with Ford had taught her how to bargain. “An even trade,” she said, eyes set and voice hard.


Shaela ignored him and hefted the pouch in one hand as she stepped up to the foot of the bridge. Slowly she started across.


“What do you consider even?” Patadora asked, eyeing the pouch. Her hands twitched, and she wrung them in an effort to hide her anxiousness.


Chapter 79