Why is it that every time you think things can't get any worse, they do?

Kara would say things were going pretty well. Not perfect, but good. Good enough, anyway, before the graks attacked her home and she found a gem that burdened her with magic and "expectations." Ever since then, she's had a grumpy old pirate named Winlow constantly on her case, dragging her from one life-threatening situation to another. Kara feels obligated to help people, but then she just wants things to go back to normal. Especially with her best friend, Riptha.

Riptha has a duty, and although he's far from home and the comfort he grew up with, he still believes in doing what he can to help the greater cause of peace. And he's withstood quite a lot to get there - flying monsters, murderous pirates, and even Winlow's constant bad mood. The only thing giving him real trouble is the tension between him and Kara. His feelings are getting harder to ignore - no thanks to Clemens' incessant prodding - and Riptha's finding it increasingly difficult to pretend that he's okay with the way things were.

But all of that is secondary. The biggest concern is getting to Punitachu alive. Then they can hopefully end the war that has been tormenting the people of Faldon for so long.

Their friendship can surely survive long enough to do that. Can't it?

For that matter, can they?

A.M. Pennyfeather is an author, mom, and wife. Her life revolves around her family, especially her young daughter, but stories about the truest of loves energize her heart. When she's not making up her own worlds - or enjoying someone else's - she's probably spending time with her family, often in the beauty of nature.