Every spring, Aurelius Harrow returns to the Statuary with tales from his travels. This year, he brings back more than rumors.
Brutal, ruthless, ambitious--the Pred live up to their reputation as wolves of the world. When Old Master Platt named one of them as his successor, disgruntled potentials walked away from the Gray Mountain. And in the months and years to follow, journeymen and stone merchants alike give Morven a wide berth. Master Freydolf's isolation might have been complete if it weren't for Aurelius Harrow.
For two years, Tupper Meadowsweet has kept his promise to be brave and do his best. But during the spring when he turns thirteen, Aurelius returns to the Statuary with something other than blocks of magical stone and gossipy tidbits. Master Freydolf must rely on Tupper more than ever as they spend a season dealing with runaways, star-crossed lovers, skittish villagers, and rumors of a thirteenth magical mountain. But the greatest mystery of all may be Tupper himself, for the boy's affinity for stone defies explanation.
Excerpt: (from Harrow, Chapter 3)
Not long after Aurelius carelessly heaped their dishes in the sink for Tupper to wash, a rattle came from the direction of the courtyard. The merchant darted to the big double doors with impressive speed and was outside before Freydolf had closed his sketchbook. Moments later, he reappeared, hands clasped over his heart. "I hope you know that lad is a treasure beyond price!"
With a slow blink, Frey answered, "Aye."
Hurrying over to grasp the other Pred by the shoulders, Aurelius exclaimed, "He is the uppermost of all underlings, a luminary among lackeys!" With a small shake to emphasize each accolade, he continued, "A superlative servant! A magnificent minion! A paragon among peons!"
Chuckling over the man's raptures, Freydolf asked, "What? Did he bring you a keg of spiced ale from Master Platt's private cellars?"
Momentarily distracted, Aurelius whispered, "Are there any left? That would be a find!"
With a small tap, Tupper peeped around the edge of the door. "Are you helping, Aurelius? We're ready."
"Aye!" the Pred sang out. "I am, and gladly!"
