Markle Vanrick is cursed by the gods. Nothing in his life has ever worked out. So, when he works up the courage to leave home with only his lute, it’s only natural his money is stolen and he’s stuck without a way to get to his cousin’s farm.<br><br>Enter Frye Indori, a mischievous man who lives life to the fullest -- only because he’s a few steps away from being caught and killed. Blessed with magic from the goddess Magana, Frye fled his hometown to escape the clutches of the corrupt priestess performing evils in the goddess’s name. When he runs into helpless Markle, he feels obligated to show Markle there is some good in the world.<br><br>Like it or not, Markle gets caught up in Frye’s game of fox and hare. When the priestess finally catches them, Markle may have a few surprises of his own.

Music and Magic

“You’re welcome.” Frye set down his bag. “I’m Frye Indori. What’s your name, kid?”


“Markle Vanrick,” he muttered. His voice barely carried the few feet separating them.


“Mackerel?” Frye asked, shrugging the thick cloak off his shoulders. For such a small fire, it gave plenty of heat.


“Markle,” he said again, louder. Then he froze, his eyes glued to Frye’s face. “Hey, you’re that dancer.”


Frye’s body grew rigid. Slowly, his fingers crept to the hilt of his belt knife.


How could this kid remember? It was impossible.


“I saw you two nights ago in Hippshaw,” the kid continued, unaware of the tension in Frye’s body. “That was when it all went bad. You danced that one dance so beautifully, but then all my money was suddenly gone and the innkeeper kicked me out. I’ve been sleeping outside at night and I ran out of food this morning.”


Realization dawned on Frye. “So you only saw my firstdance?”


Chapter 4