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

“Perfect timing,” Frye said without glancing up. “Take one of my canteens and fill up my tea pot. It’s over there.”


Markle went to the dancer’s bag and spied a small tin teapot strapped to the side with twine. He untied it and brought it back to the fire. He poured a small amount of water inside and handed it over.


“Where’s the tea?” Frye demanded. “Can’t you do anything, kid?”


“You didn’t ask for tea, just the pot,” Markle replied, already rising and heading back toward the pack. “Where’s it at?”


While Markle went through the dancer’s belongings—something he was surprised Frye allowed and insisted on—Frye himself was seeing to breakfast. He had a few strips of dried beef skewered on a pointed stick resting above the flames. The smell wafted to Markle and his stomach rumbled in anticipation.


Chapter 6