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

It had been a last hope, putting all his feeling out in the open. One last reel to catch the king fish. He’d played with all his heart, praying his love came through. At the end of the song, Waylin’s eyes had been misty. He’d moved forward and taken Markle into his arms. They’d kissed, their passions rising, their bodies aching.


For two months, they’d met in secret almost every night. Down on the sandy beach. Or under the wooden dock that jutted out past the sandbar. Sometimes, they’d sneak into the storage house by the harbor, the smell of fish hardly noticeable through their desire.


Then, one day, he’d changed. His eyes, which had met Markle’s with such a soft light, grew hard. He passed by with a glare and a harsh word. Just as if the past two months hadn’t transpired.


Markle couldn’t stand it. He informed his parents he would be leaving and he was gone in a week.


Chapter 8