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

Suddenly, he realized he wasn’t moving his fingers. Frye’s gyrations had fogged his mind. Again. Markle snapped his eyes shut, refocusing on the melody he had been playing. He strummed the harmonies, now plucking a tune of forlorn desire, a song conveying the way his heart felt. Was he always going to be so unlucky in love? Starting to fall for the kind of guy he knew he shouldn’t?


Eyes still closed, Markle could feel that same change in energy, the ecstasy that dominated Frye’s dance. Those emotions rushed to him again. How amazing that only the memory of that dance was enough to elicit such a reaction. The dancer was truly remarkable.


There was suddenly a thundering of applause, and Markle risked a peek. Frye stood there, basking in the adoration of everyone around him. And of course, none so much as glanced at…


“That was some fine playing, son,” an old man said, nudging Markle in the shoulder with his elbow. “I often get out my fiddle and play for the grandkids.”


Chapter 13