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

Liklia realized the predicament and chuckled. “Lad, I’ve got grandchildren older than you. And when I tell them to do something, they do it. It won’t be any different for you. Now, get in the water and let me have those dirty clothes.”


The kid went behindthe tub, though they could both still see most of him. There, he quickly pulled off his shirt and tossed it to Liklia. Next, he pulled off his pants and underclothes in one go and clutched them tight as he hopped into the water. He flashed his bare body for as short a time as possible. A thin film of bubbles distorted any view inside the tub.


“Don’t get water on my floor, whelp,” Liklia said, bending to pick up Markle’s discarded shirt. “Now the others.”


Still blushing, Markle threw her the rest of his clothing.


Chapter 15