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

Ahead of them, the road began to wind inland. So far, the ocean had been an ever-present reminder that connected Markle to his home and family. From here, they would even leave it behind. His heart felt heavy and his steps took more effort.


“It’s not too late to turn back,” Frye said, his voice barely audible over the sound of their footsteps along the dirt path.


“Why do you have the courage to leave because they won’t accept you, but now that you’re free of them, you can’t accept yourself?”


“I don’t expect you to understand. Your hometown doesn’t treat you as an outcast. You’ve no idea how the isolation affects a person.”


“I’ve been on my own for the past three years. I know that feeling, Markle.”


Markle looked sideways at the dancer. “Will you tell me why you left?”


Frye lifted his shoulders. “Too complicated to get into.”


“We have probably four or five days of walking. You can explain it.”


Chapter 18