Foster Bridget Cassidy

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

Frye stumbled over his boots, nearly falling on his face on the hard-packed dirt road.


Markle stopped walking and reached out his hand to steady Frye. “Are you okay?”


Frye raised his fingers to his head, rubbing his bare skin irritably. “Fine,” he answered gruffly.


“Why don’t we stop for lunch?” Markle suggested, glancing up at the sun overhead.


They moved to the side of the road, in case any other travelers happened to pass during their break. There, Frye dug out more food from the basket.


He couldn’t believe he was trying to think of ways to keep Markle with him. It was such a bad idea. The kid was just some fisherman reject who didn’t have enough smarts or confidence to stay in his town. Even if he could use magic…


Markle stopped with a slice of bread halfway to his mouth. “My lute?”


“I’d like to try and play it. If that’s all right.”


Chapter 20