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

“I’m going to buy some firewood,” Frye said, walking to the door. “Or else we’ll freeze in here tonight. I’ll be right back. Don’t go wandering.”


“Don’t open the door for anyone.”


Frye stared at him blankly for a moment, then nodded. He left.


Markle sank onto the bed, pulling his travel pack close. He opened it and dug out his lute. Its weight and shape were familiar in his hands. His only connection to the life he’d left behind.


He positioned the lute on his lap, clasping the neck in his fingers. Gently, he stroked the strings, the soft sound echoing off the walls. The action calmed him. For the first time since leaving home, he felt really unsettled.


Frye had been a good companion for the past two days. But as soon as they stepped foot into this city, something had changed. On the outside, the dancer was the same; he remained cheerful and charming with others. Beneath that, he roiled, choppy swells in the height of a storm. Something was wrong.


Chapter 22