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

It is a performance. Why didn’t he bring me along?


Terrible, self-deprecating thoughts filled Markle’s head. Frye was ashamed of him. Frye didn’t think him good enough to play at this grand of a venue. Frye had never thought Markle talented. It’d all been lies.


The musicians on stage scurried off and Frye sauntered out into the middle. He called for attention and few heeded it, but that didn’t deter his enthusiasm. He began to move his hips in that provocative fashion Markle had seen in Hippshaw. He swiveled and spun, giving images of rising passion and an approaching climax.


Markle gasped for air, overwhelmed by the fervent desire racing through his veins.


This was the same dance. Frye’s “special” dance. Why was he keeping Markle from seeing it again?


Then, the tension became almost palpable as Frye leapt into the air and kicked out his legs. Such beauty and elegance. How could a mere mortal move in such an unearthly way?


Chapter 26