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

“Markle, calm down!” Frye said, batting off Markle’s attempts to strike him. “It’s me!”


“F-Frye?” Markle’s voice shook, but at least his body stilled.


Frye went to pull away, but Markle’s arms extended to wrap around him, pulling him closer. The kid’s whole body shook violently.


“Well, it’s over now. You’re fine. Take a couple deep breaths.”


Markle’s inhale was loud in the quiet room, but after, he stopped shaking so hard.


“What happened? Was it because of what I said?” The guilt that flashed within Frye hurt him with its intensity.


“No, at least, I don’t think so. There was fog. All around. And I thought I was back home, lost in a boat in the water. But then a voice called to me. It knew my name, and it echoed through the thick air. A deep voice. A commanding voice.”


Frye’s own body froze. It sounded familiar. He’d seen a place shrouded with fog in his own dreams. But he’d never heard the voice.


Chapter 30