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

He shuffled each foot forward, feeling with his toes for an edge or some obstruction in his path. Time passed slowly because he had no sense of the sun or moon. There was only the blue-gray fog obscuring everything, even his body. He could only make out his hand if placed directly in front of his face.


“Markle Vanrick,” the voice called again.


This time, it sounded closer, over to his left. Increasing his pace, he went in that direction, wanting to find someone to explain what was going on. If that person knew the way out, he could go back home.


He stumbled into a small, circular clearing, full of bright, clear air, instead of stifling fog. It caught him by surprise and he took three steps into the area before coming to a stop. His eyes looked around the dome, at the barrier between the two spaces. It was a perfect semi-sphere.


Chapter 32