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

A memory of his mother swam into his mind. Of her singing as she cooked dinner, Markle accompanying her with his lute, or flute, or drum. They’d reach the refrain and he’d pause. She’d take over the performance, her beautiful, strong voice echoing off the kitchen’s wooden walls.


Voice. It could be an instrument too. But how to use it?


Think of the fire, Frye had prompted last night, getting Markle to unwittingly activate his dormant magic. Fire would do the trick now, if he could direct it at their binds.


“I don’t believe you,” Markle said. “In my village, our god, Farlain, forbade magic. We used to hold festivals on the beach, around campfires, and sing about the eradication of magic. It was all taken away eons ago. There is no magic.”


“And just what do you know about the world, little pet?” the other man asked, leaning in close to Markle’s face. “Aren’t you just a fisherman? Do the fish you catch keep you up to date on the gossip in other places?”


Chapter 36