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

“Search Frye for weapons. I’m sure he has at least one besides the one on his belt.”


Wach confiscated Frye’s belt knife, then patted him down until he found the one hidden in his boot.


Frye gave them a toothy grin. “The one in my bag makes three.”


“Come along now,” Janna said, tapping her leg like calling a dog. “Behave yourselves from here on out.”


Frye glared at her, then assisted Markle back toward the road.


Janna sent Suun and Wach ahead to get their coach from the town, leaving her and Varner to watch over the captives. If Markle had an instrument, they might have been able to escape. A chill ran up Frye’s spine. If they figured out Markle’s magic wasn’t singing, they would not be so kind with their treatment of him.


Chapter 39