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

“When are we stopping for the night?”


“Not now,” Janna answered. “We need to get to Sabriea quickly so she can decide your fate. You’re very lucky she gave explicit directions to keep you alive and unharmed. Wach wanted to tear you apart when we caught you. Running from us all these years was pointless.”


“Please,” Frye said. “Markle needs to eat. He’s exhausted. Even just a little bit of water would help him now.”


They stopped at sundown. Markle sleepily climbed from the wagon and Frye got him situated on the ground while Wach summoned a fire on a stack of collected logs. Varner tended a large slab of ham as it cooked over the open flames. The smell of it made Frye’s stomach rumble. They hadn’t eaten anything since last night.


Chapter 40