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

Janna answered. “This is a pet Frye picked up along the way. Markle. He’s a fisherman from a northern coastal town. He has a singing magic, so we brought him back for you.”


Sabriea gently pat Janna’s cheek, and the other woman beamed. “You did well, Janna. Exactly as you should have.” She walked closer to Markle, inspecting him minutely. “A singing magic. How interesting. I’ve never heard of that branch before, but it does make sense. Magana is foolish in the ways she blesses the people. You’ve disabled his abilities?”


“Yes, he’s under a silencing spell.”


She made an appreciative noise. “Excellent. I’m pleased you had the foresight to keep him functional. It was worth the risk to keep his magic intact.” She turned to Janna. “How did his magic work?”


Varner spoke up. “We had them both tied up, Priestess. But then the little pet started to sing a song about lighting bonfires and their ropes burst into flames.”


Chapter 43