Foster Bridget Cassidy

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

“If I am to be tried,” he said, his voice resounding over the people, “then I will be tried. But not by you. And not by your priestess. I will only submit myself to a trial by fire. Let our goddess decide who is in the right.”


A stunned quiet met Frye’s words. Markle had known of the plan, but apparently not a single other person anticipated this. Even Sabriea’s mouth hung slack.


When she recovered, she announced, “No! You are denied the right to speak to the goddess.”


“You cannot deny me,” Frye called out. “Have you all forgotten that I bear Magana’s mark?” He turned his back and awkwardly pulled down the neck of his shirt, exposing the bird tattoo on his shoulder. “Even the worst sinner is granted a trial by fire. And I demand that, as the line’s next priest.”


Now the people muttered. They didn’t agree with this new turn of events, but it seemed Frye was right; they would have to do it.


Chapter 47