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

“Sabriea,” Magana said in a low voice. “Why have you forsaken your oaths to me?”


“It wasn’t me, my goddess,” Sabriea said quickly. She held up her hands, pleadingly. “It was the god, Farlain. He forced me to. He said he would kill us all if I didn’t aid him.”


Frye faced her angrily. “Then why did you kill my family? If you wanted to save our people, why sacrifice the ones I loved?”


Sabriea turned to Frye. “I was forced,” she repeated. “He wanted me to recruit you, too. When you refused, he made me.”


“Excuses to hide your own selfish ambitions,” Frye spat. “I can’t believe you are even trying to justify your actions.”


Sabriea turned back to Magana. “You must understand, my goddess. I tried to defy him, but I couldn’t. He was too powerful. Please be merciful. Please grant me another chance.”


Chapter 49