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

“I love you,” Markle whispered, glad he could say the words aloud. He’d wanted to say it so many times over the past days. “I love you.”


“I love you,” Frye repeated. “We’ll have to talk more later. For now, we need to reestablish peace in the village.”


Frye backed away, but his lips still curved in a beautiful smile. Then he turned to the scared villagers.


“My people,” he called out loudly. He didn’t need magic to amplify his voice. He was a natural performer. “Sabriea is guilty of sinning against the goddess. Magana has punished her for it.” Frye turned to Markle. “Can you bring her over here?”


Markle strummed the borrowed mandolin and Sabriea flew through the air toward them. He set her down on Frye’s other side. Her face looked pale and her eyes didn’t blink.


“You all know Sabriea was marked on her left heel. The goddess took that mark, and her magic.”


Chapter 50