The Jester is a clean YA fantasy novella about a young man with many interests and skills who finds out what he does best. There is mystery, entertainment, adventure, and perhaps a wee bit of romance along the way. Currently, all the episodes are free to read, and new episodes drop twice a week unless life intervenes. Each episode runs from 1,500 to 2,000 words, more or less. Most episodes also include an insider’s note or two from the author.
I hope you enjoy it!
This document serves as a Table of Contents for the serially produced novella.
Episodes
(Episode Number. Chapter “Scene” - Summary)
Prologue “Margonne’s Dagger” - King Lorens II surprises his children and a few of their cousins in a place they are not supposed to be. Later, a thief steals through the darkened palace.
Homecoming “At Loose Ends” - Mardans returns to Palisade after a year with an acting troupe to seek his mother's counsel.
Brothers (1) “A Big Favor” - Mardans and King Alfons meet clandestinely in a private room at an inn.
Brother (2) “Clowning Around” - Mardans meets with Alfons and Lirens to brainstorm how to investigate the theft.
Troupes and Troops (1) “Back With the Troupe” - Mardans visits his friends in the entertainment troupe.
Troupes and Troops (2) “A Trip to Blayne” - Mardans travels to Blayne with Lirens' company and rides into unexpected trouble.
Blayne (1) “King’s Man” - Mardans takes on the role of king's Inspector of Entertainments to call on Dinae at her new place of business.
Blayne (2) “Damsel in Distress” - Mardans finds out the owner of Bardelbee's Review is withholding her pay, and she wants out.
Blayne (3) “Contract Details” - Mardans questions Bardelbee about his contract with Dinae.
Blayne (4) “The Work of Heroes” - Mardans sets his plan into motion to free Dinae from Bardelbee.
Blayne (5) “Getaway” - With a little help from a new friend, Mardans sneaks Dinae out of Bardelbee's Review to safety then does his civic duty.
Final Preparations (1) “Care to Dance?” - Mardans explains his commission to Dinae and Aran.
Final Preparations (2) “Bridgeton” - Mardans, Dinae, and Aran arrive in Bridgeton. Mardans and Lirens exchange news.
The Palace (1) “Joining the Guard” - Mardans arrives in Palisade and reports to the captain of the palace guard.
The Palace (2) “The Prince’s Rooms” - Mardans inspects Lirens' rooms for planted, incriminating evidence.
Performance (1) “Grand Arrival” - Mardans and Dinae arrive in Palisade in the Jester's Wagon to great acclaim.
Performance (2) “Command Performance” - Dance and Red perform before the royal family in the palace, both insulting and captivating the audience.
Dead Ends (1) “Stalled Investigation” - Mardans seeks out Tiena's expertise about how to proceed in his investigation.
Dead Ends (2) “A Rough Morning” - A serving girl's body is found draped over Alfons' throne, and Mardans is called to investigate her death.
Interviews (1) “The Dowager Queen” - Following his sole clue, Mardans interviews the Dowager Queen and her pretty lady-in-waiting about the victim.
Interviews (2) “The Grieving Mother” - Mardans interviews the victim's mother and her best friend.
Cat and Mouse (1) “A Trap Set” - Mardans plans a trap for the murderer and starts a manhunt for the outsider at the servants' party.
Cat and Mouse (2) “A Challenge Issued” - Dance and Red perform before the king's relatives, giving them an unforgettable performance.
Revolting Developments (1) “Never Trust a Drunk Jester” - Dance feigns drunkenness to eavesdrop in the palace's common dining hall.
Revolting Developments (2) “Seeing Red” - Dinae crosses paths with Désira Tilanta at a dress shop.