The fool nods in the corner, eyes grainy above his tankard, as the Bard finally comes to the long close of his latest tale.  The hearth has grown almost cold and the common room is near to empty, but the Bard plucks out the last few stanzas of his epic as if performing before a throng.  His voice is deep and is beginning to betray a slight rasp as he projects to his imaginary audience.  His robes are regal but threadbare, though his harp is perfect and shining.  The howling wind outside suddenly sweeps into the room as the front door bangs open and the last embers of the fire die out.  The Bard turns and fixes you with a haughty stare.

"You've missed it," he says.

The fool jerks awake and rolls his eyes nervously, for the Bard is prone to a vicious temper.

"But there's always tomorrow night," the Bard says, cracking a leering grin.  "Now let's drink."


The Accidental Bard is a blog about fantasy fiction.  While fantasy is the primary topic, news about related movie projects, science fiction, and anything else the resident minstrels might decide are relevant are also fair game.  The Bard is a gathering place for everyone out there who can't quite kick the habit.  So come on in.  The liquor's cheap.

If you want to know more about the Bard and its proprietors, hie to the About page.  If you are worried about learning too much too soon about the fantasy novels we discuss here, I suggest you read the Spoiler Policy. 

Otherwise, relax before the fire and wait: more is coming soon.