A Handsome Thief with a Certain Charm
Posted on May 26, 2025 by Martin
By Martin L. Shoemaker Note: This story was dictated by The Instant Bard (a.k.a. me) at the Niles Renaissance Faire on May 17, 2025. This is a cleaned-up version of that transcript, with only one small but crucial… Read More
Category: Instant Bard Tags: Ferdiland, King Ferdinand, Lord Bren, Queen Mother Hermia
The Toucan and the King
Posted on May 19, 2025 by Martin
By Martin L. Shoemaker Once the toucan was the favored bird of the king. He sang sweetly every daybreak, and mournfully in the evening. He perched on the king’s shoulder during the day, whispering advice. Sometimes the king… Read More
Category: Instant Bard
The Road Twice Taken
Posted on May 19, 2025 by Martin
(With apologies to Robert Frost) By Martin L. Shoemaker Two roads diverged in a gray, dying wood. And knowing I dare not travel each, For one led to my doom, and that I would Shun if that truth… Read More
Category: Instant Bard
Nighttime Visits
Posted on May 19, 2025 by Martin
By Martin L. Shoemaker John Horner sat at his table and poured himself a double of Jameson’s. He could already feel it was going to be one of those nights. He was ready to get thoroughly drunk and… Read More
Category: Instant Bard
Countdown
Posted on May 19, 2025 by Martin
By Martin L. Shoemaker Looking out into the black void of space, she felt her muscles tense as she readied for the long leap. She was ready for this, had trained for this, and still she clung to… Read More
Category: Instant Bard
crunch (a dragon’s lament)
Posted on May 19, 2025 by Martin
By Martin L. Shoemaker crunch gnawing on old bones that crunch dark but I won’t sleep because I always creep in the dark slime drips from my scales as the autumn moon pales and the poor quarry flails… Read More
Category: Instant Bard, What's on my Minds...
The Royal Wedding Cake Gambit – Rough Cut
Posted on May 19, 2025 by Martin
By Martin L. Shoemaker Exactly as recorded at the Niles Renaissance Faire, May 18, 2025. Look for a cleaned-up version soon. This is the Instant Bard. Yep, happy to have you join me. I’m getting started in about… Read More
Category: Instant Bard
A Handsome Thief with a Certain Charm – Rough Cut
Posted on May 19, 2025 by Martin
By Martin L. Shoemaker Exactly as recorded at the Niles Renaissance Faire, May 17, 2025. Look for a cleaned-up version soon. Men and women fighting for the honor of the Queen and the Niles Renaissance Fair. You’re not… Read More
Category: Instant Bard, What's on my Minds...
Winnifred the Wise Woman
Posted on May 9, 2025 by Martin
No one alive remembers Winnifred’s youth–not even her! It is said that she’s no older than the mountains. She must be younger than that, they admit, but how much so? No one has an answer. Winnifred has lived… Read More
Category: Instant Bard
King Ferdinand of Ferdiland
Posted on May 9, 2025 by Martin
Ferdinand the First, King of the Principality of Ferdiland, was a good king–as kings go. He was a kind man, to the degree that his responsibilities allowed. He was a fair and just king, or at least that… Read More
Category: Instant Bard