The Ballad of Captain Thatch: The Faire Pendant Series, #2

By Leah Price

A pirate invasion, a magic pendant, and a dangerous quest to save Otherworld...

Glenna's life is anything but ordinary. The daughter of Renaissance festival vendors, Glenna's days are filled with magic and medieval reenactments as she travels the faire circuit with her family.

The one day, Glenna's life changes forever. With the help of a pendant, she discovers Otherworld. An enchanged realm, Otherworld is the land in which all of the myths and magic woven by the Renaissance players comes to life!

To make things even more complicated, it's pirate weekend at the festival! The faire grounds are crawling with pirates, both in the real world and Otherworld. And, as Glenna quickly discovers, the pirates can do real damage in both worlds.

Can Glenna stop the marauding pirates? Can she become the pirate queen the residents of Otherworld need her to be? And, perhaps most importantly, can she find a way to juggle both her life in the real world and Otherworld without damaging either?

If you like strong female characters, dangerous quests, and epic journeys through vivid lands of imagination, you'll love The Ballad of Captain Thatch.

Perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones, Michael Buckley, and Chris Colfer.

Buy The Ballad of Captain Thatch today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Talebearers Publishing
• Release date: Nov 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781507058350

Leah Price

Leah Price was born and raised in Tennessee. She enjoys reading and writing as well as horseback riding and traveling. After studying abroad and working in a variety of locations, she has returned to Tennessee and devoted herself to writing. She LOVES hearing from her readers so don’t hesitate to drop her a line at www.LeahPrice.com.

Book preview

The Faire Pendant

The Ballad of Captain Thatch

by Leah Price

THE FAIRE PENDANT

THE BALLAD OF CAPTAIN THATCH

Published by

Talebearers Publishing

Nashville

Copyright © 2014 Leah Price.

Cover Photo © justdd / Adobe Stock

Cover Frame © Leah Price

All Rights Reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One - The Beginning

Chapter Two - Otherworld

Chapter Three - Ash

Chapter Four - Rose and Stock

Chapter Five - The Great Plan

Chapter Six - Captain Thatch

Chapter Seven - Shelter

Chapter Eight - The Sword

Chapter Nine - The Stowaway

Chapter Ten - The Pirate Magician

Chapter Eleven - The End

Sneak Peak

Also by Leah Price

About Leah Price

Connect with Leah Price

Acknowledgements

As always, this book is dedicated to children everywhere, but especially the dreamers & storytellers.

I would also like to dedicate this book to those brave enough to do what is right even when it isn’t easy.

I’d like to thank my friends and family and my readers. Without all of you, this wouldn’t be possible. I’d also like to thank my editor for all of her help.

CHAPTER ONE

THE BEGINNING

GLENNA TATE ADJUSTED the eye patch over her right eye and gazed into the mirror. She snarled as viciously as she could, watching her reflection. It needs something, Glenna thought. She grabbed a scarlet sash and tied it around her waist with a flamboyant knot on her left side. Her pendant hung around her neck, sparkling against her billowing white shirt in the narrow shaft of light streaming through the tent. A dented and broken spyglass was tucked securely under the sash, completing the ensemble. From her tousled blonde hair to her booted feet, Glenna looked every inch a pirate.

She nodded happily at herself in the mirror before joining her family in the main part of the tent.

The Tates had arrived early to the Renaissance festival and, the weather being nice, had decided to set up their tent. While Glenna appreciated having an RV to retreat to during bad weather and long trips, she loved attending the fairs that were long enough for her parents to justify setting up in the vendors' grove.

Though it was early spring, a warm breeze blew from the southeast, sending the tent snapping and popping against the posts. Her parents had rolled up three sides of the main living area, exposing their makeshift kitchen and living room to the early morning sunlight.

Glenna joined them, anticipation building. She was excited to show her family her costume. She didn't have to wait long.

Wow! Glenna's little brother, David, shouted from his spot on the floor. His favorite knight toppled over as David straightened from the crouched position he always assumed over his miniature toys. Glenna! You look just like a pirate.

Mrs. Tate glanced up from her paperwork as she knelt on the floor nearby, going through the inventory. She laughed as she gazed at her daughter. You look beautiful, Glenna. You must have worked hard at that costume.

Glenna shrugged. It wasn't too hard. I just used my leggings and one of the shirts that dad gave me from Roger.

Roger Atterberry, a friend of the family and a traveling magician, often gave gifts of old clothing to Mr. and Mrs. Tate, though neither ever used them. He was always encouraging them to get into the spirit of things. While Glenna's parents enjoyed working at Renaissance fairs, they were very practical and not very interested in dressing up. Oftentimes, the clothes were recycled into outfits for David and Glenna. Once, however, Glenna had seen Atterberry pressure her father into trying on one of his more ludicrous magician outfits. Mrs. Tate had laughed until she cried.

Pirate weekend again? Mr. Tate asked. These themed weekends really throw me off.

They're fun though, Mrs. Tate said. Just look at how cute Glenna looks.

Glenna smiled as David jumped to his feet. I want to dress up, too. I'll be right back. He rushed from the living area to the tented room he and Glenna shared, reappearing minutes later in a loose white shirt and khaki shorts. A bandanna was tied loosely around his head, and Mrs. Tate laughed as she adjusted it. She kissed his cheek, and he squirmed in her grasp.

Squeezing him in a tight hug, she smiled. Ready, kids?

HALF AN HOUR LATER, the Tates left their tent. David had insisted on modifying his costume and had delayed their departure. The faire was now in full early morning mode as the family walked slowly to their designated spot. Mr. Tate groaned as he staggered along, a heavy bag containing their collapsible chairs slung across his back. He and Mrs. Tate tugged at the cart packed tightly with their wares as they walked.

I think we got a great spot this year, Mr. Tate said. The main thoroughfare is always busy.

Glenna nodded along with her brother. Her fingers slipped against the large cardboard box she carried as she followed them. She was thankful she had flipped the eye patch up and onto her forehead. She definitely needed both eyes to traverse the winding path. David craned his neck, his hands occupied with several bags. He searched the crowd with anxious eyes. Glenna suspected he was looking for his new friend, Sam. He had met Sam the previous weekend at a smaller Renaissance faire.

It had been an unusual one. Glenna's parents had decided to participate in it, despite its size. It had been her birthday, and Glenna had received the gift of a pendant from an older woman named Byfroste. The pendant, Glenna had discovered, allowed her to travel to Otherworld, a place where everyone became the character they played in the faire.

Since the week before, Glenna hadn't been able to visit Otherworld. She had begun to wonder if she had dreamed the whole thing. A thrill of excitement went through Glenna as she realized that today would be a perfect chance to try again. She almost reached for the pendant hanging around her neck before she remembered the heavy box in her hands. She sighed with relief as her parents' booth came into view.

Looking for Sam? Glenna asked her brother. He grinned at her.

Of course! Sam's fun. He said they were going to be here. David wrinkled his forehead in concern, his green eyes searching her hazel ones as if seeking an answer. Do you think... do you think he might have been wrong? What if they couldn't make it?

Glenna realized then how much Sam's friendship meant to her brother. In general, David was the type of boy who approached life with calm and ease. His kind and loyal disposition made him naturally trusting. She often wished she possessed his easy self-confidence.

If he told you they were going to be here, I'm sure they will, Glenna assured him. Maybe they went home between, like we did. If they were close enough to go home between festivals, the Tate’s always tried to. It made it much easier for her parents to complete their work and restock the trailer. You know some people arrive later than others.

I know, David said, but I wish he was here now. I want to show him my costume.

Glenna smiled. Unhappy with his original costume, David had assembled quite an outfit and was very proud of it. He had pulled out an old pair of his khaki's, asking permission from their mother before cutting them. They now reached to just around his shins and were tied with a rope around the waist to hold them up. An old dark shirt had also seen the sharp edge of the scissors and was now a vest of some type over his white t-shirt. The best part of David's costume, though, was the combination of her mother's red scarf tied around his forehead, ends trailing, and the picture of a bird he had drawn and colored on a piece of cardboard and fastened to his vest. It bobbed and floated in the breeze as he stomped along. Aren't we almost there yet?

Yes, we are here. Mr. Tate stopped in front of their booth and began untying the strings holding it closed. But don't run off so soon. We could use your help to set up a bit this morning.

Glenna watched as her parents finished untying the edges of the canvas and rolled it up tightly, securing it near the top of the tent and revealing a long bare table.

Well. Mrs. Tate dusted her hands off as she surveyed the empty space with a critical eye. She knelt to the ground, opening one of the many containers. Let's get to work.

THE SUN MADE THE BACK of Glenna's neck hot as she crouched over the last box, slowly removing the carefully wrapped items and handing them to her mother. Trickles of sweat ran down Glenna's back, and she shifted uncomfortably.

At least this is the last one. As she removed the last item from the box, a loud bell clanged, signaling the opening of the gates.

Already? Mrs. Tate asked.

Mr. Tate squinted at the large clock in the distance. Yep, looks like it.

Whew, Mrs. Tate said as she accepted the last item from Glenna and placed it carefully on the table. She collapsed into a nearby chair, her arms resting wearily on the armrests. I thought we'd have time for a short break before it opened, but I guess not. We've been running behind all morning.

Glenna rose to her

Reviews for The Ballad of Captain Thatch

[sheriawilkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Ballad of Captain Thatch (The Faire Pendant Series, Book 2)
by Leah Price

Glenna is the daughter of Renaissance vendors. She lives and exciting life. One day she finds and pendant that leads her to discover another realm known as Otherworld. Once in the new realm she encounters pirates. Soon she must save Otherworld and the real world.

A fast paced fun fantasy/adventure. Glenna is very sweet and lovable. Her mission is exciting and a bit dangerous, but she is determined to make a difference and help out any way she can.

Also other enjoyable people and magical creatures becomes friends and foes to Glenna. Full of action, adventure and fun, I highly recommend The Ballad of Captain Thatch to Upper Middle School, Young Adults and Adults as well, who love a great magical adventure story.