The Bard and the Siren: Bart the Bard, #4

By Paula Luther

Bart the Bard is unsure of the direction his life is going--he certainly never expected his singing to gain magical properties. But something much more concerning unexpectedly happens when Fiona Featherly, his half-siren teacher, leaves the castle without telling anyone where she is going. Bart, his talking cat Wilbur, and their friends Edgar and Karen must set out to help Fiona before it's too late to bring her back. But will she want to return?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paula Luther
• Release date: Nov 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223338857

Book preview

Chapter One

BART WAS A BARD, AND it was a dream come true for him. He had worked for so long to achieve this goal, but he hadn’t done it alone—the half-siren Fiona Featherly had been an incredibly patient teacher. Bart was wise enough to realize he owed a great deal to Fiona, and he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to repay her.

Even though becoming a proper bard had been his one and only dream in life, the reality had brought some unexpected developments. Bart had merely wanted to perform the music he loved (and maybe get a girlfriend in the process). He certainly never expected his music to serve as a magical weapon, yet his surprising abilities had saved the lives of his friends against the machinations of the sorceress Bertha.

Bart was more than a bard now. He was a hero. The only problem was that heroism made him uncomfortable.

This still seems unreal, he commented to Wilbur one afternoon. It was a sunny and clear day, and Bart had stopped in the hallway to gaze out the window.

It will feel real soon enough, Wilbur reassured him, his feline companion stretched out in the sunny patch on the floor. It will happen faster if you stop complaining all of the time and just keep moving forward.

I’m not complaining. I’m glad I was able to save everyone. There’s just so much more I’m expected to do now. Why do you think I can’t be a normal bard?

If Charlie were here, he’d say it wouldn’t as be as exciting a story that way. Wilbur sat up lazily, blinking slowly in the bright sun. Speaking of Charlie, shouldn’t he be here soon? Someone’s got to take Bertha off to magic prison; the whole debacle with Quick Wing is proof we shouldn’t be keeping her here.

Ed said he should be here later today, but I don’t know exactly when. Bart turned away from the window and glanced down the hallway. I was hoping to talk to him if I got the chance.

Will he have time for it? Wilbur wondered. I imagine he’ll want to take care of Bertha as quickly as possible, not listen to your ridiculous questions and comments.

Bart was about to protest that his questions and comments were not in the least bit ridiculous when a stray piece of paper on the floor caught his attention.

I wonder who dropped this, he mused as he stooped to pick it up. It might be important; whoever dropped it probably wants it back.

Wilbur meandered over to take a quick sniff. It’s Fiona’s, he remarked with some surprise.

Fiona’s? I haven’t seen her much today. I wonder when she dropped it. Bart folded the letter and put it in his tunic pocket. Well, I’m sure she’ll be helping Ed and Charlie with Bertha, so I’ll just give this to her later.

"You might as well go down to