With the name of Jesse Thomas Cromwell, he definitely belongs in the world of Renaissance Faires. Playing old instruments of yore and singing ballads and bawdy tunes puts him on stage. This is Jesse’s favorite pastime, and things are going well until bagpiper James opens up a competition on a neighboring stage. Jesse becomes louder and bawdier until security comes and kicks him out.<br><br>Later James finds Jesse and apologizes for the ruckus. Together with a young lad whose faire gear was stolen and James’s niece, or maybe now nephew, they hatch a plan to get back into the Ren Faire. There are signs James isn’t altogether straight, but can Jesse answer that question in a satisfying way? Especially when they just might get thrown out of the faire again?

The Troubador

Nope, I’m not going to bed. I’m going to have just one more wee bit of wine and watch Mr. Straight do his thing…oh my God he’s taking his shirt off. Oh dear, I can sleep later.


I hate straight people. I’m going to bed. Oopsadaisy!


When I woke the next morning, as usual, King Henry was rubbing his ass on my head and demanding I feed him. I sat up slowly, so he had time to—wait, wait a minute here—how in hell did I manage to…Well, shit. Okay, pussycat, I guess it’s you and me. But how will I get cat food and litter and keep you hidden? How in hell did you even get here?


King Henry jumped and tore across the cabin. He pounced. He turned. Whatever was hanging from his mouth…I saw four little legs and a tail. I closed my eyes and let my headache have its way with me. King Henry sat down to eat. I found some garb, got dressed, and bolted out of there myself.


Chapter 3