The Jester (A Riyria Chronicles Tale)

“The Jester” is a Riyria story that throws readers directly into — a well. Literally! You begin this tale following along with Hadrian as he, Royce, a candlemaker, and a pig farmer plunge down an open well and crash into the underground pool below.As Hadrian and Royce frantically attempt to save themselves and their companions from the dark waters, it becomes apparent that they are on a mission to uncover a jester’s treasure hidden somewhere in this dwarven mine, that they are having a pretty tough go of it, and that they threw themselves down the well to escape something horrible that is after them.At this point, things look really bleak for Riyria. So much so that long time fans will be gripping their seats wondering how their favorite fantasy duo will be able to escape this seemingly insurmountable situation and complete their contract. And the truth is they DON”T!No, that isn’t a spoiler, it is a warning. This is a short story that pulls the rug out from under our heroes, showing them struggling to survive. Sure, Hadrian and Royce still crack a few sarcastic jabs at one another, mock the others view on life, but here getting out alive is the name of the game, not witty repertoire — though there is a bit of that, as I mentioned. And even the conclusion is more morality play than standard fantasy ending, though Mr. Sullivan still manages to pull all the tangled story threads together to deliver the nice, tight climax that he is known for.Does all that gushing mean this is the best fantasy short story I’ve ever read? No, it doesn’t. What it does mean is that “The Jester” is an entertaining way to visiting our old friends Hadrian and Royce while we wait for The Death of Dulgath (The Riyria Chronicles #3) to hit bookshelves!

The story starts with characters falling into water in a state that makes them barely able catch enough breath to stay afloat and swim 10 feet to the shore, yet somehow they are able to have a lengthy conversation. Then they run and hide from a monster, but instead of being as quiet as possible start shouting and bickering like little children. Completely ridiculous. Well, at least I did not have to pay...

This short is included in an anthology called Unfettered. I hate it when authors publish stories in anthologies & then publish them as stand-alones. At least it was free, which is more than I can say about a number of other stories I've purchased then in essence purchased again in anthologies. With that out of the way, I can say that it was pretty good. I got confused a bit because it seemed like we were coming in in the middle of a story we should know about, but I can only think this was a deliberate choice. The author did a pretty good job of orienting us as the story went on, but it was confusing for someone who had already read the first of the Riyria chronicles. I wasn't sure if I should know where this fit in. As an introduction to the world, I think it is good. I think I actually looked the author up after reading this story in Unfettered. It was just disappointing because I didn't remember the title from Unfettered & I thought I'd be reading something new.

I have to admit that I'm pretty much addicted to the adventures of Royce and Hadrian and am therefore inclined to love any story featuring them. This short story has all the hallmarks of a good Riyria adventure: lots of action, witty dialogue and challenging circumstances worthy of Riyria. If only it were a novella instead of a short story! As it is, so much has to be simply mentioned in passing:"Wilmer only started screaming because you turned that statue to the left and made the floor drop away.” Myra smirked. “I didn’t have a choice. Have you forgotten about the snakes? And Royce wasn’t doing anything about them.” “I was busy trying to stop the walls from closing in,” Royce said absently."I'd really like to have actually heard about the snakes and the statue and the floor. And the spider as big as a river barge. And the arrow. And the thing with claws.Okay, it's a short story so there's got to be that sort of thing and there is and a lot more like it. And I absolutely don't mean this as a negative. I really liked the story. I just think it would have made a really good novella and, frankly, I don't think it would be possible to have too much of Riyria.

This is a great short story. Has suspense and comedy and still manages to have a bit of interesting history to go with it. I read it AFTER reading all of the Chronicles and Revelations books, and it was icing on the cake. Love me some Royce and Hadrian. This story packs a powerful punch in not so many pages, and I love that!

The story started out a little weird but it did pick up but the plot overall was a little off. Its about people talking but they are falling into water that doesnt allow them to breathe? Im not sure it was good overall but just a little odd

4.5 Short Story StarsThis was free from audible and it was such a fun quick short story of just one of the predicaments Hadrian and Royce got themselves into during the Riyria Tales.Trapped in a room with their client and a pig farmer they must chose between 3 options to get out and only one will work while the other will lead to certain death. What to do, what to do?Great if you want to get a glimpse at one of my favorite bromances in literature or if you just can't get enough of the Riyria couple and their shenanigans. Plus the narrator Tim Gerard Reynolds is always amazing.

This book is not only enjoyble, but also great in the description of characters. It is a fantasy story full of humor in which I really got to know the protagonists, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater, a team of thieves. The story is drawn through the adventures and the feeling of gaming of a short tale, but it offers as much details as a novel. I wish I could keep going through more surprising anecdotes!

Excellent short story that could easily be filled out, and hopefully will be. Great into for those just discovering Riyria and it’s dynamic.

Royce and Hadrian have forever stolen my heart as my favourite book characters. Their personalities, skills and humour are addictive. I never knew I could love fictional characters this much. Michael...thank you!

Great short story

Not bad story but like most short stories especially if good you want it to continue and be longer 😀

A fitting end to a good story