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When small-town bard Gareth Ithran arrives in Erington—the capital of Norstok—he expects to be swallowed by the noise. Instead, he’s summoned to audition for Master Thelyn’s legendary spell-concerto, A Thousand Voices, where music doesn’t just stir hearts—it bends the city’s memory. With a battered lute, a troublesome best friend, and a pocketful of doubts, Gareth must learn to listen harder than he plays. As rival guilds clash and the festival’s centerpiece teeters on magical collapse, one imperfect melody may be the only thread that can pull a thousand voices back into harmony.

Beta readers wanted: The Great Bard Festival (musical, character-driven fantasy)

Looking for a few sharp, story-loving readers to be early eyes on my short story, The Great Bard Festival—a hopeful, music-as-magic fantasy about courage, community, and finding your voice in a crowd.

About the story

• Title: The Great Bard Festival
• Genre: Adult/Upper YA fantasy; musical magic; cozy-epic vibes short story
• Length: approx. 9400 words

When small-town bard Gareth Ithran arrives in Erington—city of song and stone—he expects to be swallowed by the noise. Instead, he’s summoned to audition for Master Thelyn’s legendary spell-concerto, A Thousand Voices, where music doesn’t just stir hearts—it bends the city’s memory. With a battered lute, a troublesome best friend, and a pocketful of doubts, Gareth must learn to listen harder than he plays. As rival guilds clash and the festival’s centerpiece teeters on magical collapse, one imperfect melody may be the only thread that can pull a thousand voices back into harmony.