The lord of Laughter, the Monarch of Mirthif only the bumbling 17-year-old Sebastian Darke could be a successful jester like his father. The problem is Sebastians not funny. But after his fathers death, with no choice but to beg in the streets, the half-human, half-elf teen sets off with Max, his fathers slightly cynical Buffalope, to offer his services as a jester to King Septimus of Keladon. On the way they meet Captain Cornelius Drummel, small in stature, but the fiercest of fighters. The three rescue the fair princess Kerin, whos being held captive by brigands, and happily escort her home. If only Sebastian knew the kidnapping was engineered by the evil King Septimus!From the Hardcover edition.