A story for a stone. A stone to save her people...

The village life of a dressmaker comes with few surprises but a lot of activity. Just the way Erin likes it. She still has time to visit her best friend in the neighboring village, only has to travel to the castle occasionally, and generally enjoys her quiet life. Even when a troll takes up residence under the bridge leading out of the village, the only thing it requires to allow passage is a story. If the troll likes the story, it leaves the teller a stone.

Erin regales the troll with many stories as she crosses the bridge, but never receives a stone. She accepts her tales just don't please the troll. Not everyone can spin stone-worthy stories. And at least the troll doesn't otherwise bother her.

But when a mysterious threat starts to stalk the village, Erin learns just how valuable a good story can be. Because one story will be the difference between saving the lives of the people she loves, or the death of everything she holds dear.

Author's Note: The Troll and the Dressmaker is also published in the contemporary fantasy collection HAUNTS AND HOWLS AND FAIRY DALES.