Troll Hunter: Witch for Hire: Gretchen's (Mis)Adventures Boxed Sets, #0.5

By P.A. Mason

Troll eradication may not be on Gretchen's resume, but strapped for cash, she's prepared to try her hand at bounty hunting.

 

And maybe a stray love potion while she's at it. Without a decent payday in months, she's close to calling it quits, and if she doesn't come through, her reputation (and the prospect of more customers) will be ruined.

 

Between an insolent spell book, an old friend too sick to run her favorite tavern and a new guy in town who is the object of every maiden's desire, Gretchen scrambles to keep everyone happy. 

 

Trip trap, trip trap, this troll packs a mighty punch.

 

A potion cocktail has unintended side effects with massive ramifications and Gretchen has no idea how she did it. If she doesn't fix it, she'll be forced to hang up her witches hat and serve drinks for the rest of her days.

 

Check out these witchy short reads each month for a new spin on a classic tale. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: P.A. Mason
• Release date: Jul 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393693789

Book preview

Copyright © 2020 P.A Mason

First Edition

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, contact [e-mail]

Cover design by P.A. Mason

Editing Services from CJ Skye

pamasonauthor.com

CHAPTER 1

Gretchen hummed a tune as she bottled the last of her wart serum and stacked them in her pantry. It had been a quiet week, but she knew stocking up now would save her trouble when the first chills of winter rolled around, and she’d be up to her eyeballs in runny noses.

Mulligan edged closer to the cauldron and took a tentative sniff of the dregs at the bottom. I’d mind your tongue, Mulligan. That brew is meant for killing stubborn warts, and with your temperament it might vanquish you altogether. Remember what happened last time you poked around in one of my potions? You’re a lot less purple than you used to be, but I’m the only one who thinks the color suits you. Gretchen barked a laugh, and the feline hissed. She swung the cauldron on its hook and grabbed a cloth when the bell by the door rang out. She spun on her heel with a grin. Customers, Mulligan!

Wiping her hands, she scurried over and swung the door open with what she hoped was a polite smile. A waif of a girl with an unfortunately large nose stood on her threshold wringing her hands. Can I help you, kid?

The girl licked her lips, and her eyes darted.

Gretchen smiled knowingly and cackled. A love potion, I see. Who is the unfortunate soul?

The girl recoiled with a scowl and turned her nose in the air. Never you mind, witch. Can you help or not?

Gretchen tapped the side of her nose and winked. I brew the finest love potion this side of the river. Guaranteed to have them drooling all the way to the altar.

The girl pressed her lips together and looked her up and down. How much?

Gretchen leaned against the doorframe and rubbed her chin while calculating. Three gold coins. The ingredients are hard to come by.

The girl’s jaw dropped, and she took a step back. Three? For a brew that might not even work?

Gretchen snickered and waved a hand. "Girl, you should see the fellas lined up at my door on a Friday night. Why, witches don’t keep brooms just for flying, you know. They come in real handy when you need to start batting them away with a stick. With their poems scribbled in notebooks and bunches of flowers..."

The girl’s eyes widened, and Gretchen frowned as she scampered away around the back of the house. She leaned around her porch to get a better view of the road.

Three men marched toward the house, and if Gretchen wasn’t mistaken, one of them was the mayor. Her house wasn’t on the way to anywhere in particular, and when they turned to open her garden gate, she couldn’t believe her luck. Four customers in one day. Providing the kid didn’t skedaddle. How can I help you fine gentlemen today?

The mayor stepped forward, and the other two lingered by the gate. One of them she was sure was the mayor’s son, and the other looked like a farmer. When she tried a friendly smile, only the son returned the gesture.

Ah, yes. The town requires your services, madam. We seem to have an infestation problem.

His lip curled, and Gretchen nodded slowly. Right… the ah, lice kind? Or perhaps something a little more… personal?

The mayor bristled, and he glowered at her. Not on our persons! This fine citizen, he waved a hand at the farmer, has a troll that has taken up residence under a bridge by his farm.

It’s eating our cattle, the farmer piped up.

A troll? Gretchen frowned. I don’t think I have a potion for that. Wouldn’t a hunter be more fitting in this kind of situation?

The mayor coughed, and his son waved a hand to silence the farmer. We ah, tried that. Didn’t work.

Gretchen leaned back where she stood and held a hand up. Whoa, now. You want me to sort out a troll who gave one of your biggest and burliest a thrashing?

We thought it best that it’s dealt with… by one of your kind. The mayor didn’t bother to conceal his disdain. He may be more inclined to trust you. It’s simply a matter of slipping him some of your rat poison and the matter will be concluded.

Or, Gretchen raised her eyebrows, I go down there, and he fancies a witch sandwich.

The mayor clapped his hands together and drew a deep breath. "We can make it well worth your while. The price of the cattle that creature has consumed has put quite the dent in the