Maewyn Bridgepost, the tiniest Hapenny, a race of little people, spends her days, from breakfast to midnight nibble, scrubbing the hearth, slopping the pigs, and cooking for her guardian, Gelbane, who never spares a kind word.
As if life as a servant isn't bad enough, Mae learns that Gelbane is a troll and Hapennies are a troll delicacy.
Years ago, a spell trapped Gelbane in Mae's village.
Ever since, Gelbane has been chiseling away the magic protections and now Mae's home is destined to becom.