Alyson, alone and lost in a village in Styrony, quickly becomes enmeshed in a struggle between the fearful Black Company, the grumpy but kind-hearted Duke Landsgrafhoffer and a host of woodland creatures. Among these are thirteen trolls, too shy to show themselves to most human beings, but armed with odd magical powers and given to telling rambling stories once they get started. Excitement and dread are leavened with humor and a surreal touch that make Waverstack a joy to read. And read it you must if you want to find out what "waverstack" means