The Tinder-Box — Michael Bedard

One, two! One, two! The soldier comes marching down the road on his way home from the wars. Little does he know that the old woman who waits by the gnarled tree will change his life forever. Copper, silver and more gold than he could ever have imagined can be his for the taking if only he will bring her the tinder box she so desires. But why does she want the tarnished old thing so badly, when all that wealth could be hers? The soldier ponders if the three gigantic dogs who guard the money are a part of the secret. We have only to look into their wondrous eyes to know that they are. In this unique retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's classic, Michael Bedard sweeps up along with the steady, relentless rhythm of a soldier's footsteps. Adventure, greed, danger and the love of a beautiful princess are the ingredients for a perfect fairy tale. This one has them all and more.