With reference to the telling (8)
I believe the answer is:
relation
This clue might be a double definition.
'with reference' is the first definition.
'relation' can be an answer for 'reference' (eg 'in relation to' means 'in reference to'). I'm not sure about the 'with' bit.
'the telling' is the second definition.
(to relate a story can mean to tell it)
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for relation that I've seen before include "Kinsman or kinswoman" , "Auntie?" , "Reference" , "Mum or dad" , "Kinsman; narrative" .)