Shepherd's Journal

This journal follows Nemoy, who defied all advice to leave Svartrau for the mountains —

selling his house for a far smaller cottage — and insists it was his best decision, nosy neighbours traded

for sheep, hard work, a pipe, and magnificent valley views. Then sheep start vanishing: strange shuffling

and chittering at night left him too afraid to investigate; four animals gone by morning. Keeping watch,

he sees small shapes among the flock, taking animals and melting away — one turning large moonlit eyes on him

with what he thinks was a giggle. Daylight restores his defiance: this is his home, those are his sheep,

and next time the little creatures come he will be ready with axe and fire.