A Shepherd’s Journal Note · غنائم العالم

And they said, ‘Nemoy, that’s a bad idea.’ Ha! They can stuff it – moving out from Svartrau and into the mountains was the best decision I’ve ever made. True, I had to sell my house, and this cottage I bought instead is much, much smaller and offers fewer comforts. But now I can live how I want, without any nosy neighbours trying to meddle in my affairs. And I got myself a nice herd of sheep. Learning how to take care of them can’t be that difficult.

(...)

Herding sheep is difficult. And the smell! Can’t get used to it. But at least nobody bothers me out here. And there’s nothing better than settling down after a day of hard work, lighting a pipe, and taking in the view of the valley down there. Magnificent.

(...)

Some of my sheep are missing. Last night I heard weird noises outside, as if something were shuffling about and chittering. I admit I was too afraid to take a look. And in the morning, I counted the herd and indeed – four of them had been taken! Wolves?

(...)

Last night I kept watch. And I saw… something. Some small shapes, walking amidst my sheep. They took a few animals and disappeared. But before they were gone, one of them looked straight at me. I saw large eyes shining in the moonlight. And I think it giggled. Maybe I should leave before those things snatch me as well?

(...)

Sometimes it takes daylight to realise how silly we are to let our fears guide us. I’m not going anywhere – this is my home now. And those are my fucking sheep. I didn’t get used to the smell for nothing! So – next time those little creatures come, I’ll be ready. I’ve got my axe, and I can start a big fire to keep them away. They will rue the day they decided to bother me and mine!