Curd: One of Many Goats

by J.R. Traas, Silas Jackson

A nameless goatherd sets out for, um, Djinamskimis—Djonikana—Djourneykimzish— the big city in search of connection and companionship. What begins as an ill-advised quest to get himself captured by beautiful (and murderous) sea raiders quickly devolves into a life-or-death chase that plunges our unlikely hero—and his unwilling newfound friends—into pure chaos. Cheated, robbed, and accosted by rabid hyenas, by pure accident, he falls into the crosshairs of a powerful and ancient cult with a bad itch only arbitrary death penalties can scratch… Wit. Cunning. Boundless courage. Lightning reflexes. Basic awareness of his surroundings. Our goatherd has none of these. So, it is in sheer, dumb luck that he must place his trust. Or, perhaps another force guides his clumsy feet? Something ineffable. Could it be… fate? Only the Gods, and time, may tell. A tale of three fools, in three acts. Shub-a-dubba .

190 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2023

About the author

J.R. Traas is an author, editor, and tutor who has published over twenty books, as well as various short stories and poems.

With well over a decade of teaching experience, it has been his privilege to instruct dozens upon dozens of young people in a plethora of subjects. Some of his students have won awards and scholarships for their writing. One of them calls him “Gandalf”—the highest compliment he has ever received.

Gandalf lives near Atlanta with his wife and their animal friends.

Heading over to Blankbooklibrary.com is the simplest way to reach him and, if desired, join the conversation. If you liked this story, please leave a review and spread the word. Cat food, after all, doesn’t grow on trees.