Short Take: “The End of the Trail,” Louis Rakovich

Pros: Salt makes for an interesting backdrop
Cons: The pacing seems a little off; end came a tad quickly
Rating: 4 out of 5

Louis Rakovich’s The End of the Trail is a novelette, a very short piece of work, but it is interesting. The main character has no name, but has more prestige than his fellows, including, now and then, the ear of the king. One day he’s sent for, only to find out that the king is quite ill. The king’s young queen sends the man on an errand–find the witch who cursed him; take off her head if she won’t cure it. Then go to a second man who might have the power to undo the witch’s curse.

Nothing, of course, is quite what it seems–sometimes several times over. This is a short book, however, so there isn’t much more I can say without giving too much away. This is very fairy tale-ish in style, and I like the way the salt is used. If you have a half an hour to fill and like dark fairy tales, I’d give this one a shot.