Zak is eleven years old. He lives with his Grandpa. Every day, he must take the sheep up to the hills to graze, but he is bored with his job. He dreams of adventure. One day, he takes his shepherd's staff and his pet kid into the hills with his flock, as usual. Two men kidnap him and his adventures begin. Along the way, his staff acquires special powers. He makes a new friend and, together, they face great danger. What will they do? How will they survive? Will Zak ever see his Grandpa again?

"This book focuses on the spellings: ay, ai, a and a-e."