Shepherd Read Online Free

air-breathing mollusk, a squish, I think; is that the term?”
    “A squid. Ten long tentacular arms, a deep ocean dweller.”
    “A squid,” she agreed, getting it straight. “This one illuminated the darkness of the cave and breathed air, at least in part. Is there such a squid on Earth?”
    “I'm pretty sure there isn't. They aren't built to go on land, having no bony skeleton. No reason to breathe air. So such a discovery would indeed be remarkable.”
    “And I knew the date: half a year hence.”
    Shep considered that. “I think we are in an unusual situation, lying here beside the sheep, guarded by a python. So we experienced unusual dreams.”
    “That must be it. I will return to my place so you can sleep in peace.”
    “Must you?” He had spoken before he thought.
    “Are you thinking of my body?”
    He felt himself flushing. “I apologize.”
    “Don't do that! I shouldn't have shown you.”
    “Probably you shouldn't have, yes. Such a sight turns a man on. He's hard-wired.”
    “I did not mean to tease you. I was annoyed because you thought me a child.”
    “I was badly mistaken.”
    “I'll sleep here,” she decided. She still held his hand.
    Shep did not protest, though her near presence tormented him. It was possible that was her intention. He was determined not to let his distress show, though probably she knew. If they were in a kind of competition, she was ahead.
    What did she really want?
    “Tomorrow you must tell me of Earth,” she said.
    “I will.” But that was surely not it.
    Soon he could tell by her even breathing that she was asleep again, still holding his hand. Finally he slept too.

Chapter 3:
    Hike
    The sheep were stirring, about ready to go. “There were prowlers in the night,” Elen said as she sat up. Her dark hair was unbound and mussed, flowing around her bare body like a turbulent stream. “See, there are the scuffings, beyond where the sheep lay. A wolf pack, I think.”
    “They were protecting us!” Shep said. “Because Python couldn't have stopped more than one or two at a time.”
    “Yes. But the wolves knew better than to attack even sleeping sheep, or to try to get past them. So they moved on.”
    “And when the danger was past, the sheep moved on too,” Shep said. “Now it makes sense.”
    “The sheep always make sense. We just don't always understand it at the time.”
    “Which accounts for everything except our odd dreams.”
    She smiled. “The sheep were close. Maybe they influenced our dreams.”
    “For what possible purpose?”
    Elen shrugged. “Perhaps some day we will know.”
    Shep and Elen quickly ate, packed their sleeping bags, and joined the sheep. Python and Vulture left the tree and came too, side by side, the one slithering, the other hopping. They both evidently trusted the truce.
    “The directives are yours to give,” Elen said. “But I will show the way.”
    Okay. “Python, go head and check for dangers,” Shep said. To his surprise the big snake slithered rapidly forward. “Vulture, fly up and survey the landscape for problems.” The big bird flew.
    Shep looked at Elen. “Do they actually understand me?”
    “They do,” she said. “They are moderately telepathic, at least in the presence of the sheep. They respond to your mental command, rather than your words.”
    That might explain a lot. “Elf, show the way.” Elen walked smartly forward.
    “Sheep, follow the Elf.” But the sheep remained standing.
    “Play a note,” Elen called. “They expect that signal.”
    A note?
    “On the Mirliton,” Elen called.
    Shep knew what a mirliton was. He had an amateur interest in music. It was an instrument like a kazoo, sounded by the human voice. He had none with him.
    “Your staff,” she called.
    Surprised, he looked at the staff. It was a huge pipe! Somehow in the distraction of events he had never really examined it. He lifted one end to his mouth and blew. There was only the sound of air. Then he voiced it. It sounded