The Barren Land
The Shepherd, Book I
A Novel by Jeffrey B. Linn
All Rights Reserved

Chapter II

We had walked only half a day when we suddenly encountered another traveller. He slipped between us before either of us noticed him. He seemed prepared for the meeting.

"So, mentor, you've a fine young disciple here." I felt it odd that though he gazed directly into my eyes, he addressed the mentor, who stood behind him, yet his words were obviously meant for me. He drew the corner of his coarse robe over his shoulder and assumed a posture of sagacity. "I hope he does not find the life too . . . rigorous," he said affably. His eyes exuded friendliness, with just a hint of something else.

"He can answer." I could hear just a note of guardedness in the mentor's voice.

"Certainly a youth would want rather the freedom to follow his . . . desires." The traveler seemed as we were--one who staved off the rigor mortis of the wasteland by continual renewal from without. (For that is what we were, like fish walking on dry land, kept alive only by an unseen "water" supplied by our Shepherd.) But there was a piece missing from this human puzzle, betraying that we were being presented with an illustration of a man, and not the man himself. I came to my senses.

"It is written, `Freedom is found under the crook of the Shepherd'."

"My, you've taught him too well," he said, still trying to hold me in his gaze. Then something like resignation passed into his face. The mentor broke the silence.

"Friend, would you like to be free again?" he said gently.

"What!" he exclaimed with a horrid mixture of emotion. "I must be going!" he almost shouted, and walked briskly off.

We resumed our trek. After some time there came a long wail from somewhere deep in the wood.

"He is being punished for his failure," said the mentor.

"Is there anything we can do?"

"Only pray," he replied, and we walked further. After a few moments he remarked, "You did well. I am quite proud. How did you discern he was a false shepherd?"

"I am not entirely sure. It may be the first time I have used the Shepherd's gift."

We moved on.

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