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way,” Erasmus said. “No one governs the sheep.”
    “It is their birthing season,” Elsa said. “They are busy. But if they want you, they will let you know.”
    That, it seemed, was that. Mona was disappointed, but determined to find some way regardless.
    “It is true that Elen can sing,” Elsa said, changing the subject. “She sang with Shep. You can do it if you let her body govern your effort. Try it with me.” Then she hummed the “Sheep” melody.
    Mona joined her, thus guided, and discovered that she could indeed do it. That resolved her doubt about doing the tour. She hugged Elsa in gratitude when their session finished. Erasmus shook hands with Brian, similarly thawing. It seemed the parents were no longer hostile to the two of them living in sin.
    But what about the sheep?

Chapter 2:
    Lamb
    In the morning, after a day and night of exploration of the local terrain, Mona woke to the sound of a bleat. “The sheep!” she exclaimed, astonished. She scrambled out of bed, naked, and flung open the door.
    There was a solid Ewe. Mona knew immediately that she was special, deserving of the capital; it seemed to be the telepathy in operation. The Vulture and Python were at attention, watching her. There was blood on her hind section: she had recently given birth.
    Mona stood silent, uncertain why the sheep had come, when she had her lamb to take care of. If these animals were as dangerous as reputed to be, surely they were even more so when protecting their offspring.
    The sheep bleated. It was a brief, authoritative sound. Then she walked away.
    “That's the summons,” Brian said. “Follow her.”
    Mona didn't hesitate. She wanted contact with the precognitive sheep and one had come to her. She followed. So did the Vulture and Python. And Brian, respectfully behind, as he had not been invited.
    The Ewe led them to a copse just beyond the village. There, lying in leaves, was a spindly newborn Lamb also instantly special. The Ewe had evidently come here to birth it. Why, so close to the village?
    The Ewe went to stand beside, almost over, the Lamb. Then the Lamb scrambled up and tried to nurse. And failed, because one leg would not properly support it. It fell to the ground, with a little bleat of despair.
    “He's lame,” Brian said behind her. Being a farm boy, he knew the gender.
    Mona's heart went out to the little creature. “Maybe I can help,” she said, stepping toward the Lamb.
    “Watch it,” Brian said, alarmed. “She can kill you!”
    But the Ewe made no motion. She simply stood there, waiting.
    “She knows I mean no harm,” Mona said. “She led me here.” She dropped to her knees beside the Lamb and put her arms around him. She lifted his upper body so that it was firmly in place. “Now try it.”
    Immediately the lamb went for the teat again. This time he got it, and eagerly sucked in the milk. Mona held him while he drank.
    “I'll be damned,” Brian said. “She's letting you!”
    “She knew I would do this,” Mona said in a flash of understanding. “That telepathy or precognition, whatever. She brought me here so I could help him nurse.”
    Indeed he was nursing, getting his first full meal. She held him until he had finished both teats. Then, carefully, she let him go.
    He sank to the ground, unable to stand.
    “Oh!” Mona said, putting her arms around him again. She picked him up and held him to her naked bosom. He nuzzled her face. She kissed his furry nose, instantly loving him.
    The Vulture and the Python came up to stiff noses with the Lamb. Mona let them, by this time knowing that they were minions of the sheep.
    And the Ewe was gone.
    “Uh-oh,” Brian said. “Now he's yours.”
    “But I don't know the first thing about caring for a sheep,” Mona said.
    “Yes you do. You're doing it.”
    “Loving him,” she agreed, realizing it was true. She stood, holding the Lamb, and walked back to the house. “Make a box for him,” she told Brian. “With bedding. So he'll be