The Tablelands

Early in the spring, before the Shepherd led his flocks from their lowlands pastures and before their long trek through the dark valley, the Shepherd walked the path up the valley by himself. All alone, the Shepherd slowly walked over every inch of ground. Every so often, he stooped and pulled out a plant that was poisonous to his sheep. It was back-breaking and feet-aching work, but the Shepherd willingly walked the pasture to clear the way for his sheep. When he had searched the entire...