Shepherd by Piers Anthony Page A

the journey was like that. Only the awareness of the sheep made it feasible without severe problems. But because Shep now truly trusted the sheep, accepting their judgment without question, the return was relatively easy. In several days they reached the human village where Shep's host lived.
    And that was it. The sheep disappeared into their pastures, leaving the four other members of the party behind. The mission had been accomplished.
    “I guess that goes for you too, friends,” Shep said to Python and Vulture. “You are free to resume your natural lives.”
    But neither animal departed. “I think they have been tamed,” Elen said. “They prefer to stay with us.” She smiled. “And I welcome it. I feel more comfortable with them than I would at home.”
    Oh, yes. “Because now we have to marry, and face the opposition of the two families.”
    “Yes. Python and Vulture accept us as we are. They know what we've been through.”
    “We'll just have to explain that we are a team, and they are part of it. As long as they don't attack human beings or their pets, it should be all right.”
    “Yes. I think they won't attack anyone unless there is an immediate danger to us.” She faced the house. “I think you and I must explain some things to people who will not be pleased to hear them.”
    “Yes.” He considered briefly. “I am not properly conversant with social customs on this world.” He smiled. “I came here to study them, but got distracted. But I know that sometimes things that shouldn't make a difference, do. We have gotten messed up from hard traveling. Can we—make ourselves more presentable?”
    She laughed. “Excellent thought. Looking travel worn is fine, but you should be obviously healthy and I should be pretty.”
    Elen got to work on the both, and soon their appearance was much improved.
    “And I think we will need to introduce Vulture and Python,” he said. “As evidence of the mission we were on. That may be why the sheep put their need to stay with us into their minds.”
    “Yes.” Elen knelt beside Python and stroked her neck. “Trust us,” she said. “We will safeguard you from our kind.” She did the same with Vulture.
    Then they girded themselves and approached the house. Shep knocked on the door.
    In a moment it opened to reveal Cora Peterson, his host's mother. “Brian!” she cried gladly. Then she paused. “Or is it you?”
    “I am the man from Earth, Amber Shepherd,” Shep said. “I have brought Brian's body home safely. The sheep have returned and I am free to pursue my original mission. But there are complications.”
    Now she saw his companions. “An elf. A python. A vulture,” she said faintly.
    “We are friends, bound together,” Shep said. “None of these creatures will harm you. It is a legacy of the mission with the sheep. We need to talk.”
    The woman seemed about ready to faint, but collected herself. “Come in. All of you. We will talk.”
    They trooped into the house, where Brett, the father, greeted them. “We know that the sheep change folk. You surely have an interesting tale to tell. Make yourselves comfortable.” If he was nervous about the presence of Vulture and Python he did not show it.
    Shep and Elen took chairs, and Vulture and Python settled quietly behind them. “This is Elen,” Shep said. “The sheep selected her, as they did me and the others. It was a considerable experience. Now Elen and I need to marry.”
    Cora put her hand to her breast as if suffering a heart attack, and Brett looked grim. “I think you know we would not approve of that.”
    “Going with the sheep was not my choice, or hers,” Shep said. “But we had to do it. Now we are in love and must marry. We ask for your support.”
    “Must marry?” Cora asked faintly.
    “I am pregnant,” Elen said.
    “You are not our son,” Brett said to Shep. “He can not be bound by what you do.”
    “But she is with child,” Cora protested. “By our son's body. The