The men grumbled with surprise, but did not protest. Given their circumstance, they had little choice, and Solomon’s solution seemed the most prudent since, alone, he could travel much farther and faster than with the flocks.

“And in your absence—?” Akbar began.

Having anticipated the question, Solomon said, “In my absence I leave Jesus in charge.”

Someone gasped.

The young shepherd felt the moisture wick from his mouth.

The others whispered among themselves.

But before anyone could object Solomon turned to his journey.

The next morning, while Peter built the fire, Jesus waited for the men. As he did, he draped himself along Anna’s back. His lean body stretched with a blend of ease and awkwardness that marked widening adolescence and the approach of young adulthood. His arms and thighs bowed with obvious strength beneath broad shoulders. His cheekbones cradled an intensifying gaze, his look having ripened with maturity. And, as if his body had understood his choice of gender, a soft down crept across his lip and shadowed his sideburns. Even his voice had settled into a deeper pitch.

As the men gathered in a circle about him, Jesus felt awash with pride and fear. He knew Solomon to be wise in his judgment, but felt uncertain that he, Jesus, was capable of handling the enormous responsibility. As for the men, they seemed to have come to terms with the decision. Though it was unusual to entrust a junior shepherd with such a great duty, they, like Solomon, had long ago acknowledged the young shepherd’s unique abilities. In addition, just the prospect of fresh food had cheered their spirits and settled their nerves.

Raising himself, the young shepherd pointed toward the horizon and said, “Today we will journey to the fan of red rocks.” He knew that the distance was not great and that his shepherds could easily travel farther, but he also judged the red rocks to be the most likely source of water, perhaps for miles. It was a conservative plan, the older shepherds realized but, given the increasingly dire conditions, a wise one.

“Simon, you will lead your flock to the east, bordered by Akbar and his flock to the west, and Mathias to the south,” Jesus commanded. The men nodded and turned to their duties.

As they retreated, Jesus felt a sharp sting at his calves. He whirled to find Peter grinning up at him, an olive switch dangling from his hand.

“You may be the leader now, but I can still outsmart you!” his friend taunted.

In a blinding flash, Jesus loaded his sling and ricocheted a stone off Peter’s chest.

Peter yelped.

“But I can still outshoot you!” Jesus countered.

Peter laughed and threw his arm around Jesus. “Here, I almost forgot,” he said, reaching into his sleeve. He lifted out two dried dates. “Save these for later.”

Jesus squirreled away the fruits then, glancing ahead, noticed the flocks beginning to outpace them.