Jesus tossed a vibrant whistle into the air. The men stumbled, weak and thirsty, from their tents. Soon the air reverberated with the cries and trills of various languages as the shepherds welcomed their leader back into the fold. In no time, they unloaded the sacks and pouches strapped to Solomon’s shoulders. The containers brimmed with dates, olives, dried fish, roots, spices, bread, and wine.

Jesus and the red-bearded shepherd embraced and kissed each other’s cheeks.

“I thought you had forgotten us,” Jesus said, fighting back tears.

Solomon let his gray eyes soak up the boy. “The flocks are well?” he asked. Jesus nodded. The elder shepherd smiled. “I believe, then, that you are ready,” he said and turned to greet the others.

Despite their leader’s return, the shepherds’ anxiety continued to escalate as they approached the edge of the Great Desert.

To make matters worse, Solomon told them he had heard that rains had not come to the southern plain to which they were journeying, but had arrived in the lands far to the east. This news worried the shepherds as they feared Solomon would decide to cross the desert in search of more succulent lands. No one, however, despite his thirst and hunger, welcomed the idea. For such a crossing—many months in length—was among the most grueling journeys a shepherd could make.

One evening, shortly after his return, Solomon climbed up the rocky escarpment to relieve Simon of his duty.

“But I have not yet done a full watch,” the shepherd said. He pointed upward. “The stars have yet to cross the sky.”

Solomon nodded. “I know.”

The shepherd let his one eye roam over his leader’s face. “You have some thinking to do, is that it?” he asked. He squirreled two fingers beneath his eye patch to scratch at the empty socket beneath.

Solomon gave a tired smile. “I do.”

Simon nodded. Then, without another word, he lifted his staff and turned to join the others.

The red-bearded shepherd sat and pressed his back against the rocks. He gazed up at the stars and wound his eyes between them until he found nests of smaller stars. To these he gave his full attention. Until his body became still. And his mind opened.

Held in contemplation, he thought first of his mother. Of her nimble hands and throaty laugh. He smiled to remember these details. Urging his mind forward, he recalled his final visit with her. In Nazareth. As they had sat leaning against the well, she had told him of the child who needed to be delivered. And he had given his word.

But with Judas gone, how would he carry out his duty?

With only himself remaining, the plan to transport the young shepherd had been gravely imperiled—it now being necessary for Solomon to concoct a reason for the shepherd to make the journey alone.