That morning the village awoke earlier than usual. No one wanted to miss the big parade, which was always treated with the utmost solemnity. It was a ceremony not to honour the sun, or any god, but to celebrate the departure of two hundred sheep, ten cows, two donkeys and three dogs. More than ever this year, the animals were the centre of attention. As well as keeping an eye on the weather since the previous evening, the women had been up at dawn inspecting the animals’ feet to check for wounds and scratches. They had to make sure that all the ewes would be fit enough to survive the hours of walking, especially as it would be hot. At about seven o’clock all the sheep had been taken out of the barns and assembled in front of the church and town hall. Fernand had given his speech about the merit of the journey and other things; the priest who had come specially for the occasion blessed everyone, the sheep as well as those accompanying them, the dogs as well as the shepherd. He assured them of his protection against storms and wolves, promising that the pasture would be abundant that year and peaceful thanks jointly to St John the Baptist and to the dogs. Of course the men weren’t there, but the sunshine and good humour of the occasion cheered everyone and the women began to sing.

That year ten cows had been added to the flock of sheep. It would not be easy for the shepherd, but there was too little hay in the barns, and it had not rained since winter, so they had decided to send the cows which gave no milk up to the summer pasture. Up there, the grass was plentiful; the ewes and cows would be able to eat their fill during the day, so that at night they would sleep instead of continuing to graze. And well-fed ewes that sleep well are always easier to watch over. People were pleased to think that the cows would be up on the other side of the hill, well sheltered. And this year they were going to take the animals higher than usual, towards the meadows where there were no roads and no gendarmes, so at least they could be sure that no one would go and inspect them, no one would ask for them to be counted, and they would not be requisitioned.