Secret of Silphium

By Rachel Gladu

Silphium, like all nymphs has a job, a purpose. She is supposed to protect her plant and stay hidden. Silphium is such a rare plant that she must always be collecting her seeds and planting new fields. Hiding from people as she cares for her plants leads to a lonely existence.

When Silphium comes across a curious farm boy she begins to ignore all the nymph rules. It could be dangerous for her, and all nymphs, if her secret is discovered. Silphium soon learns that she is keeping more secrets than she knows, and they are all held in a tiny seed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887316802

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Introduction

Part 1

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Part 2

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Part 3

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

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Secret of Silphium

Rachel Gladu

Copyright © 2023 Rachel Gladu

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

ISBN 979-8-88731-679-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88731-680-2 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

For my daughter, Tayler, who asked me to write this story.

Introduction

High in a tree, deep in the north forest, sat a kingfisher. It was a beautiful bird, with blue and green feathers and an orange breast. She sat proudly on a nest, protecting a single egg. The air was cool in the morning, so the kingfisher never moved from her nest. The forest was quiet except the sound of the cool breeze.

A rattle came from the nest as the egg began to move. The kingfisher hopped to the edge of the nest. A light began to emerge from deep within the bird as it spread its wings. The light grew brighter and the bird let out a great call. The sound echoed through the forest as the egg hatched. A small creature emerged for the egg as the kingfisher burst into seeds. The seeds filled the air and flew in every direction.

Seeds fell into the nest and landed on the small creature. It looked like a girl, but not an ordinary girl. She was tiny and had leaves growing on her skin and in her hair. After letting out a big yawn the half girl, half plant fell asleep. The creature was a nymph, a mysterious creature that was only known in stories by people. Most thought they were not real. Some believed they were nefarious creatures and hunted them.

The little nymph woke with a shiver from the cold wind blowing through the nest. She looked around and started to pick up the seeds in the nest with her. The little nymph stood up and pushed between the petals that made up her skirt. It revealed a small leave pocket, and she placed the seeds inside. With the nest cleaned of seeds, the nymph climbed down the tree.

The little nymph shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. Looking around for a direction to go, she appeared lost. She had a sweet face and looked about the age of a four-year-old person, but was much smaller. Her hair was long and looked like sunshine with its blond and white color. Her eyes were bright with specks of every color of a rainbow. Suddenly her eyes brightened with a memory. It was strange to think a creature just born could remember something, but nymphs were very different from any other creature.

The little nymph suddenly transformed into a small squirrel. It happened quickly and without sparkles or lights. Her coat was yellow and white like her hair had been. Her legs had a stripe of green. She didn't care that her colors were not of a natural squirrel, she was warm with the fur covering her. Off she scurried through the forest, she was no longer lost.

Part 1

Chapter 1

Colors flashed all through the trees. More color streaked across the forest floor. A pink frog leaped from branch to branch in the tall fig tree, being chased by a purple squirrel. The squirrel changed direction and started chasing a lizard who almost matched the color of the branch it climbed on, except for some blue spots. The oddly colored animals were everywhere. There was a red mouse, a blue-and-green lynx, and a deer of all colors. Rushing in all directions the brightly colored animals seemed to be playing a game.

The purple squirrel was quick to tag the blue-spotted lizard, then scurried away. The lizard flicked its tongue toward the fleeing squirrel. It seemed to have a different strategy. Dropping to the ground the lizard then slowly sneaked up on a yellow deer looking in the opposite direction. The deer looked just as the lizard tagged its hoof. With a look of determination the deer sped off to find someone else to tag.

The forest was full of trees starting to sprout leaves. Grasses and shrubs were starting to thicken up with the arrival of warm weather. It was a warm, sunny perfect day for these curious animals to play around. Flowers were starting to grow on the forest floor. Spring had arrived in the northern forest.

The yellow deer chased a green-and-white marten between trees and around a boulder. It didn't care that it was passing easier to catch animals, the deer wanted that marten. After a great chase the deer finally nudged the tail of the marten as she jumped over a fallen tree. The marten disappeared. A green-and-white bird flew up from behind the fallen tree. No fair, Christy! a shout arose from the forest ground.

We agreed to no flying. Now you have to give us a head start, a pink mouse shouted.

Fine. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten! the green-and-white bird said as it turned back into a marten. Her name was Christmas Rose, but all her friends called her Christy and she was a nymph.

The game of tag continued for a while. It was a blur of color and oh so much fun. The nymphs didn't get together often to play. It was too dangerous for them to gather. They needed to stay hidden and undetected. Only in early spring would they reunite in the northern forest.

Not many people came to the northern forest in early spring, but once the flowers start blooming and the fruit began to grow, they would venture there. They rarely hunt at this time of year as well. It was when many animals would give birth to their young, and so they would wait for the babies to grow a little. Of course the nymphs still had to be careful. If people knew this was the place they gathered, they could never return.

One hundred years ago, the nymphs would gather in a meadow each spring. One year there had been a hard winter, and a small group of hunters were out early because of a shortage of food in their village. The hunters spotted the nymphs and as always hunted them out of fear. People didn't understand the nymphs' place in the world. Either they hunted them for magical powers or because they wanted to eliminate them.

Nymphs do not have magic. They can change their appearance into other animals and manipulate their color and size, but they are not magic. Each one was created as a living seed for a plant. In their natural form nymphs appear to be a person with plants growing on them. Their petals or leaves cover them as clothing. They were similar in size to a person and with the same faces, bodies, hands, and feet, but with different colors. It is not a stretch to understand why people fear them. It wasn't so in the beginning though.

Gathering time was exciting for most nymphs. They usually stayed away from each other. It was easier for one nymph to blend in with the other creatures. Nymphs were not made to live alone, but over the course of time they had to adapt to it for their safety. This is why gathering time was special. It was only for a few days, but sometimes it would get cut short. If a person was spotted nearby, the nymphs would separate and head back to their solitary lives.

Some nymphs had become used to living and playing alone. There was one who rarely even came to gathering time because she had grown happy in her isolation. Dianthus was her name. Tall and delicate with a petal-like dress, she was beautiful like all the nymphs. She was usually pale with a shade of pink that darkened at her edges. If Dian was in a sour mood, the pink would turn purple. Her colors made her harder to blend in with the forest. Like most nymphs she was curious about people, but she was never able to hide her bright colors enough to get too close to them. So Dian was happy to find friendly forest animals when she needed company instead of risk being found by people.

Dian was at gathering time this spring. She had played tag as a white-and-pink rabbit. When she was tagged her pink-tipped fur quickly darkened to purple. It was always so hard for her to hide her anger or frustrations. Rabbits should be quick enough to catch a mouse or frog, but Dian couldn't focus on just one to chase. When she finally tagged a blue deer, Dian quickly changed out of her animal form. She needed a break from the nymph game. She was happy to see her family, but one day was enough for her this year.

Aster noticed Dian leave the game. She knew she might try to leave gathering time without saying goodbye. Aster transformed back to herself and went after her. Dian! Wait for me! she called after her. Dian hesitated but stopped walking and waited for Aster. She knew her quick exit was not going to happen anymore.

Aster was very sensitive, not only about herself, but she also felt deeply for others. She didn't always understand the feelings of others, but she wanted to. Why does Dian stay away from other nymphs more than the rest of us? she wondered to herself. I hope it's not because she thinks we don't like her. Aster always cared about others' feelings.

Are you leaving? Aster asked Dian with a tender voice as she caught up to her.

I was just taking a break. The game was fun, but more excitement than I am used to, Dian answered.

Will you join in the races? We are playing them next. Then story time after it gets dark. You will stay and maybe tell a story? Aster's voice was full of kindness that Dian had to agree.

When the two headed back to the game area, the strange-colored animals were replaced with beautifully colored birds. The flying races were about to begin. Gladiola was giving instruction, and Hyacinth was rushing her.

Go ahead, Aster, I'm going to sit this game out. I will see you at story time, Dian assured her. Aster turned into a little bird and flitted up to the starting line.

Ready! Set! Fly! shouted Gladiola. It was strange to hear a nymph yell. It unsettled Dian. She was ready to wonder off on her own, back to the glade she called home. She knew she couldn't now that she told Aster she would stay, but she could take a walk to get away from the busyness.

Many of the nymphs love the chance to be loud and play games. They spent so much time hiding. It was great to be themselves and shout and giggle. The chance to be with their own kind, their family, was the most special time. The nymphs played games from the time the sun rose until it set during gathering time.

After dark the nymphs would tell stories. Some would tell of the great adventures they had over the past year. Others would tell of times long ago, but most stories had at least a reference of people.

The sky was dark and clear. Stars were shining brightly. The trees blocked out most of the moonlight. Even after dark the nymphs were not comfortable to gather in a clearing. They felt safer in the cover of the forest. The games were done for another year, and everyone was settling down to hear stories.

Gladiola was going to tell a story first. Though all the nymphs were created at the same time Gladiola always seemed to be older. Maybe it was because she liked to take charge that the others seen her this way. Her story was always the same, and it was a great way to start story time.

At the time of creation, she began, we were free to live our lives together. We were not feared or hunted. It was a great time for our kind. We were treasured for protecting our seeds. It was understood that we connected animals and plants. Gladiola began her story with happiness in her voice, but as she continued it turned to sadness.

In the first garden there was only love and kindness. I remember the first time I came out of my pod and seeing the beautiful world. I remember getting my name. Gladiola. The boy was our friend. He would play with us and the animals. There were no worries, only love. Gladiola paused. She looked into the sky. The night sky is the same at least. The stars are still where they were back then. I wonder how long we could have stayed in the garden if it weren't for the girl.

We know what happened. Tell us a happy story from the garden, asked Aster. She didn't want to start crying, because then she would never stop. Aster had a story she wanted to tell this year. If she started to cry, she wouldn't be able to.

Aster is right. I don't have to tell the tragedy of leaving the garden. Hmmm. Gladiola thought for a moment. I learned how to build a nest in the garden. The doves showed me. I am so happy I know how to. This winter I built one up high in a tree. It was high enough that I wouldn't be seen by the people who lived nearby. It was great to feel safe while I slept. Gladiola finished her story.

Can I go next? asked Aster.

There was no objection, so Aster began. I got to eat bread this winter. Warm bread! She continued talking quickly and with excitement. I was resting under a bush one day. It was a little chilly and the branches blocked the wind. Then I saw a person walking down a path. I changed into a pig. Aster began talking quicker with excitement. My pink makes a convincing pig most of the time. I stayed under the bush. I wanted to follow him, but I thought about my warm spot and how it would get cold if I left it. Then I heard a shout. The person was looking for something. He sounded so sad, I got up to see if I could help.

There was a soft gasp from some of the nymphs listening to Aster. They couldn't believe she was going to try to help a person. It was so dangerous.

Aster smiled at having shocked some of her sisters. She usually didn't have an exciting story. I walked quickly but quietly to catch up with the boy. She slowed herself down as she continued. He was calling a name. He looked so worried, and he walked so fast that he would stumble a little sometimes. I tried to keep up without being noticed, but I bumped into his foot when he tripped.

Another gasp came from the group. This time louder. Aster was so pleased with herself. The boy looked at me. I tried hard to make sure my shade of pink was just right for a pig. He smiled at me and kept going. He started talking to me. He said he was looking for his son, Belen. That was the name he was calling. I kept following and listened for any noises in the forest. We walked for a while, then I heard a voice through the trees. I heard a ‘help.' Aster paused hoping to get another reaction, but the crowd of nymphs were silent. She continued, The boy heard it too. We headed toward the voice and it was Belen. The boy picked the little one up and me too. I was so happy we found Belen, I forgot to be afraid. The boy took me home. Aster looked around at her sisters. She was pleased at how interested they looked. He talked the whole way to us. He was so happy that he gave me some bread and put me in his shelter. It was so amazing. The bread was still warm. Warm bread! Aster had to calm herself to finish her story. It was soft and so good. Then a girl complained that I was given bread and brought inside. She put me in a pen outside. It had some sheep and a goat in it. I stayed for the night. Aster stopped here with her story. She was hoping someone would ask her a question.

That is amazing! You were carried by a person and you got warm bread! Lily said dreamily.

Nymphs didn't cook or prepare food like people. They ate food as they found it in nature. Their petals and leaves couldn't get too close to fire, or they would start to shrivel. Some of the fascination or obsession with people the nymphs had was because of the amazing food they made. A few nymphs had been discovered because they couldn't get enough of people food. Even at their only celebration, gathering time, there was no feast. Each nymph would find their own meal after the games. Mostly they would have a little drink of water and some grass or root, but they didn't need to eat daily. Nymphs' food choices were simple, but they did need water.

Lily was one of the nymphs who could not stay alone. She would move around looking for one of her sisters and to stay with who didn't mind. If she couldn't find any of the nymphs to stay with she would join an animal family, and on occasion she would go into a village if she was lonely. Lily usually had a great story to tell of one of her adventures. She had definitely tasted the most people food of all the nymphs.

My story is almost as exciting as one of yours, Lily! Have you ever been carried by a person? Aster was very proud of her story, she couldn't hide her excitement.

That is an incredible story. What an adventure! Now that you have been in a people shelter and ate with them, are you less afraid of them? Lily didn't want to tell Aster that she had been carried by one before, so she ignored the question and thought of something to put the attention back on Aster's story.

The boy was so gentle when he scooped me up with the little one. He spoke so nicely to me the whole time. I know he saw me as a pig, but he was happy to have someone along with him. I did forget to be afraid. You could hear satisfaction in Aster's voice. It was delicious bread. It would be nice to be able to be friends with people.

Well, we can't, Christy stated decisively. For every one person who will accept us, there are ten who will want to destroy us. You risked us all by going with that boy. Her frustration could be heard in her voice.

There was the discussion that always followed this kind of story. How people are to be feared. That all nymphs must stay away from them. Lily kept strangely quiet. She usually defended people. Concern was on her face, and Silphium recognized it.

The danger of people discussion ended with an uncomfortable moment of silence. Iris broke the quiet with Anyway…can I go next?

Iris told her story about making an underground home and living with a family of foxes. Anemone went after with a story that was one of her favorites from long ago. As the nymphs took their turns speaking, Dian decided she was glad she stayed for story time. She told about how she fed a duckling that was orphaned. It was nice to be able to laugh with her kind.

The storytelling went on until almost morning. There was laughter, tears, and excitement. Silphium was the last to tell her story. I returned to the valley of my last emergence, and the small field of silphium was still growing. It was tall and healthy. It looked like it was not being harvested. She had a big smile on her face. The plant had become scarce over the years. People had sought after it for its taste, smell, and medical qualities. It was the perfect story to end gathering time. It was a story to remind them of their importance in this world.

Chapter 2

The nymphs said their goodbyes as the sun rose in the pink sky. They would all leave the north forest in different direction. Some had a place they always returned to, a home. Others would move constantly, never staying in a place for too long. Some would move each year and create a new temporary home. It was agreed that this spot in the north forest was still a safe place to meet next spring.

Dian was the first to leave. She had stayed longer than she had planned and was ready to have her solitude back. It was good to see her family again, but she had already decided that she would not return next spring. As soon as she was out of sight, Dian changed into a bird for a quick return to her glade. She felt safer in the sky where her pink would not be as easily detected by a person.

Aster was in tears as one by one the nymphs walked away. It was tradition to leave gathering time in nymph form. They had to hide for so much of the year that it was a matter of pride to walk as themselves. Lily and Silphium decided to walk with Aster to cheer her up. Lily never liked leaving gathering time either, and she hated to be alone.

Tell me about the warm bread again, Aster, Silphium asked.

Aster stopped crying and smiled as she remembered the bread. She retold her story again almost word for word. It had been so important to her to tell it right during story time that she had memorized what she wanted to say.

The three nymphs were breaking the stay separate rule, but they were so happy with each other's company that they walked together all day. They didn't even transform into animals. As the sky began to darken, the three decided to stay together for the night and separate in the morning.

To be sure they could sleep and not be discovered, they all turned into mice. Under a mushroom, in a soft bed of moss laid a pink mouse, a white mouse, and a brown-green-and-golden mouse. Lily, Silphium, and Aster felt safe as they slept.

When morning came they still didn't want to be alone. It would be another long year until they saw each other. Lily was known for breaking the rules, but Aster and Silphium rarely saw a nymph outside of gathering time. Of course there was the odd time they would run into one in the forest, but that seldom happened. Lily on the other hand would travel from one nymph's company to another all year long if she could. It was not surprising when she asked, I was wondering if you would like to travel together again today?

Aster hesitated and looked around nervously. What if someone sees us?

One day of travel was risky enough, don't you think? Silphium questioned softly. She didn't want to go back to the valley she spent most of last year in yet. Where would we go?

I know of a little farm near here. We could see if we could get some people food. Lily knew this might tempt them to join her.

I make a good pig! Aster said excitedly. It didn't take much to convince her to stay with Lily. The thought of a possible cooked scrap was enough.

Silphium was quiet for a moment. Traveling together was one thing, but planning a people encounter was something else. Letting the wrong person see them could set off a hunt for all nymphs. This could put them and all nymphs in danger. This was a bad idea, she decided. Then Silphium remembered the sound in Aster's voice when she talked about the bread. Maybe it was worth the risk.

What's your plan, Lily? How could we get food without bringing attention to ourselves? Silphium finally asked.

Lily smiled and giggled as she spun around. This is going to be great! So what we do is let the sheep out of the pen. Then we transform into sheep and join the herd. When they round them up we go with them. Sheep are not snobby. They don't mind new ewes joining them. Then we get to eat when they get fed. Her eyes were filled with excitement.

That sounds like a great idea! Aster exclaimed. Then she thought of something. But how do I hide my pink?

Me too. How do I hide my green and yellow? Silphium also questioned Lily.

I have been working on something we can try. You know how we push our color to the tips of our hair, maybe we can pull it to the root. Then the fluffy wool we make can cover the color, Lily offered as a solution.

Aster tried first. She transformed into a sheep. She looked like a sheep, no question. There was nothing misshapen about her sheep. She was quite pink though. Aster pushed and pulled the pink in her wool. She lightened it as much as possible. It took some effort, but Aster was able to look almost completely white.

It would be harder for Silphium. Green and yellow were not sheep colors. She lightened her yellow to a faint tint, but the green patches would not shrink or fade enough to look convincing. When she was ready to give up Lily had an idea.

Brown. Some sheep are brown, she stated. You can turn brown I have seen you. You were a brown bird once.

Silphium quickly transformed back to herself. When did you see me as a brown bird? she asked in a sharp tone.

Lily didn't like Silphium's tone. Two gathering times ago, she replied in an equally sharp tone.

Silphium and Lily looked each other straight in the eyes. Was Silphium going to make Lily say more? Aster wondered. She had rarely seen a nymph get upset at another like this. Aster's curiosity was peaked. Why did Silphium get so serious?

Silphium looked away and took a deep breath. Maybe people food wasn't worth all this trouble. She calmed down and transformed back into a sheep. With a lot of focus she was able to produce brown wool. Silphium looked like a cute brown sheep.

Lily held her smile in. She remembered why she had never mentioned the brown bird before. It was a private thing for a nymph to be seeded. They don't get seed often, but it does need to be done occasionally. The nymph will take on the form of an animal and find a mate. It is how their seeds get refreshed on the earth. Silphium had to do it more often than most nymphs because of how much of her plant was harvested by people.

Lily had no problem transforming into a believable sheep. She found it easy to lose her soft tones and appear white. Now the three had to practice their bleating.

Maaa…baaa…maaa, Aster called out. How was that?

Sounds fine. Just make soft noises. Don't try be loud. The softer you are, the less you will stand out, Lily instructed the others. She had the most experience around people, so they listened to her.

Maaa…maaa…maaa. Silphium felt a little silly practicing. Then she remembered it was to fool people not be welcomed by the sheep. There had been a few times when an animal didn't accept her transformation, but their rejection was not serious. They would simply ignore or chase her away. People will hunt for you and try to kill you if they suspect a shapeshifter. Maaa…maaa…maaa, she tried one more time.

I think we are ready, said Lily. Let's stay as sheep as we walk to the farm. It will be good practice and keep us safe in case we come across a person.

Three small sheep walked through the forest. It was another beautiful spring day. The sun shone and warmed the earth. The leaves were starting to sprout more on the trees. Aster made them stop in a clearing that had asters starting to sprout. The field had a large mixture for flowers growing. The lilies that grew here were mostly orange and blue, an unusual color for lilies.

How did these colors grow? Aster asked Lily.

I was a kingfisher, Lily explained. She didn't need to say anymore.

As they neared the farm the talking stopped. Farms meant people nearby. The sun was still high in the sky when they arrived at the stone wall. The wall enclosed an open field. One side ran along the woods. This is where the nymphs would made an opening in the fence.

Lily, Aster, and Silphium stayed hidden in the forest and discussed how to open the fence. They spoke so softly they could not be heard.

We can't kick it down. That would be too loud, Silphium said. They all agreed.

How about digging a hole for the sheep to go under the fence? Aster suggested.

But how do we get the sheep to go under? Silphium asked.

Lily was silent. She was thinking of a plan. Aster and Silphium stopped talking and watched the plan come to life in Lily's eyes.

Aster was in the form of a pig. She was quickly and quietly digging a hole under the fence on the forest side of the sheep pen. It was exciting to think of seeing people again. It was more exciting to think of getting people food again.

Perched on a fence sat a green-and-yellow bird. It was Silphium and she was looking in the center of the pen. Something was moving through the grass. You couldn't see what it was, just the grass shifting. The sheep hadn't noticed it.

Almost big enough, whispered Aster. I think the sheep can get through. Just a little wider. It seemed like she was talking to herself, but Silphium was listening.

The sheep were calm. They were spread out in the pen. It was a small enclosure. The sheep would soon be brought to a bigger pasture for the spring and summer months. The sheep looked fat with their thick wool coat. Their wool was longer than the nymphs had made theirs. Silphium hoped they would be able to fit in with their wool coats. As she watched the sheep she spotted two brown sheep. One was spotted and the other was a solid brown color.

Silphium would have smiled if she didn't have a beak at that moment. She almost let out a laugh when she realized birds can't smile. What a silly though. Birds can't smile, Silphium whispered.

What? Aster asked as she looked up from her hole. She looked confused.

Nothing. Let me know when the hole is wide enough, Silphium said softly. She knew she was nervous. She usually didn't get distracted. Her eyes focused back on the waving grass. Silphium would let her eyes shift to the farmhouse every few seconds. So far she hadn't seen a person.

Aster let out a soft snort and said, Done. The hole is done. She trotted into the forest and hid behind a tree.

Silphium took a deep breath and looked at the farmhouse one last time. Still no sign of a person. She spread her wings and took to the air. She headed for the waving grass. It was now quite close to one of the groups of sheep. Silphium swooped down and circled just above the ground before flying back upward. Silphium then flew back to her perch. She watched the pen with nervous excitement.

Suddenly one sheep bleated loudly. All the sheep near it lifted their heads. They saw something moving in the grass and took off running. The other groups of sheep noticed the sudden excitement and ran after the first group. They were all headed for the edge of the pen along the forest. So far the plan was working.

The sheep came close to the fence and didn't take the time to look back. The lead sheep slipped through the hole under the fence Aster had dug. It was as if she had known it was there. One by one the sheep left the pen through the hole. Silphium looked at the pen. It was empty. Well, almost empty.

Uh! Silphium gasped when she saw the snake come out from the grass. Even though she knew it was Lily, it still startled her.

The snake headed for the cover of the forest. It changed into a sheep once out of sight of the pen. Lily was now a perfectly white sheep and headed after the flock. Silphium remained a bird until she was among the sheep. Aster was already with them.

The flock settled in the forest not far from their pen. They huddled together. What a scare they had! It wasn't even noticed that they had three join them. There had been fifteen; now they were a flock of eighteen.

Aster, Lily, and Silphium didn't stand together. They thought they would blend in better away from each other. It was easy to act like a sheep. The three nymphs were feeling quite confident after the success of the first part of the plan.

It didn't take long for a person to come after the flock. It was a boy. He was tall and strong. His face was concerned but kind. How did you all get out here? he asked the flock. He addressed them all with a gentle tone.

Silphium noticed how he talked to the sheep as if they could understand him. She couldn't stop staring at him. It had been a very long time since she had been so close to a person. He sat near the center of the flock and kept talking to the sheep. It seemed to settle them down.

What has you all so upset? Don't worry I will get you all home. One by one he pet each sheep checking them over for an injury. He seemed to know each individual sheep. He kept talking in a gentle voice. And how about you, little fella? he said as he reached for Aster.

Maa…maa, she bleated as he picked her up. Aster wasn't sure what to do. She looked for Lily to give her a clue, but Lily was no help. Right at that moment Aster wished nymphs were telepathic so she could read Lily's thoughts. If she could, she would have heard Lily tell her to stay calm and act like she knew him. Instead Aster kicked him.

Oh. Calm down, fella. Let me get a look at you. Are you hurt? The boy checked Aster for any slivers or bruises. All done. You look fine, a little pink from all the excitement, I suppose. He held Aster until she calmed down.

Aster liked the boy's touch. She laid on his lap as he talked. He wasn't scary at all, she decided. Silphium watched intently as he held Aster. He put her down and walked over to Lily.

What about you? I'm not sure I remember such a perfectly white sheep in my flock? He sounded a little confused. Let me take a look at you.

Lily stood tall for the boy to check her over. When he crouched close to her, she nestled his hand like she was familiar with his touch. It worked, he felt as though they were friends.

Silphium still couldn't look away from him. The boy noticed her gaze and looked straight into her eyes. He gave Lily a final pat and walked over to Silphium.

What do we have here? I don't believe we've met. Welcome to my little flock. Are you the one who has them all escaping from the pen? he said with a little smile. I can take a look at you too if you like.

The boy gently picked up Silphium, the little brown sheep. He looked at her feet and her legs. Then he checked her wool. Silphium never looked away from his face. His brown eyes were bright with little flicks of gold. She wanted to count them. The boy's eyebrows were a darker color than his hair. They almost matched her wool, but his hair was lighter. It shone golden when the sun hit it.

You're a curious little one, the boy said as he noticed her watching him. I think I like you too.

The boy decided to carry this new sheep as he guided the flock back to the pen. The sheep all walked with the boy down the path; Aster and Lily followed. The boy counted the sheep as they went through the gate on the forest side of the rock fence.

Eighteen? How did I get eighteen? Where did those three come from? The boy thought aloud. How did they get out anyway? He put Silphium down among the flock as he walked the fence. He quickly found the hole Aster had dug under the wall. I guess they wanted to be with the three from the forest. But I have never seen sheep dig a hole like this. He quickly filled the hole and left the pen.

Silphium stood looking as the boy walked away. Aster and Lily were excited the plan had worked. I wonder when we get fed? Aster asked softly. She looked at Silphium and smiled. He is handsome. And so kind.

Is that how you would describe him? I just thought he was curious-looking, Silphium said, still looking in the boy's direction.

I haven't been near a person in so long, I forgot how big they are, she continued, trying not to sound as overwhelmed as she felt.

I think we should get fed before dark. Lily also spoke softly. She looked at the sun, wishing for it to move faster.

Maa. Aster giggled. She trotted in a little circle. Soon they would be eating people food!

The fifteen sheep were content eating the fresh grass. Aster, Silphium, and Lily waited together in a bare patch, close to the forest. The pen had a few thick spots, but spring was still early. It would be a thick green soon.

The boy