Here he is - a witness to the rites of the flock. I carefully ran my hand over the old bark. It was very hot and sunny, but under the poplar branches it was as if its own microclimate reigned. Perhaps, and indeed, this is not an ordinary tree.

- Why are we here? I asked Reed. The poplar was so big that it completely hid Reed from me. I went around the trunk. 

- I convinced Ba not to arrange a circus then, but we must perform one ceremony with you.

- What are we going to bite again? I covered my neck in mock horror.

"Fool," Reed smiled....