In response, The Old One... she's the leader of the herd, and apparently her word is law amoung the herd. So if she doesn't think ali should leave the herd, then she won't be able to leave, regardless of the situation that would put ali in... I believe you once compared the herd to to a 'closed' society., one in which only the members of the herd matter, and outsiders aren't welcome. A very gloomy picture. Paranoia comes to mind, like in the brave long scheme, when Rhette runs to the herd after the gang's 'prank'. On second thought, their paranoia is understandable, the threat of sharpteeth out in the wilderness is very real and lethal..