New Tales of the Gobi Desert
Victoria Shanghai Academy, Alex Wong, Fiction: Group 2
W
ell, I don’t have much time to write all the details down, as we’re continuing our
journey south. I need to get a head start before the rest of the herd because of my bad
leg. Oh! Have I not introduced myself to you yet? I am Hvaitur. This is my story.
“Hvaitur, always be careful whenever going out into the Gobi Desert. If it is
cold, come back. If you see a wolf, stay away. They hunt bactrian camels like us.” “I know, I know
Mom, you don’t have to say it every time I step out of the herd.” “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“All right, but be careful!”
Suddenly, a freak sandstorm whipped up. As I struggled to find a shelter, a high-pitched
wailing started. I saw a wolf pup with his leg caught in a trap. “Oh no, a wolf!” I started recalling
all the bad things I’ve been told about wolves. I knew that they traveled in packs and when there
was one, there usually were more. I hid behind a rock for protection, but didn’t see any other
wolves. When I peeked out, I saw tears coming out of the pup’s eyes and the injury on its leg
seemed really bad. I felt sorry for this wolf pup and edged towards him cautiously. “Wow, that
looks bad. If you promise to not attack me or summon other wolves, I’ll help you get out of the
trap.” I said. “I promise I won’t. Please, help me!” begged the wolf pup. As I smashed the trap, the
jaws of the trap scraped my leg, causing a bad injury. “Ow ow ow, I feel like my leg’s on fire!”
I shouted as I reacted to the pain flooding my leg. After the pain started to go away, the wolf
pup “Thank you! I really owe you my life. I’m very sorry you are hurt. My name is Raliek, by
the way.” I responded: “ Mine is Hvaitur. It was nothing. I just wanted to do the right thing.” I
watched the wolf pup limp away, then the sandstorm finally quietened and I dragged myself back
to my herd.
A few months later, our camel herd started to grow hungry. My father said to the rest of the
herd: “There is a severe food shortage in this part of the Gobi Desert. We can’t continue to live
here. I think we should travel south.” A lot of camels agreed with the idea. There were cries of “I
second that!” and “I agree with you!” The next day, our entire herd started moving south to the
unclaimed parts of the Gobi Desert.
A few weeks into the journey south, we encountered a group of nomads. The nomads were
determined to capture us for transport and wool. We fought valiantly to escape, but were lassoed
in and subdued. “We don’t need this one, he’s got a leg injury. He’ll be useless. ” One of the
nomads said, pointing to me and my crippled leg. The air was filled with the mourning brays of
camels as the nomads drove the others into the stables. I was clouded with grief and sadness as
my herd was dragged away. I had lost my family and friends, and felt extremely depressed as I
staggered into the sand dunes of the Gobi.
After wandering around for a few hours, I collapsed on a sand dune. I felt so shattered that
I didn’t notice the wolf creeping in on me, nor did I even try to run from him. But, after a short
while, I identified the wolf because of its limping gait. “Is that who I think it is...... yes! Raliek!” I
shouted. We instantly recognized each other. “ So Hvaitur, why are you so sad?” “ My entire herd
has been captured by nomads! Please, may you do me a favor?” “Sure thing, my friend. Now I can
pay you back for your favor.” Together, we hatched a plan to break into the nomads’ stables, but
we needed more animals for the plan to work. Raliek asked family and friends to assist the rescue,
