The Ghost City of the Gobi Desert
HKWMA Chu Shek Lun, Kelly Ann Skilton, Fiction: Group 4
T
he Gobi Desert, situated in Northern China and Southern Mongolia, is the largest desert
in Asia. So vast, one can be lost in it for days or even months. Not only is it ‘very large’,
it is also very ‘arid’. But that’s not all. Once upon a time, the desert hid a dark secret, a
secret so dark that the Mongolians lived each day in fear and despair. It was not until a
young merchant gave them a glimmer of hope. His name was Marco Polo…
Marco Polo was born in Italy in the year 1254. Unfortunately, when Marco was at a tender
age, his mother died. His father Niccolo was a prestigious and wealthy merchant who frequently
traded with the Near East. So, Marco was raised by his aunt instead.
In spite of his frequent travels, Niccolo and his son were close. After he had returned, he
would share his exciting travel experiences to Marco every day. Niccolo’s reminiscences of his
early travels made Marco so fascinated that he even decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. On
the day a carrier pigeon delivered a red letter on the doorsteps of his home did Marco realize that
a whole new life was awaiting him…
“Oh, look!’ said Niccolo, “How exciting to see a carrier pigeon arrive at our doorsteps. I wonder
what our clients would want to trade with us.”
Marco watched curiously as his father read the red letter.
“Come, my boy. We have a shipment of sacred oil and papal letters to be delivered to Kublai
Khan in China. We can’t miss this opportunity!” said Niccolo hurriedly.
“Father, you’re letting me go with you? Aren’t I still young to be travelling at the age of 17?”
asked Marco.
“Well, I believe you are ready, my son, “said Niccolo in a humble voice, “You’ve learned
everything you need about merchandizing. You have even learned how to handle cargo ships,
haven’t you? It is time that you put your skills to good use and start trading like a merchant!”
“Pack your things and meet me at the port in 2 hours. I’ll go fetch your uncle and the others,”
ordered Niccolo.
“Right away, Father!” said Marco and he immediately went to his room to pack up.
The bustling port was filled with sailors as well as dock workers moving cargo around.
After Niccolo had gathered everyone on his ship, they left Italy. They sailed the windy seas and
continued on land through the hot deserts. The whole journey took 3 and a half years to complete
before the Polos reached Kublai Khan’s summer palace in Shangdu, China.
The city of Shangdu was overlooked by the summer palace of Kublai Khan. The streets
were lined with street hawkers selling silk, precious stones, pearls and many more, all of which
were new to Marco. But in spite of the liveliness of the city, Marco saw fear in the eyes of the
Mongolians. They were terrified of something, something that they seemed impossible to overcome.
“Uncle Maffeo,” said Marco worriedly, “The Mongolians…They look terrified.”
“Really? But look how lively Shangdu is! Marco, you must be tired from the journey. You’re
just imagining things,” said Maffeo as they arrived at the palace.
“Welcome!” said the emperor of the Mongol Empire cheerfully, “I see that you’ve brought what
I requested. I’ll seek to you that you’ll receive your payment as soon as possible. For now, let my
servants handle the goods and make yourself at home. You all look exhausted!”
