and those words killed all natural life in the desert. Since then, his spirit still continued seeking
vengeance and we fear that he may eventually kill us all just as he did before. I tried sending my
messengers to reason with him but none made it back from the city,” explained the emperor.
“Why didn’t you try to warn us earlier?” asked Marco, trying to force himself through
the guards.
“Because I am afraid!” screamed the emperor.
His voice roared across the throne room.
“A couple of days ago, it seems our soldiers found something while patrolling on the outskirts
of our city. I think it might be valuable to you, should you attempt to enter the city. There is a
way to save your father but you will need to travel to the city at the heart of the desert,” said the
emperor as he presented an old, gold amulet to Marco, “Take this amulet with you. All I know is
that it was all that was left after the emperor said those words. It will protect you from all evil.
It certainly is worth a try. Are you willing to risk your life to save your father? Who knows you
might even be able to lift the curse!”
“Yes, I am. I’ll do as you request but I will need your finest camels, your best weapons and
your most skillful soldiers. We’ll set off at sunrise,” said Marco in a serious manner.
“Thank you, Marco,” said the emperor sincerely.
“Servants, get all the camels, weapons and my best soldiers ready!” ordered the emperor,
“Prepare all the food and water that they need for the journey!”
The servants prepared everything Marco required for the long 6-day journey to the city.
They loaded the camels with bags of rice and gallons of water. They sharpened all the swords and
suited the soldiers with the strongest armor they had.
Dawn quickly approached. As Marco got ready for the journey, his heart raced. Getting on the
horse, he tightly gripped on the rein, knowing that there was a possibility that he might not be
able to make it alive. But that does not matter. At least, he will know what had happened to his
father. The most important thing was that he could see the people of Shangdu relieved because
they knew that it was possible for him to end the curse. He was their only hope, the only hope
for Shangdu. The support they gave to Marco and his men was immense. They walked alongside
Marco and his twenty men till they reached the gate. Some wept, some cheered.
“So long, Shangdu!” said Marco as he left the city.
Marco and his men galloped across the desert. He had a look back for the final time and the
city gradually disappeared along the horizon.
Six hot days under the blazing sun, six bitter cold nights sleeping in the desert. Marco and his
men were about to reach the city when a sandstorm suddenly appeared. So powerful, it seemed
enraged by the arrival of them. Marco heard voices.
“Dare to enter Khara-Khoto, your fate shall be sealed,” said a frightening voice.
“The curse of Great Emperor Khara Bataar shall never be lifted,” said the other.
But Marco resisted and he continued on to the city. Marco’s men tried to overcome the
sandstorm but only half of them made it. 10 men and all of their camels were killed by the time
they reached Khara-Khoto.
Khara-Khoto was a very old city. Filled with ruins, the streets were empty. The city was so
quiet that Marco could hear himself breathing quickly. They walked through the streets of the
deserted city. Suddenly, a horde of zombie-like soldiers came from the ground. Marco and each of
this men struggled hard to fight them off but they were too strong. The surprise attack eventually
