The Last Elephant Keeper

Part 33

As she pondered her next move, Khumo realized that she was exhausted. The events of the past few days had taken their toll on her, and she needed rest. With a heavy sigh, she set the map down and prepared her bedroll. As she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't shake the feeling that her journey was only just beginning.

She settled back into her sleeping bag beside Blaze, who was still surrounded by the other elephants. As she closed her eyes, she couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The map was just a piece of paper, but it held the key to something much bigger, a sense of conceptualising what she had been chasing. She knew that the hidden oasis was important, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to it being a place for the elephants, maybe she could find a hope for herself.

As she drifted off to sleep, her mind filled with visions of lush greenery and crystal-clear water, she felt a sense of calm and purpose. For the first time since her mother's passing, she felt like she was on the right path. She knew that there would be obstacles along the way, but she was ready to face them head-on. The sound of the elephants' gentle snoring filled the air, and Khumo let herself sink deeper into the warmth of her sleeping bag. She knew that tomorrow would be a long day, but for now, she allowed herself to rest, knowing that she had a newfound sense of direction.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the trees, Khumo's eyes fluttered open, and she stretched her limbs feeling refreshed and energized. She knew that time was of the essence, they had to set out as soon as possible if they were going to make it to the oasis before the poachers. She quickly gathered her supplies, and checked on Blaze who was still sleeping soundly, but looking much better than the previous night.

As the morning sun began to peek through the trees, Khumo stirred from a restful night's sleep. She felt a sense of relief wash over her after the intense events of the past few days. After making herself a breakfast of reconstituted eggs and bacon and instant coffee, she turned her attention to the map of the oasis her mother had left her.

Despite feeling well-rested and energized, Khumo couldn't shake her apprehension about the journey ahead. The terrain between them and the oasis presented a perilous challenge, and she couldn't bear the thought of risking the lives of the elephants under her care. She knew she needed to plan carefully and not act impulsively, even though the oasis seemed so close.

So she sat down under the shade of a nearby rock formation and began to think. She recalled the stories her mother had told her about the African wilderness and the tricks of survival she had learned over the years. Khumo knew that she needed to use all her knowledge and experience to make this journey a success, but the thought of leading the elephants on was the last segment of their journey had filled her with anxiety. She took another sip of her coffee, hoping that the caffeine would help her think more clearly.

As Khumo scrutinized the map, her attention was caught by a series of faint symbols delicately etched on the margins. They were intricately arranged dots and lines forming patterns she immediately recognized as the constellations of the southern hemisphere, which her mother had taught her as a young girl. Khumo felt a surge of pride, remembering the valuable lessons her mother had imparted to her. But how could that help her? Flash, the youngest elephant, playfully nuzzled Khumo with his trunk, as she struggled to think.

As Khumo examined the stars on the map, a bold idea formed in her mind. She remembered her mother's stories of nomads traveling through the night, guided by the stars. Khumo knew that it could be a risky plan, as it might exhaust the group, but it could also help them make up for lost time. She weighed the options and decided that it was worth the risk. They would wait until nightfall to begin their journey.

Khumo checked on Blaze, who was resting comfortably, and then retreated to her shelter to rest before the journey. She felt a sense of calm knowing that she had a plan and that she was ready to lead her newfound family to safety.

As night fell, Khumo felt a sense of determination as she led the group, with the slightly burned notebook held tightly to her chest. She followed the intricate symbols etched on the margins of the map, relying on the knowledge her mother had passed down to her about the constellations of the southern hemisphere. With each step, Khumo felt a sense of purpose that she had never felt before.

The night air was cool and crisp, and the stars shone brightly overhead, illuminating their path through the sand. The only sounds had been the gentle footsteps of the elephants. Khumo was grateful for the silence, which gave her the opportunity to reflect on the journey they had embarked on. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of connection to her mother, who had left her this precious gift to guide her to safety.

As they continued to walk, Khumo's eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she noticed the small details of the rocks that had been composed of sediments of different types that shined differently in the moonlight. The vines and branches seemed to take on new shapes, and the shadows of the animals lurking in the darkness added to the mystery and danger of their journey. Khumo knew that they were taking a risk by traveling at night, but she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the unknown possibilities that lay ahead.

After several hours of walking, Khumo and the group took a break as Flash dug a well, signalling to the elephants to stop and drink. Khumo took the opportunity to check on Blaze's wounds and was pleased to see that they were healing nicely. She gave Blaze a gentle pat on the trunk, thanking her for being so resilient. Khumo also expressed her gratitude towards Flash for adapting so well to the group and finding water for them.

As the elephants drank from the well, Khumo gazed up at the starry sky, searching for the symbols her mother had drawn on their astrological books. She spotted them all - a tennis ball, football, and a tire - and couldn't help but smile at the memory of her and her mother's playful imagination, but for now it was time to rest.