I have had to remain at the oasis for longer than I had planned. The little camel developed infections in the cuts she suffered in her wandering in the desert.
Several of the really deep cuts began festering several hours after we arrived here. I treated them with some salves I had, but theinfections kept advancing. Deep washes with tintures did not seem to halt the advance of the infections either. The infection kept spreading to other cuts until all of them were seeping corruption.
I took some of the dung stockpiled for fire fuel and moistened it to make poltices. I applied these and bound them tightly. These were replaced every eight hours.
After several days of battling the infection, things finally turned around. The poltices began drawing the infections out of the cuts. The cuts became less inflamed and began to heal. I am so relieved to have beat this infection. I think she will be OK now.
She has started eating more and gaining some weight. A few more days should see her well enough to continue on the trail. We will continue our travels then. We will have to travel slowly for a while, but we will get to the end of the trail with no problems in time.
I must repeat my warnings to all travelers here in NML. Nic and his bunch will do anything to sabotage your quit. This little camel is proof of how far and how low they will sink to stop your journey. Keep a very sharp lookout for this bunch and always be on guard for attacks. Call for help and reinforcements if you need them. You must never let Nic and his cohorts win this battle for your health. The stakes are too high and failure is not an option. Your life does depend on it.
You can make this journey successfully. Others have gone before you and wait to welcome you with open arms on the other side of the desert. Take it one step, one day at a time.
One step, and then another, will get you to where you want to be.
Larry the Caravan Master
