The next day, Dong Huiying found two crescent-colored cloaks; she and Haoming each wore one, then double-checked their food and water supplies once more before mounting their camels.
Their team consisted of only three people but a total of eight camels, five of which were heavily loaded with provisions like food, water, and items such as clothes and tents.
"Let's go!" Dong Huiying called out, and then the three of them, along with the eight camels, started their journey.
Camels, though not as fast as horses, are drought-resistant and have historically been dubbed the "Ship of the Desert." They can go four or five days without food; the fat stored in their humps provides the sustenance they need to survive. Furthermore, their stomachs contain many small vesicles that store water, allowing them to go several days without drinking without risking their lives. Additionally, the thick pads of their feet make them particularly well-suited for walking in the desert.
