Week 10: Chapter 11-17

In chapter eleven of this novel, Slavomir describes his journey towards the Russian border. As they venture to the Baikal Lake, the prisoners crossed path with a fugitive girl name Kristina. She had a tragic past in regards to the Soviet Union and thus, fled away from her imprisonment. Kristina had an uplifting effect on the guys and was a positive addition to the crew. She was a strong girl and was able to keep up with the guys. In the next few chapters, Slavomir describes his journey through the Russian terrain to Mongolia. The crew faced many friendly people along their journey. They were all very kind and even offered food to the crew and were especially friendly towards Kristina. Starvation was not a big issue among the crew because they were resourceful. They kept hidden through their journey and avoid the local civilian. They hunted animals and they meticulously raided the villages for food. As they reached Mongolia, they faced a new terrain. The weather was warmer and very humid as the terrain was filled with rivers and trees. They crossed paths with many fishermen and farmers. The crew even helped the Mongolians to farm more efficient and in return, food was provided. Their journey through Mongolia was prosperous, until they reached the Gobi Desert. It was terribly hot and dry. They even crossed paths with a locus swarm and Mongolian travelers on camels. The crew’s bodies ache and were dying of thirst and exhaustion. Luckily they had spotted an oasis and were lead to believe that God had put it there in their favor. After they left the oasis, Kristina had developed a swollen feet and stumbled many times due to exhaustion. She later died on one of the men’s shoulder. She was given a proper burial and the crew was back to seven. In chapter seventeen, Makowski had showed the same symptoms as Kristian and eventually passed away too. The six who were left ventured through the desert and eventually found muddy water and snake to suppress their hunger.