Morty's Adventure by Rachel L.

Morty was a young elephant with a happy life. He and his mother Sheila lived in a herd of elephants in the Kalachi plains, where there was always peace and happiness. However, one day Sheila became very ill.

Morty was devastated, so one night he approached the elders. “Why is my mom so sick? She’s always been healthy before.”

“She has an unknown sickness,” they told him. “I’m sorry, but there is nothing we can do.”
However, one elder named Leera pulled Morty aside.

“I know of something you can do, young Morty,” she whispered in his ear. “It’s slightly dangerous, but it’ll be worth it.”

Morty leaned in closer to hear what Leera had to say.
“Later, when everyone is asleep, you must travel to the Wardaf plains. There is a herd of elephants there that possess a special herb that will cure your mother.”
“But why would they give the herbs to me?” Morty asked.
Leera smiled. “Talk to the herd leader, and I’m sure he will help you.”

Morty was slightly confused, but he knew he must get the herbs to save his mother. A few hours later when the whole herd was silent, Morty hugged his sleeping mother good-bye and began his journey.

The Wardaf plains were near the Kalachi plains, but it was a hot, tiresome trip. Morty had to look hard to find food and water. Finally, after two long days, he reached the Wardaf plains. He saw some elephants talking amongst each other.

“Excuse me, where can I find your herd leader?” he asked meekly.
All heads turned and looked at him, and Morty felt very small and helpless.
One elephant spoke up. “I’m the herd leader. What brings you to our lands?”
“I…I’m here from the Kalachi plains,” Morty stammered. “One of our elders sent me here to get herbs for my mom because she’s sick. Please help me.”

The leader looked closely at Morty. “You say you come from the Kalachi plains. What is your mother’s name?”

“Sheila.”
The leader smiled. “Come take a walk with me, Morty.”
Morty was amazed. “How do you know my name?”
“It’s a long story. Come, and I’ll tell you,” the leader replied.
The two of them walked far away from the other elephants before he spoke.
“My name is Faulkner, and I am your father,” he said slowly.
“You’re my father? But how?” Morty inquired

Faulkner cleared his throat before continuing. “Back when my father was still herd leader, I went on a tour of the neighboring plains. Seeing as I was next in line for leader, I wanted to become acquainted with other herds. When I came to your herd, I instantly fell in love with Sheila, and she with me. However, it is against the law of elephant to have a relationship outside of ones herd, so we kept everything a secret. But when Sheila became pregnant, we knew we could no longer hide the truth.

My father ordered me to return home, and Sheila was kicked out of her herd. She came to me one night for help. We went into hiding until your birth, at which we named you Morty. Only a few days later, I found out that my father had died, and I knew I had to take up the position as herd leader. I made the hardest decision of my life and left you and your mother for my herd. To make sure you two would be safe, I contacted your herd leader to see if he would let you back in. He would not allow it, but an elder named Leera finally convinced him.”

Morty was overjoyed. “I can’t believe I have a father!” But wait, do you have the herbs I need for my mother? I don’t know how much longer she has.”

“Yes, I do. And while I’m unable to leave my herd, I encourage you and Sheila to visit me as often as you’d like,” said Faulkner.

“Thank you so much. Of course we’ll come see you.”

Faulkner got the herbs for Morty and fastened them securely to his back. They said good-bye to each other and Morty set off for home. The two-day journey seemed much shorter this time, and when Morty got home he gave the herbs to his mother. Within no time she was better, and Morty told her of how he met his father. The two of them lived happily ever after.