"The Camel and the Cunning Jackal"

Long ago, in the heart of a vast golden desert, where the dunes danced with the wind and the sun painted the sands in brilliant shades of fire, there lived a camel named Karim. Karim was tall, strong, and gentle. He carried traders across the desert and never complained, no matter how long the journey or how hot the day.

Near the edge of the desert, in a rocky den nestled between thorny shrubs, lived a jackal named Juno. Juno was small and quick, with clever eyes and a sharp tongue. While Karim earned his living with honest work, Juno relied on his wit, often tricking others to fill his belly.

One hot afternoon, Juno came trotting across the desert, his stomach growling louder than the desert wind. He hadn’t eaten in two days and was desperate. Just then, he spotted Karim resting under a lone acacia tree.

"Good day, noble Karim," said Juno, approaching with a sly smile.

Karim lifted his heavy head. "Good day to you, Juno. What brings you here in the heat of the day?"

Juno licked his dry lips. "I heard there's a lush sugarcane field just across the river. The humans never go there at this hour. I was thinking... we could go together. You can wade through the river and carry me across on your back. We’ll feast like kings!"

Karim, who had grown tired of dry desert plants, considered the offer. “Hmm… That does sound tempting. But you’re sure it’s safe?”

“Absolutely,” Juno said quickly. “I’ve been there many times. Trust me.”

Though cautious, Karim agreed. He lowered himself so Juno could climb onto his back, and the two set off across the desert toward the river.

When they arrived, Karim stepped carefully into the cool water, his large feet sinking into the soft mud. The current wasn’t strong, but it was deep for Juno, who clung tightly to Karim’s hump.

They made it across safely and entered the sugarcane field. As promised, it was lush and green, hidden from the nearby village by tall reeds.

Karim chewed happily on the sweet stalks while Juno darted around, biting into the soft cane and letting the juice drip from his mouth.

But when the sun began to dip low, Karim said, “We should leave now. The villagers may come.”

Juno grinned. “Of course, of course.”

They returned to the river, and Karim knelt again to let Juno climb up. But as they reached the middle of the river, Juno suddenly let out a long, loud howl.

“Awooooo!”

Karim jerked in surprise. “What are you doing? You’ll alert the villagers!”

Juno chuckled. “I always sing after a good meal. It’s my custom.”

“Well, it’s a foolish one!” Karim snapped. “Now we’ll be in danger!”

Sure enough, shouts echoed from the far bank. Villagers had seen them and were rushing toward the water with sticks and stones. Startled, Karim hurried to the shore, but a rock grazed his leg as he climbed out.

Breathing heavily, he turned to Juno. “You tricked me, you selfish creature. I carried you, I trusted you, and now I’m hurt!”

Juno shrugged and smirked. “That’s just how it goes. You’re big and strong. You’ll be fine.”

Karim said nothing. He simply limped away into the desert.

A few days passed. Juno, ever hungry, began to miss the sugarcane field. But he couldn’t cross the river alone.

So, once again, he sought out Karim, who was resting beneath the same tree.

“Friend Karim,” Juno said sweetly, “I was hoping we might visit the sugarcane field again. I know I made a mistake last time, but I’ve learned my lesson.”

Karim narrowed his eyes. “Have you?”

“Truly. I won’t make a sound. I’ll be as silent as the sand,” Juno promised, placing a paw over his heart.

Karim stared at him for a long time. At last, he agreed. “Very well. But this time, remember — your actions have consequences.”

They journeyed again to the river, crossed safely, and feasted in the field. When it was time to return, Karim warned, “No howling. No tricks.”

Juno nodded eagerly and hopped on.

But as they reached the deepest part of the river, Juno couldn’t resist. He lifted his snout and let out a howl even louder than before.

“AWOOOOOO!”

This time, Karim did not rush. He stopped right in the middle of the river and calmly said, “I too have a custom.”

Juno blinked. “What is it?”

“Whenever someone howls on my back after I’ve warned them... I take a deep breath — and I dive.”

Before Juno could respond, Karim inhaled deeply and plunged underwater.

Juno shrieked in panic. Water rushed over him, and he scrambled, splashing wildly. Karim swam gracefully forward and surfaced near the opposite shore, while Juno floundered back to the side they came from.

Sputtering and soaked, Juno dragged himself onto the bank.

Karim stepped onto the other side and turned to speak one final time. “Fool me once, Juno, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. But you won’t fool me again.”

And with that, he walked off into the desert, leaving Juno coughing and shivering, soaked to the bone.

From that day on, Juno never found anyone else foolish enough to trust him — and Karim never again offered his back to those who did not value it.