Watch me, father! Shiraz called. He leapt onto his horse and disappeared in a cloud of dust. Shukhe stood quietly beside his father. His father`s eyes were fixed on the massive rock at the far side of the valley. Proudly, he watched Shiraz ride around it and start back towards them. Shiraz was the fastest rider in the valley.Perhaps he was the fastest in the whole desert!

         `Did I do well, father?` asked Shiraz as he jumped down from his horse.

         `You did very well, Shiraz,` replied his father. `You are a good rider.`

          Shiraz smiled. `I can`t wait for tomorrow!` he said.

          The next morning everyone got up early. It was festival day at last! There were games and horse races on festival day. Shukhe and his family set off towards the next valley. Shiraz and his father rode their horses. Shukhe drove the cart. His mother and grandmother sat behind him. They laughed and sang happily.