Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 1-2 | Page 143

The Quest for Everlasting Lfe
Clearwater Bay School, Wan, Kyra - 10
“O
f course, it would be foolish for anyone to attempt this legendary journey,” said Miss
Clover, glaring at James, whose spitball hit Andrew square in the face. “JAMES,’’ scolded
Miss Clover, “ This is your third and final warning. Go to the office. Mr. Pruderry would
be happy to see you again.’’
James scowled. Just then, the bell rang. “Saved by the bell,” muttered James, as he ran to catch up with his
friends.
Standing in the hallway, Clara, Lily and Ian watched him go. “ Strange boy,” exclaimed Ian shaking his
head.
“I know; he lives right next door to me,” said Clara.
“Anyway, did you hear what Miss Clover said about the legendary journey?” Lily put in. Ian and Clara both
shook their heads.
“Sorry, Mate, that James was so distracting.” Ian made a face.
Lily dropped her voice. “This journey would be a great opportunity to test our powers,” Lily whispered
excitedly.
“Miss Clover said it would be foolish for anyone to try to make that journey, ” Clara replied.
“But nobody else in the school has powers like we do; we’ll make a great team!” Ian said.
For the next few weeks, Ian, Clara and Lily worked on a special spell that could stop time. Then, after five
weeks of hard work, they finally developed the perfect spell. Soon it was January first; the three friends met
at dawn in front of the school gates.
“Ready?” asked Lily.
Both nodded their heads. Ian was grinning from ear to ear at the same time. Then they joined hands in a
circle while chanting the magic words:
Tick clock,
Tick clock,
Stop time,
Time stop.
Satisfied, the children picked up their bags and started walking west.
In the first week, they walked more than 200 metres through towns, over meadows and down motionless
rivers. “Looks like my spell worked," boasted Ian.
“You mean our spell?” pointed out Lily.
“STOP!” shouted Clara. “We still have a long way to go.”
Just then, they found themselves at the edge of a cliff. “Now what?” said Ian stubbornly.
“Common sense, silly,” said Clara who placed her hands on her temples, then out to the horizon toward an
old gnarled oak tree.