Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 145

On my way out, I came face to face with a startled middle age woman; Her jaw dropped open as if to ask why I was
here. Her serene eyebrows were furrowed, creating wrinkles in her face, while her pupils flickered in confusion
erratically. Taking advantage of the element of surprise I twisted my body and ran haphazardly; tripping on my cape;
blocking my ears, silently waiting for her to scream and chase me.
Mr. Zhang
Who was this boy? And how did he get his hands on such items? These were the questions that tormented me. More
importantly, how could I get my hand on this?
I arrived at their accommodation and headed towards one of the burly, mammoth sized guards that stood at the
entrance. Tapping his back, I learned to the side and whispered, “You wouldn’t want your wife and children to know
how you got that money, would you?” - He was an old customer who owed me a favour in exchange for my
confidentiality. Luckily as I predicted, the man vigorously opened the door, unquestioningly.
The chief had decorated the place like a museum; ornate tapestries hung across the walls with occasional large scenic
paintings. Handwoven curtains, embroidered with cherry blossoms hung from the ceiling, blocking even the slightest
ray of light. Wooden cushioned chairs with intricate carvings from dragons to flowers were scattered across the room
along with 2 large Luohan beds that were placed facing each other. Centre stage was a staircase, which led to the crew’s
dorms.
The only room on the ground floor was at the corner, blocked with ostentatious deep, emerald green doors. At the
muffled sound of voices, I froze still. I leaned towards the wall with my ear against the ridges of bamboo, attempting to
grasp what seemed like a conversation between the captain and a messenger. The wall had already been swaying, before
I knew it I fell into the room on my stomach and positioned my legs, prepared to run.
Mrs Lin
Who was that boy? And why had he ransacked our home? Upon reaching home, exhausted after working at the lodge I
opened the door to a flustered Ms Yang , whose eyes brimmed with tears, escaping into droplets, streaking her cheeks.
Her lower lips trembled as she explained what happened, reducing her voice to a faint mumble. While Mrs Song wailed
distraughtly.
We were done for; all our money was stolen and our home close to ashes.
I was walking solemnly under the candlelit lamps, along the Shinzo market, attempting to collect my thoughts, deciding
my next steps. Before I saw a soldier, beside the community notice board. Which was already surrounded by a fairly
large crowd. As I peered closer, I noticed it was a recruitment offer:
Do you want to work directly for the Emperor? Be a real-life pirate? Well, this job is for you. Not only will be
compensated greatly, but you will also be provided with free stay and food. And become a part of the emperors very
own treasure fleet where you can explore the world and help your emperor form alliances with other nations.
We also have a position for cooks, medical staff & maintenance.
I had previously worked aboard a ship as a nurse and had experience dealing with all sorts of wounds. I was delighted at
the thought of joining the crew. I would be able to kill two birds with one stone; find my son and restore my
livelihood. Given my current state I didn’t have much of an option so before I decided otherwise, I hurriedly
approached the soldiers as his boots began to turn away and slipped my name into the box.
Syaoran
Mr Zhang was running as he pushed crates of fruit along the street behind him, while roars of indignation spur behind
him. His head was craned backwards as he was running, recklessly. His eyes widened in relief has he met my gaze. As he
staggered towards me, he placed his hand on my shoulder, tugging me into a bookstore until the grunts and heavy thud
of boots fell into a whisper.
Gripping my forearms, he shook me, his fingers tips digging desperately into my skin. He was heaving, his breath
staggered and uneven when spouted, ‘Your mother is here in the village’
The disbelief must have shown on my face, as he began describing what happened:
“I heard the chief and a messenger talking privately;
The chief asked, “Did you locate Syaoran’s mother?”
The messenger replied quietly saying, they had narrowed it down to a few villages neighbouring villages including this
one. But, would need a few days at pinpoint her exact location.
In response, the chief grumbled, “I’d hoped we would find her this time around. But I guess I will have to wait. The
emperor has already assigned our next destination”
The chief had requested the messenger to refrain from telling anyone else, including you. That was all I heard before I
fell into the room and was chased by their guards.”