Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 59

Holding up the chest I began, “Everyone remember this?” realisation ran through everyone's head “Well I just
found the key to it prior moments ago and wanted to open it I front of everyone.”
Twisting the key, I heard the lock pop open and the cover flip agape. Inside contained a rolled-up scroll
which I held up for everyone to look at. Slowly but surely, I unrolled the scroll praying to all the gods that this will be
my answer.
Blank.
It was blank.
Why would captain put a blank scroll in such a chest?
Letting out a cry frustration, I let the scroll slip out of my hands, letting it roll to one of the crew members’
feet.
Xiaoen, I think his name was, picked up the scroll at his feet and help it up to the sky. And at that moment, at
that very moment it was as if the ancestors were looking down at us, smiling fondly. The gloom in the sky split and a
sudden lightning bolt was unleashed from the sky and hit the scroll.
As if magic had happened words started to appear on the scroll, lines and segments started to make an
appearance. Soon, a whole map completed with instructions had materialized out of nothing.
It was that exact moment I finally believed in fengshui. I completely and sincerely apologize that I ever called
fengshui rubbish, I take that back.
Picking up the scroll, I read what was written on it out for everyone to hear.
To find the place where you seek,
Sail around the island that reeks.
Weave through the pillars of death
Then you shall find what you want-eth
Discussion among crew members immediately erupted.
“ Island that reeks, that’s clearly, Lianyu”
“What in the world is want-eth?”
“Pillars of death that wouldn't be...”
“Krouhfunbeinrg” I finished off for him.
Collective gasps were heard.
Krouhfunbeinrg was the place that was notorious for sinking all the ships that passed. All sailors knew that if
you treasured your life, never go to Krouhfunbeinrg. You might as well write your will and put it in a bottle if you're
heading there.
Immediate protests were heard as I mulled over what we should do. Choice one, head back to the motherland
and face the emperor’s wrath. Or choice two sail all the crew towards death’s door. As much as I didn't want to die, I
didn't want to my first voyage to be a failure. A voice in my head added, and as much as I’m mad at captain, I don't
want to disappoint him either.
Among the chaos heard on the deck, a voice broke out that quieted the others, “I don't believe Captain Wu
would send us on a death mission.”
Everyone immediately looked down as if disappointed in themselves for thinking such thoughts.
“Captain what do you think?”
All eyes laid on me, “It’s going to be a dangerous task. Bu if you all would support me, we would go.” I said
tentatively.
Relief flooded my face as I heard shouts of agreement echo in my ear. I raised my hand and hollered,
“Onwards to Lianyu!”
Lianyu took 1 month to arrive at, we were greeted by the stench of the island before the actual island. Everyone was
rudely awakened by the foul essent of the isle in the break of dawn, Zhunia and Binfang, thankfully, took it upon
themselves to hand out lemongrass-scented cotton buds to everyone in attempt to block out the smell.
For three-day and three-nights, everyone was tortured by the filled-with-rot island. Frankly our appearances
would earned jeers and laughs from others now. Cotton filled nostrils and dark rings brimmed eyes.
It was safe to say that everyone was feeling much livelier when we left as to when we came.
The estimated time of arrival at Krouhfunbeinrg was in 1.5 months. During that time I tasked the crew with
filling our ship with as much supplies as possible, not forgetting the sacrifices to the gods who were protecting us and
checking, refining and repairing the ships defenses, sails and every other technicality. I even went as far as making
everyone clean their own bunks up as preparation for the coming challenge.
As I crossed out another day till our arrival at Krouhfunbeinrg, I felt the atmosphere among the crew getting
tense, even I myself found that my footsteps have quickened these days. Everyone was nervous.
Reading and re-reading the scroll over and over again as I awaited our arrival, arrangements have been made
to ensure our safety in this Krouhfunbeinrg. I myself will be taking the wheel along with two assistants, a fair amount on