Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 1 | Page 80

Zheng He’s Eigth Voyage
St Stephen's College Preparatory School, Timmermans, Ariel - 8
In 1432, Zheng He received an order from the Chinese emperor to return to China, but Zheng
He was not yet ready to return to China. At that point, the fleet had already reached the East coast of Africa.
Perhaps he beautiful sights made him want to stay. Maybe he also wondered if he could befriend some of
the animals, such as zebras, giraffes, lions, tigers and elephants. So Zheng He faked his own death and
continued on his way. He had a group of trusted sailors with him. They built a new ship and sailed West in
hopes of finding new lands.
They sailed South of the African continent and saw many exotic fish. Zheng He was constantly
asking the people of Africa what they were, his favourite fish were the Shaggy Anglers, Clown Triggerfish
and Ribbon Eels. Eventually, they entered what is now known as the Atlantic Ocean. On their way, they
saw a frightful monster! It turned out the monster was actually a Sperm Whale. The whale was friendly and
led them to the Amazon River to find the Whale’s turtle friend, Turty so that he could lead them to the
local’s favourite spot. When they arrived, they mingled with the locals and they told Zheng He about a
hidden treasure that was said to be found in the deep and dangerous Bermuda Triangle.
Zheng He spoke to Turty about this treasure and Turty warned them but he was adamant about
finding this treasure. Turty led the to the Bermuda Triangle. When the neared it, Turty said he was scared
and wouldn’t go any closer. They parted ways and Zheng He thanked him. As they neared the Bermuda
Triangle, the sea became quite rough and stormy. As they moved through the waves, Zheng He spotted
some sort of bottle. He leaned over his ship and grabbed it. There was a note attached, it said: Zheng He, I
beg of you, drink me. If you have found this note, my greatest wish has come true. Drink this and you will
live forever. From, Yong Le, the ghost of the emperor.
Zheng Le took a sip, and woke up on the deck of his ship to his comrades calling his name. It was just a
dream he thought to himself until he looked overboard and saw small turtle that looked like Turty smiling at
him.