Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 103

New Tales of the Ming Treasure Voyages
Dulwich College Beijing, Wang, Ariel - 10
The story you’re about to hear was passed down through my ancestors. It all started in the early 14 th century,
when she heard the ocean rumbling beneath her…
On a winter morning, white gulls swooped and squawked in the spray of the waves, a bright red parrot
dipped and swerved just ahead of the ship. On deck, a filthy teenage boy watched the birds, as if hoping he
could soar with them. As he paused for a moment’s rest, he licked his cracked lips with his parched tongue.
Just at that moment, the bellowing voice of Captain Zheng He exploded behind him, calling his crew into
formation on deck. Silently, the teenager tried to allow the shadowy corners loom over himself, but he felt
the eyes of the captain pierce through him which led him to turn abruptly on the spot and face the enraged
Zheng He.
“Yun, evading your assignments? Night patrol the entire night!” roared the captain. He stormed away,
grumbling at the crew. As for poor Yun, he joined in with the struggle whilst weeping soundlessly.
The streets of India were filled with various stores, as the parade appeared around the crowded area.
Amongst was the little boy, Yun, transporting numerous gold. Despite the weight he was given to carry,
curiosity got the best of him, and even the tears stopped dropping. It was around 6pm when they finally
reached their destination, a large truck awaits as they layered the gold on top one and another. No one can
hide their disappointment, for the members with high expectations they expected the majestic palace awaits
them, but even with low expectations, at least a storage room!
The ship stood on the North-west coast of India, staring out to the diamond-tipped waves. As the crew
boarded the ship, eyes drooping, the moon, long above their heads. Everyone else seems to be getting ready
to sleep, when unfortunate Yun is getting ready for night patrol. Unexpectedly, the tears started to flow
according to its own will, whilst the wind blew, swirling around the troubled boy, making him cuddle in a
shadowy corner, rubbing his hands from time to time. “Hello.” A mysterious voice echoed in the dark,
effecting the numb boy in the corner. A shiver ran down his spine as Yun shivered uncontrollably. He
didn’t know what, but something was urging him on, to run, to hide from whoever is calling. However, his
legs wouldn’t move, only the thumping of his heart accompanied him as the night passed on hour by hour,
little by little…
The next day was foggy and unwelcoming, it wasn’t until 10pm when the sun was to be seen through the
mist. Never were the members of AS Conqueror so silent, so unwelcoming. Deep below in Yun’s heart he
knew there was something exotic about the voice and it will do them no favor. The sooner the owner is
found, the better.
Slouching to the hall, everyone seemed to be occupied so no one noticed him when he dragged his foot as
quietly as possible into the private chambers of the Captain. Something lured him to go on, to step into the
unknown. He didn’t know what or who made him venture inside, only that an invisible rope seems to be
tugging him on. Once again, Captain Zheng He detected his presence and was indeed irritated, which lead
him to another night of patrolling the grounds. The tears were blocked by the waves of determination, Yun
is going to uncover the mystery within and discover the possessor of the cold, hallow voice.
There wasn’t a single light up in the sky, wasn’t a single bird in sight whilst Yun faced another night of
darkness alone. All that followed him is the swirling of the winds and thumping of his heart. Somehow, the
voice is all Yun could think about, not the hallow within, but the mystery that lies beneath. Tonight, it
showed itself again: the voice.
“Hello.” It whispered softly. Yun stirred from the shadowy corner as his eyes grew into focus. There it was,
the owner standing in front, ebony black hood covered her body, the only feature that is visible is her lips.
Another rub of his eyes, she was gone. Yun stayed unmoved for a moment and stared blankly at the spot the
figure once stood on. It wasn’t until 5 minutes later when he finally came to his senses and smoothed out his
eyes to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Still nothing. Nothing at all. Even the winds stopped moaning as if it
was aware of another’s presence. Little by little the night went on, leaving the boy standing there.
Unmoved. Untouched. Unwanted.
The sun rose and perched itself on the horizon, sending strips of sunlight through the member’s window,
leaving the crew awake. As for Yun, the main goal was to keep on the bright side of the Captain and don’t
get into any unwanted inconvenience. Arms full of gold, Yun marched down the streets of India yet again,
his arm seems to be falling off as curiosity didn’t accompany him. Finally, the moon uncovered itself, as they
trekked down to the safety of their chambers and Yun stumbled to get an old piece of cloth to clean the
deck. There was the helpless youngster, cleaning the deck whilst tiredness drizzled through him, making
him slump on the deck, falling asleep.