Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 161

The Adventure to India
International College Hong Kong, Bentote, Imogen - 10
“Oh my gosh, thank you!” Exclaimed first mate Xing-Xing, now Captain Xing-Xing. She is 19 and has
been at sea for 8 years of her life. She started out as the cooks helper and went up from there. This morning
she met with the previous captain, and he said, “ Good Morning, Xing-Xing! I need to tell you something
very important. You are going to be the captain of this ship, The Green Emerald! The Emperor has
requested your presence, so we must go to see him right away.” So, Mr. Meng, the previous captain and
Captain Xing-Xing set off to the emperor's palace.
In all her years serving the emperor, Xing-Xing had never seen his palace before and was absolutely amazed
by the jade decorations and marble floors. Her family were very poor, so she had been sent on a boat that
was going to find new lands when she was 11. Before she left, the only places she had seen were wooden
boats and her small town of poor, damaged houses. “Oh, my! This is quite a dream!” Exclaimed Captain
Xing-Xing, “It’s the most marvellous place I have ever been to!”
“Come along now,” Said Mr. Meng, “We mustn't keep the emperor waiting!” They stepped into the huge
dining hall, where the emperor was waiting for them.
“ Sorry to keep you waiting, Emperor”, Apologised Captain Xing-Xing.
“ Ahh, no worries,” He chuckled, “ But now we need to get down to business. I am sending you on this
trip because you are the bravest person in your crew. Remember this. You will be setting off a week from
today. You are going to give gifts to the ruler of India so we can make peace. Okay?”
“Yes, of course.” So, Captain Xing-Xing and Mr. Meng left and went home.
A week soon rolled round and they were setting off. The crew helped to bring food, weapons and water
supplies to last the journey, and of course, the gifts they were to give. That included luxurious gold plates
and silk scarves, which were kept safe in the captain's cabin. Soon enough Captain Xing-Xing was
hollering, “CUT THE ROPES, AND SAILS AWAY! LET’S DO THIS AND MAKE OUR EMPEROR
PROUD!” This was greeted with a round of applause and cheering. They sailed for days. One of their 16
crewmen died of malaria, while they were still a few thousand miles away.
Suddenly, the lookout shouted, “Land Ahoy!” and everyone gathered on the deck to see. “Hmm,” mused
the Captain, “ I think we are here!. Let’s dock and go to see if we can find their leader.” So, they did, and
the captain and first mate went to find someone to ask for help. After wandering around and looking at
nothing but trees and animals, they came across a small village. First Mate Li had been to India before,
though was chased away by bandits, and knew a little of the native language. “Excuse me,” He said, “We
come from China and we are here to talk to your leader. Do you know where we could find him?” “Of
course, if you continue north from here, you will get closer.”, Said a Villager, “You will see a big palace
made of white stone. You can ask for him there, and you will probably be allowed to talk to him. Just
beware of bandits during the journey! It will take a long time, maybe over a month even. Goodbye.” The
captain and the first mate began their long trip, of hard and tiring days.
One night, they had set up their camp, and was sleeping near a fire keeping warm, when First Mate Li
awoke and heard a rustling sound. It must just be an animal , thought Li. Suddenly, there was a loud twang
of arrows being shot and the captain woke up.“Li, get the gifts and hide them from the bandits. I’ll get the
arrows then we need to get up and run!” So they did. They ran, and ran and ran! Before long, they reached
a village that had horses. They offered the farmer a sword and bought the horses.