Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 48

Perseverance is not Betrayal
Clearwater Bay School, Yan, Maya - 10
The young boat was trapped. Colossal waves started to crash his sides. From the deck, Zheng He
saw waves covering every single inch of land. This was his 4th voyage, which may be his last. Trudging
towards his wooden cabin, the sounds of mutiny started to spread into his ears, while his heart beat faster and
faster.
He needed a plan. A plan that could give this mission another chance. He pulled open the laced
curtain, and watched the room as it lit up. Climbing up the desk, he noticed the sailors crowded
demanding: ” MONEY!” At that moment, he devised a plan. Not knowing if it would work, he pushed the
door open, and announced: ”The first member of my ship who sees land will be awarded with half of the
gold I find!” With determination everyone left the crowd and took turns using the lookout. At least he has a
chance to bring gold back to China.
“Land!” A young boy shouted as he made his way down the ladder. Finally there was land. Finally
there was food. Finally he could keep his word. As the ship slowly reached the shore, Zheng He ordered his
men to prepare the boats and lower the anchor. Once everything was set, they climbed down into the boats
and sailed towards the land. This place was rather unusual. He watched as the trees swayed from side to side
and the flowers dancing in the wind. The tall mountains covered the sunlight, making everything darker
than before. The steep trails of the mountain were covered in rocks, which made it ever so hard to climb.
The consequences of attempting could possibly lead to death. He had a feeling there was something up
there, hidden deeply. He ordered his men to climb it . The more they climbed, the scarier it became. By
the time they were nearly there, he no longer regretted his choice.
Trembling, his arm reached up as he pulled himself towards victory. With the last of his strength,
he stood up, looking down at the everlasting hills of the new kingdom. Before he could celebrate his
victory, a shaking voice hit him, knowing it was only him who made it. The sky started to darken even
more as water poured down from the sky, wind wrapped around them trapping them together on the top of
the mountain. Just then, from the top of the mountain, you could see a black arrow spinning crazily out of
control. Just as they estimated, they saw a tornado. It spun as fast as it could. It started to approach the
mountain they were standing on.
A few short minutes ago , he was full of excitement. Now he was frightened and extremely scared.
Zheng he looked into the distance as the wind spun closer and closer.” Help!!”a voice called towards him.
Knowing it was one of his men, he let the voice go back with no answer. “Oh please help.” whined a
young girl as she forced her hand up, hoping someone would pull her. Zheng he signed. He grabbed her
hand and anxiously pulled her up. Together, they collapsed on the mountain edge unable to stand.
Curiously, Zheng he asked:“ what is your name?”, as she looked towards he the sky,
”I’m Ruby and I came here for a new life.” Ruby addressed “Life was really hard from where I came,
No one had a proper home and we all ate food and water from the wild,” as she stood up pointing towards
the sky.
“One summer, there was a drought , millions died,” Ruby looked down at her feet ”Including my
mother. I set off in a boat to find a home.” Zheng He glared into the girl’s blue eyes, and started the story
of his life.” When I was small, my dream was to become a sailor. But no matter how hard I worked, it
seemed to fade away. At that moment, the King needed more soldiers so I stepped up to join. I remembered
the time I left my home and betrayed everything I had, also keeping words of importance locked in my
head.”
“What are they?” Ruby mumbled , noticing that the sailors crowded around to hear.
“Have perseverance, that’s all we have left.” said Zheng he, as he turned around, noticing everyone
crowding around.