Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 78

Journal of a Sailor Diocesan Girls' Junior School, Choi, Pui Yan Valerie - 11 3 rd year of Emperor YongLe Waving, we gazed out across the sapphire-blue velvet of the sea, watching the triangular land of India gradually fade into the horizon. It became nothing more than a distant coastline, delicately outlined by the touch of the glowing sun, separating us from the many exciting adventures we have had. The adventures may be gone, but the thrilling memories will always remain. Now, the fleet headed home. The visit to India-- which was led by Admiral Zheng-- had been a successful one. Aside from making a trade deal between the countries, we had seen countless items that were new to us, varying in shapes and sizes. Among all, there was one that was the most intriguing-- the Tigrises. Regally, they roam amongst forests of dew-kissed grass with utmost grace, their bold, majestic stripes adorned on the flamboyant coating of their fur. Their blazing feline eyes resemble the lustrous eyes of a dragon, one that can only be found in legends, and one that can see into the deepest parts of your soul. They are like liquid orbs of amber, threateningly placid. These creatures watch with silent ferocity, their cat-like face perfectly symmetrical, evoking a sense of fear, respect, and awe in me at the same time. Yet most intimidating of all, are their formidable, bloodthirsty fangs, sharper than bronze swords. Just picturing a Tigris tearing flesh apart sends chills down my spine. Since it was such a monstrous creature, we had no choice but to leave it where it belonged. It was a pity, I thought, as it was such a beautiful beast, full of hunger and elegance. “All crew members, prepare to switch sails,” the voice of our captain sounded through the ship. Lithely but carefully, I clambered up to the top of the mast and watched intently for instructions. As soon as Captain waved his hands in the air, I untied the sail, watching it slowly descend. Then, my fellow cabinmates hoisted the spectacular flame-red sails that, as said, symbolized the pride of the country. Captain nodded, and I slid back down, only to see the morning haze lifting off, revealing patches of fire burning in the crystalline water. Taking a deep breath, I stood a little straighter, embracing the pride that I had. ********** We continued to steer across the ocean for a few weeks, following maps and a compass, and as we nearly reached home, we encountered the most dangerous thing a sailor can encounter at sea. That day, the weather was perfect. The ocean filled itself with shimmering diamonds as it melted into the silky sky. Perfectly pillowed clouds sailed lazily across the creamy blanket of blue, leaving streaks of white behind and painting a dynamic, ever-changing picture. Golden beams of sunlight spilled out from behind them, never failing to show its face. But out of the corner of my eye, at the far corner of the flawless sky, I glimpse a sullen, menacing, even ominous cloud that started leaking. My heart stopped-- a storm. ********** Soon, everyone felt the cyclone. The air was sharp, and the azure sky was now replaced by a heavy sheet of lead. We frantically fixed the mast, the sails, and the wheel, adrenaline rushing in our body. Blood roared in my ears, the sense of dread pounding in every heartbeat. Whispering a prayer, I clutched the nearest rope and pole tightly, knuckles white, as everyone did. We had nothing to do at this stage, everything was to be left in the hands of Fate. Suddenly, a jagged bolt of lightning split the ominous sky in half. Layers of thick clouds built into a thunderous deluge and torrential rain poured down like an avalanche. The gale was a tyrant. Roaring and screaming, she conjured rain and waves, splintering the boat like daggers. At the very front, trying in vain to steer the wheel was Captain, shouting orders over and over again. Beads of sweat rolled down my face as I strained to keep the sail in place, balancing the seemingly frail boat. Claws of tempestuous waves lashed our ships, tilting it from side to side mockingly. We were toys in the eyes of the brutal ocean, trapped at the very heart of the raging sea. “Captain...two members...of our crew co...collapsed and a few were sw...swept in the o...ocean,” I heard my friend telling our captain, voice quivering. The fear in his eyes was uncovered, like glass that could be shattered at any moment. I couldn’t hear what Captain said after that. The waves continued to surge, threatening to engulf our ship, and drag us into its bottomless depths. All we could see were the angry walls of water-- dark as coal. Panic spread across my body. My lungs felt as if it carried the burden of a million rocks as I gasped wildly for breath. The only thing I could think about was not to lose my grip. Our boat lurched back and forth as my stomach tightened. Then, it tipped. The rope broke. The pole cracked. Everything was a blur, and all I could remember was that I was plunging into the jaws of the sea... *********