Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 - 2 | Page 92

A Close Call
Singapore International School (Hong Kong), Lau, Yih Tong Adele - 11
The ship sailed on, battling against the waves. Bit by bit, we pushed on, our determination not
wavering. I stood on the bow of the ship, as we headed for new land. I held my head high, many supporting
ships behind ours. The pattering of light rain created a steady rhythm. I looked over my shoulder, the
sudden murmuring breaking my train of thought. The crew was shocked, but for what reason I did not
know. A wave of gasps came over the crew. I followed their gaze, and glanced up, then it hit me. We were
approaching our own doom.
The dark, gloomy clouds lingered over us ominously. A flash of forked lightning tore through the
clouds, a great clap of thunder following afterward. A sudden shower of rain then came upon us. I was not
surprised, as a feeling of déjà vu came over me. I walked down to my cabin, my hand sheltering the rain
from my eyes. Then, a speck of black caught my eye. It seemed to get bigger and bigger as I blinked my eye
repeatedly, wondering if my eyesight was letting me down. Desperately, I was hoping it was.
As the blackness grew bigger and bigger, the dot started to take shape. The dot morphed into a
ship, fully painted black. A grey skull was painted on the front, its hollow eyes as dark as a black hole. At the
front stood a lady, her dark hair flowing in the wind. A sheath attached to her belt was empty, and in her
hand was the shimmering sword reflecting the very few rays of light. It was raised, the tip pointing upwards,
as if she was directing our attention to the approaching storm. But there was a deeper meaning. They were
the storm.
I looked around, but we were trapped. Stuck, in the midst of a storm, under attack by pirates.
“You know what to do,” I grumbled, my eyes closed, trying sound as brave as possible.
“But, Admiral Zheng, couldn’t we-” argued my advisor.
“I will not tolerate rudeness! I am your commanding officer, and my word is law! Now get it
done!” I insisted sternly, interrupting his speech.
In a instant, the mahogany sails imprinted with the Royal Ming Emblem was soon replaced with
white sails. We were surrendering. A loud boom rang in the distance, causing a commotion. The pirates
lowered many of their own onto our ships. They shouted out orders, and we proceeded with following
them. We stood with our hands behind our heads, as we watched silently, our chests filled with treasures
being loaded onto the pirate ships.
“Ms Chen... I mean, Captain. The loot has been safely stowed away. I have found the Admiral, as
you requested,” he stuttered as he prodded me with his finger, nudging me forward.
I looked up, their leader observing me. “Now, now. Listen carefully. Don’t you even think about
escaping. I know who you are, I know your ways, Zheng He. You will tell me everything you know.
Everything. A little mistake, and your whole fleet gets it, ” she said, her eyes penetrating through me, as if
she was reading my thoughts. She gently caressed the the cool metal blade of the knife on my cheek, a smirk
across her face. “Take him away!” she shrieked, putting the knife back in its sheath.
Oh no.
I’m doomed.