Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 - 2 | Page 94

Heroic Adventures with a Ming Dynasty Companion Singapore International School (Hong Kong), Tang, Sze Ching Caitlyn - 11 On the coast of South China Sea lies a sunken shipwreck, believed to have been part of the Ming Dynasty Treasure Fleet… “I’ve found the shipwreck!” I cry, gesturing madly to the shipwreck ahead. My fellow archaeologists and I swim towards the shipwreck. As we near, I realize it’s far from bulky. It’s enormous! Circling the shipwreck, I realize on the ship’s body is an inscription, saying 1433. 1433? That is almost 600 years ago! To my surprise, beneath a floorboard is a box covered with intricate carvings. Click! The box opens. Inside is a musty book. “Quran...” I read. But before I can even think, a whirlwind of seawater flings me about as I hang onto my precious find. What’s happening? I kick my legs out frantically. Then my world turns black… I soon awake. Blinking woozily, I make out the silhouette of a seven-feet tall man against the glaring sunlight. “Where am I?” I clumsily sit up, astonished to see the man dressed in old-fashioned uniform. “Who’s he?” I inquire. A sailor, surprised by my ignorance, cries, “He’s our honourable admiral, Zheng He! He leads our mighty fleet of 300 ships on naval expeditions!” I am greeted by a 400-feet long flagship, followed by a massive fleet of 300 ships following behind. Red sails, high masts… Everything astounds me. “All aboard!” shouts a voice far ahead. I see Zheng He addressing us. “We shall set sail on our seventh epic voyage, as far west as Africa, bringing back exotic goods for Emperor Xuandi! We must show the world the Ming Dynasty’s power, and develop a rich network of trade with neighbouring countries!” “What’s your name?” Zheng He asks me. “I’m Abbo,” I reply. “Call me Sanbo!” Zheng He replies, chuckling. I am appointed the role of translator, because of my ability to speak many languages. Despite having been on this ship for so long, I often get lost. I am so impressed that Zheng He can navigate the ocean by observing the stars. I think to myself, “Even with today’s GPS, I still cannot get around easily!” One night, a storm breaks out. Panic-ridden, I stumble onto the deck. Cries of anguish erupt as many of us are flung into the raging ocean.