Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 253

The statues didn’t seem to notice them. Tim glanced at the statues. Four statues seemed to be
opening a trapdoor on the floor, while the others formed a defensive circle around them. Tim began to regret having
entered this room. He knew that this room was fenced off for a reason. He forced a brave smile then answered Jack,
“Don’t worry. The statues are just opening the trapdoor.” Suddenly, the statues froze. Their glowing eyes dimmed,
and then finally turned completely back to normal again. Likewise, the trapdoor at the end of the room was opened.
Tim whispered, “Jack, follow me. Come on. Let’s have a quick look at what’s down there.”
It soon became clear that they were going through a secret passage. Hours had passed, and still, it
was an endless passage. “We are not getting anywhere. This passage just goes on and on. The temple must be
closed by now. Look at what you’ve got us into! I want to leave!” said Jack trying to control the quiver in his voice.
They walked along the passage until they finally reached the Old City of Shanghai. The city was completely empty
and looked ruined as if it was the time after the Opium War in 1842.
The boys didn’t notice where they were until they came across an ancient temple right next to the
river port outside the wall. They halted in front of an old wooden door. The wood was decaying and seemed it hadn’t
had a lick of paint for years. “ This must be it! This must be what the statues were guarding for!” Tim took a step
forward.
The door was covered with a thick layer of dust. Tim brushed part of the dust off the surface
with his sleeves, and ran his fingers across the wooden door as there were some carvings on it. Tim managed to read
out a few words:
TOMB OF THE OLD RULER OF SHANGHAI .
Tim gently pushed the door opened. A blinding light shone through, causing Tim and Jack to
shield their eyes with their hands. The boys entered the room warily, and saw great pillars decorated with shimmering
jewels held up the ceiling, which were encrusted with layers of gold. To their astonishment, a coffin was paid at the
center of the room on a marble plinth. The coffin was covered with red silk, embroidered with gold threads.
“Check this out,” Jack was all amazed, pointing at the coffin. Tim looked confused and
wondered, “What is it?” Jack slowly walked towards the coffin. He hesitated for a moment, and then reached for the
piece of red silk. Gradually, he pulled it off the coffin, revealing a few words imprinted on the coffin. “ A CURSE
SHALL FALL UPON WHOEVER OPENS THE COFFIN. Seriously? ” Tim chuckled. “Stop! Don’t open it!
Haven’t you seen the warning?” shouted Jack as he tried to stop Tim. “Oh, Jack. Stop being so superstitious.” Tim
pulled with all his strength, and lifted up the lid of the coffin. Tim chuckled again and said, “Jack, nothing is wrong. I
opened the lid of the coffin and no CURSE fell upon…” Tim paused before he could finish the sentence. He
dropped his jaws in horror and gasped.
The only thing the coffin contained was a sword. A sword that was identical to the one the
statue was holding in the dark room. Tim turned his gaze from the coffin to meet Jack’s. Worry had lined his face.
“Something doesn’t seem right,” said Tim with fear.