Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 217

Plans and Changes
Shanghai Singapore International School, Hegde, Sathvik - 13
Sunlight, traveling from the Heavens, pierced the clouds and sped down to the great, timeless
depths of the Indian Ocean, never to be seen again. Under its grey green surface, fish swam in their schools,
serene and content with their lives. Their only worry, aside from their existence, was the great fleet before
them.
Min stared at the tranquil ocean, still fascinated by it even after two years on the voyage. The water
danced and flowed, making shapes and patterns on its surface. The great fleet of five-mast treasure ships
were floating clumped together in the back. Min felt greed wash over him. The Emperor, may he live
forever, had sent the third voyage to travel the world and to awe the barbarians and make them swear fealty.
The forty-five treasure ships were laden with gigantic bolts of silk, chests of heavy gold and fragrant spices.
With that much wealth, one could live like a god for generations to come. Min was jolted out of his reverie
by a painful cuff to the side of his head. “Don’t dawdle boy! Get to scrubbing the deck!” Min whirled
around indignantly, and came face to face with the rough faced boatswain. All the curses that Min was going
to unleash died on his tongue. He swallowed and stuttered, “I…Yes sir!” The boatswain wasn’t done yet,
and he grabbed Min and shouted, “You were not sent on this voyage to dawdle and stare at the ocean boy!
The Emperor, may he live forever, does not tolerate fools and lazy workers. So, you better get to work
now!’’ Min hastily nodded and retreaded beneath the onslaught of the boatswain’s harsh words and harsher
breath. He picked up his bucket and sighed. The deck looked as it always did, pristine and well-scrubbed.
He grudgingly got to work.
As Min scrubbed, he could not help watching furtively as the crew swarmed around the ship
keeping it ship-shape. The boatswain was prowling around the deck, shouting at anyone who looked to be
slacking. A nobleman and his lady stood at the prow, admiring the ocean and its infinite beauty. Sailors
stood ready at the masts, and were chatting to pass the time. Soldiers stalked on the deck, arrogant as cats.
The soldiers had their weapons on. Min felt a chill run through him. Did they suspect? They had no reason
to keep their weapons on, unless they expected trouble. Of course, the fleet was fast approaching the island
of savages under India. They certainly were not friendly. Min shook his head, and continued observing. The
rowers rested and napped, sweat gleaming on their bare backs, taking this lull as an opportunity to be
stronger when they were required. That would help, Min noted. And of course, there were the lowly
deckhands, scrubbing and polishing the decks and other articles. Min spotted his friend, River-Fish, near
the prow stealthily gesturing to him. Come to the meeting place , he signaled. Min nodded assent. He
pretended to check a spot by the middle mast for dirt, and swung down by his friend. Min questioned, “Are
we doing it today?” River-Fish nodded grimly, and at the same time, happily. He opened his mouth, and
then shouts came. “What is that,” a polished accent asked. A rough voice shouted, “We will be lucky today!
The lady of the waters has graced us with her presence!” Min and his friend rushed over to the railing, and
stared in awe at the humongous creature before them. It was gray and gigantic, gracefully swimming in the
water. A mournful and intelligent eye looked at them, at the ship. It shook its head. Then it swam away,
shooting water as its tail slapped down.
Moonlight, traveling from the Heavens, sped through the dark heavy clouds and alighted on the
churning waves. Fat water droplets sliced diagonally and flooded the ships as puny figures struggled to bail
the water. The boatswain, the common sailors, even the admirals joined in. Everyone was there. And
everything was in its right place. To think that plans of a lifetime could be shed at a single nod...