Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 221

A month passed since I first got on this fleet. As usual, sitting on the deck, I was looking out over
the sea for a sunrise. In the distance, I came in sight of land, which automatically let out an exclamation of
joy. By noon, all fleets anchored in the port. From busy chattering of other sailors, I could learn that we
arrived in the port Vijaya of Champa. I moved busily than other times to help load miscellaneous goods on
the wagons that will be offered as gifts to the King of Champa. The staggering number of gifts included the
finest silk, sophisticated porcelains, a wide variety of teas, papers, gold and more. The diplomatic mission set
off for the Champa Palace, lead by the Admiral Zhang He. I glimpsed him through the crowd. Even from
the back, his engaging charisma and dignity could be felt. While the mission was away, the rest prepared for
our next voyage. Carpenters repaired the ship inspecting all parts for damage and external signs of wear, and
soldiers made their way to bazar beside the harbor to lay up provisions. In fact, I wasn’t permitted to leave
the ship, but anyway I already finished all the tasks assigned to me. I was mad keen to get away and explore.
Overwhelmed by unparalleled excitement, I took my first step onto the harbor. My heart was jumping out
of my chest at the new world I faced for the first time.
The harbor was swarming with merchants and sailors, all in different outfits. All the hustle and
bustle and distracting noises exhilarated me. Feeling the invigorating air, I moved further into the crowds. At
the moment, I sighted a cluster of people sitting together with their eyes focused on one same thing. One
peculiar play was going on there. It was several wooden dolls leading the play, moving in different
directions, floating on the water. I recalled my old memory of watching a similar play in my hometown. It
was called the puppetry. At that time, I was fascinated by tiny dolls moving their arms and legs freely, yet it
was even more amusing since these dolls were acting out on the water. Standing still, I kept my eyes riveted
to the play until the story came to an end. Out of port areas, even more charming view of the bazar
stretched in front of me. By the time I returned to the ship, I had a bundle full of bizarre items.
A few days later, the mission returned with few Champa diplomats, and our fleets set out to sea
towards our next destination, the island of Java. It wasn’t a smooth sailing at all. At the incessant attack of
perpetual rainstorms and monstrous waves, several ships had capsized, depriving innumerable innocent lives.
It was a continuation of desperate days. Sailors all looked hollow with vacant eyes. When darkness fell every
night, everyone got into their own mood, and the whole vessel lapsed into silence. Leaned back against the
mast, I played a mournful, melancholy tune on the pipa that drifted over the waves, hoping it can console
raging waves and my worn-out fellows. Nonetheless, the profound sorrow and grief didn’t easily fade away.
Another livelong night closed in, which was even more desperate and poignant than other nights.
Not even a flash of moonlight was there. A miracle happened all at once. Sitting on a watchtower, I spotted
millions of dots beginning to sparkle gorgeously on the ocean surface, giving out mysterious bluish white
lights, as if the sea was a night sky with myriad of stars twinkling. At my piercing shout, being flustered,
everyone looked down on the dazzling night sea. A great multitude of jelly fish had been whirling around in
the boundless ocean. Ravished by the spectacular view, we were lost for words. Soon, deep silence turned
into the exclamation of wonder and delight. The compelling sight healed all our sorrows and screw our
courage to the sticking place. It was another new beginning of our voyage with determined, toughened
mindset.
The next day wasn’t so lamenting. Since the morning, we all moved busily, carrying out our own
tasks lively, energetically all with cheerful smiles on face. It wasn’t an easy day at all. It was the day we first
bumped into the outrageous ships of pirate Chen Zuyi. In fact, it was a foreseen, inevitable encounter since
we took off on our voyage. Occasionally, I had heard others talking about him, who was infamous for being
merciless and barbarous. Fortunately, thanks to our quick retreat, no fight broke out.
Carefully avoiding the fleet of pirate Chen Zuyi, our fleet reached the island of Java. Again, our
mission set off to meet and gift the king and I stealthily got out of the ship. Unexceptionally, my curiosity
overcame me. Compared to Champa, it was rather peaceful, serene island. Its extensive green fields along
with low hills and dense forests allured me. At the moment, drawn by attractive singing voice, unconsciously
I was walking into forest. Making my way through the bushes, I spotted one girl humming a song softly
while dancing with a diaphanous scarf, dressed in a long pink skirt that comes to her ankle. Her every
exquisite move along with luscious voice enchanted me. At that instant, a snake dangling on the tree was
sneaking up behind her with a cunning hiss. I sprang upon her, caught her by the wrist and bounded away
at a full speed. How long we have been running, small straw huts and wood houses came into my sight.
However, even before I stepped into the native village, a wooden stick hit me on the head and knock me
unconscious.
At the numbness creeping into my arms and legs, I woke up. My two legs were tied tightly
together and my hands were bound behind me. At a splitting headache, I moaned involuntarily, which
made the girl hiding behind the curtains stick her head cautiously. I hardly rose my bound body and leaned