Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 60

“Tell me where we are.” He ordered.
I looked around. I remember reading about it in A navigator’s journey . I discussed with Xu Zhang.
I spotted where I was and I told Hai. For the first time, Hai smiled.
“Boy. Although you’re correct, you must know that many knowledge and skills come from
experience. Not books. Your way is correct but it takes a lot of time.” He paused as we nodded. “I’m truly
impressed that you boys had sorted the maps every time. Although I did hear you grumbling. This shows
your diligence. We are nearly there for our first stop. Meanwhile, you can stand with me and see what I do
as a navigator.”
The remaining days, Xu Zhang and I watched as Hai did all sorts of markings on his map. He
would explain each and every one of them to me. What amazed me the most was, he could tell our latitude
of where we where just by looking at the stars.
Soon we arrived at India. It was a beautiful place! Truly memorable. I have never been abroad with
such different climate and culture. The rocky and rugged coastline highlighted the crystal waters. The palm
trees on the beach was like icing on the cake. Different rocks stood from the sea. It was really remarkable.
We stayed at India for six months. Admiral Zheng He had successfully made alliance with them.
During my time in India. I went with Hai to learn how to tell the way with the stars. I explored the
coastlines with Xu Hai and chatted with him. I even went to some ‘elders’ that have been in the Ming
Treasure fleets since the first one. They told me about the adventures they had. They told me about the war
my father died in. It happened in the third voyage. King Alakeshvara of Ceylon refused to trade with us and
even committed hostiles with the neighbouring countries that had good terms with China. A lot of King
Alakeshvara’s troops attacked the fleet and killed some sailors. Admiral Zheng He had already formed a plan.
He sent many troops to attack their country. They conquered the capital and held the King hostage. That
was how they took over Ceylon.
Soon, we were out on the sea again. Hai would give Xu Yang and I a chance to locate our
location and find the wind speed etc. Our ship made occasional stops at different regions for a few days. I
would get off at some stops to buy something for my mother back home.
At the last stop, Bengal, the people there did not want our treasures. They tried to attack us.
Troops of army came from their land. I, as a navigator didn’t need to fight in this war. However, Xu Yang,
Hai and I still had many jobs to do. We needed to find out the quickest way home, the best way to get into
their land and form three different plans. It was the most tiresome experience.
The army from Bengal was strong. We couldn’t fight them off. Admiral Zheng He told us to retire.
The army quickly went on the ships as we set sail back home.
It was a tremendous experience, a memorable start of my navigator life with such an experienced
and talented mentor. I got excited whenever I heard the shout from captain for another marvellous
adventure to begin.