Return of the Emperor
Mel Law, Gr
he building of the Great Wall of China had begun. Although the builders faced many dangers,
such as finding themselves trapped in the bricks, getting stuck on the wrong side of the wall or
even being crushed by the heavy, stone blocks, Qin Shi Huang Di guided China to greatness
and led the Chinese to victory.
oup 2: Fiction, Harrow International School Hong Kong
The many years of suffering, over, the Great Wall, completed, the wall was ready to take
on the fearsome battles yet to come. However, a secret lay within the stone walls; a cavern, a tomb, a
soul, yearning for life.
T
Dao was an eleven year old girl whose ancestors helped build the Great Wall of China itself. She
had pale, white skin and long, black hair that hung down to her waist. Her bright, blue eyes reflected on
the sunlight. She showed keen interest on the history of China’s battles and how the Great Wall
heroically defended China. Until she thought to herself one day, ‘I shall see the Great Wall of China
myself.’ So she did.
She travelled far over the horizon, with only a back-pack for her survival. She faced the many
dangers that threatened her life. Dehydration. Starvation. Disease. She lost her way and found herself
face-to-face with the ferocious beasts of China.
Despite the long, cold nights, and the enervating summer days, Dao did make it. A feeling of pride
swept over her. Her long-lasting quest was over. Finally her dream of seeing the Great Wall of China
had been accomplished. And there she stood, staring in awe, at the structure that saved China.
Dao was exhausted and stopped a few minutes to lean against the wall. Many of the blocks had
crumbled and had formed almost a hallway that seemed to lead only into more and more darkness.
Dao’s heart jumped at the idea although her common-sense told her not to enter. She ran forward in the
hope of adventure.
As she was about to run into danger, a crane swooped down and stopped her, “Stop, young Dao.
You will only walk into trouble if you take the path ahead of you.”
“
But, I travelled this far, I don’t want to stop now!” she protested.
“
Well, I see that I cannot stop you, but may I, give you this?…”
Dao looked at the crane, puzzled.
“
In times of danger, smash this model, but use it wisely, you only have one chance,” he explained.
And with one flap of his great white wings, off he flew into the cloudless sky.
Dao put the model into her pocket and ran into the darkness of the caverns of the Great Wall. Soon
she found herself in a room lit only by candlelight. Clay figures of warriors lined the back. A box, no,
wait, a coffin, lying on a staircase in the middle of the room. Eerie silence. This room made Dao feel as
old as time itself. But something made her desperate to leave. It was when Dao turned to run that
danger struck. The passage that lead her here, sealed. She spun around to find another terror. The
coffin lid was lifting; a hand reached out and pulled its body up with it. It was like he had never been
dead but his attire was so ancient.
“
Bow down to your rightful emperor!” he ordered.
“
Emperor?” Dao asked.
“
How dare you insult me, I am your emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di!” he replied fiercely.
Dao gasped at the thought of Qin Shi Huang Di ruling China. He had died centuries ago!
“
But where is my elixir ? It seems that…you thief!” he yelled, pointing a bony finger at Dao.
“
No, no, no, I didn’t take any elixir, I promise!” Dao cried.
But the ruthless emperor would hear no more. His misunderstanding turned into rage.
“
Warriors, prepare for battle!” he ordered.
Uh-Oh. Qin planned on fighting young Dao. She had never seen a battle before let alone fight in
one. Dao grabbed whatever weapon she could before Qin began his attack. It was a dagger. She hadn’t
used one before, but it would have to do.
It wasn’t long before Qin brought his once clay warriors to life. They seemed as fierce as any live
warrior.
“
Attack!” he ordered.
The warriors obeyed and closed in on Dao, their weapons drawn. Dao wondered if she would make
it back. Their swords and arrows aimed at only one person, herself.
‘
The crane!’ she thought.