The Jade Pin
Alex Mortillaro, Group 2, Fiction, The International School of Macao
his is the tale of a man who used to travel around the world. His name was Robert Lincoln. He had
been to many places except China. For years, he had been studying about the dynasties and inventions
in China’s past. One day he decided that he would visit Beijing to learn more about China’s ancient
history. He embarked on a long journey that led him to the most ancient part of the wall. Content, he
sat down to rest and closed his eyes.
When he woke up, two men and two women were staring at him. Robert was trying to remember where he
was. He saw tiny huts made out of straw and mud.
T
One of the men said, “Lish losh lish?”
Robert answered, “Sorry, I can’t understand you. Do you speak English?”
Then the woman with the big straw hat said, “He asked if you were okay.”
Robert replied, “I’m okay.”
They asked him what his name was and where he was from.
“
I am Robert, Robert Lincoln. Where am I?”
All of them answered, “Young boy, you are in Beijing 1120 BCE. Emperor Wu is sending out warriors to
the Great Wall.”
Robert said “The Great Wall?! I must see it!”
“
You can’t go near the wall, they will kill you! The emperor has made us stay here because we are farmers.
He thinks we are peasants, but we are not! He uses our families and friends to help build this Great Wall but
they never return home. This emperor is very cruel and punishes easily. Everybody loathes him!”
Robert asked, “Why am I here? I want to go home!”
Then, the other woman named Bao Ling said, “You are the chosen One. It is a sign from the gods that you
crossed our path. You are the brave foreign warrior sent to help us defeat the emperor and th-th-the fiery sun
demons. The demons wither our crops, also they take us to the emperor if we are bad and then they eat us!”
Robert bravely said, “I will go. I will bring peace to the valley!”
Bao cried “Don’t go now, it is too dangerous. Besides, you are not armed. Follow me Robert if you want to
fight.” As Robert followed Bao, he noticed a secret passage to a room full of shiny bronze armor.
Robert said “Don’t you have iron armor?”
Bao was puzzled and asked, “What is iron?”
Robert knew immediately that there was no iron just bronze, because iron hadn’t been invented yet.
Bao said confidently “I know you will defeat the emperor. I know you will.”
Suddenly a demon ran into the cave and roared, “Bao Ling, I caught you! You are not permitted to speak
with strangers! I must take you to the emperor!”
Robert said calmly, “No, do not take her. It is my fault, I will go instead.” Then the demon scooped him up,
but Robert fast as he could, grabbed a sword from the wall and killed the demon. They heard the hideous
screams of the demon fading away.
Bao Ling thanked Robert for saving her and told him excitedly, “Go defeat the emperor now! And bring
peace to the valley. It will take days to get to the Great Wall. Here is a map to guide you to the emperor’s palace.
You will need food, water and jade darts!”
Confused, Robert asked, “Why do I need the jade darts?”
“
The emperor is immortal; first you need to hit him with your sword, second knock him out, and then stab
him with the jade dart! Remember that.”
Robert said, “I will.”
He travelled day and night. Finally he reached the Great Wall, but realized there were a lot of men
protecting the wall. Creating a diversion, Robert managed to creep past the guards and enter the great hall of the
palace. He couldn’t see the emperor anywhere.
Suddenly there was a loud noise and a thundering voice boomed,” Who are you to dare enter the emperor’s
secret rooms? I will have you punished!”
Robert turned around and came face to face with the emperor. He was dressed in the finest robes and was
holding a shiny sword with jewels on the hilt. But behind the emperor was the same sun demon. The demon
pounced on Robert, but Robert used his sword and sliced off the demon’s head. The emperor exploded with rage
and immediately attacked Robert with his sword. Robert moved away but managed to hit the emperor with his
sword. The emperor stumbled and fell to the ground. Robert quickly plunged the jade dart into the emperor’s
chest.