“
I think this is a journal. The first entry was in 357BC. The last one was in 365BC.” Anna said
breaking the silence. “Here, let me read it to you.”
7
September 357
I’ve fought the first fight. Already I regret leaving my farm and family. Honour is not what war is, it is
bloody and hell. I no longer wish to be here. If only I could retire back to the old farm. I made a little
acquaintance on the first day. His name is Dong Long and I hope he doesn’t die while he serves.
“
So, what? Is this the journal of some soldier that fought on the Great Wall? Then why is it in this
prison?” questioned Marc.
“
Shh, shh, shshshshs! There’s more! Here, this is a later entry.” Anna said excitedly.
“
Go on!” urged Marc.
25
December 357
Cold and unpleasant here in the battlefield in winter. I fought by Dong Long’s side today and an arrow
hit me under my left arm. Dong Long was less fortunate and lost part of his left ear from a sword. But Dong
Long has recovered immensely from his brother’s death and his ear injury. I wish him well.
“
This is amazing!” Anna wondered aloud.
“
Yeah, well I just want to know how he got in here. So keep reading.”
“
This one was from year after.”
1
January 358
Dong Long took a nasty wound to the neck today. He fell unconscious and I hoped for the best. But
bad news comes. Our forces are weakening and already our General is looking for some soldiers for help. I do
not think he’ll be able to help us unless reinforcements come soon. Our downfall may be soon upon us.
16
January 358
Forces have come and already the barbarians are approaching. Our force of ten thousand is nothing
compared to the unbelievable amount of our opponents. Already I stand on the ready with Dong Long. I hope
we live through this day.
23
February 358
The battle was pointless. We lost everyone and those who did not die were held prisoners. The Great
Wall was taken over by the Mongols. Dong Long died in action. He was flying with quick blows with his broad
sword, felling many. But a blow to the head brought him to his knees. Then a Mongol came up and cut his head
off. I stared in disbelief and brought my sword up, shouting. I stood by his body, hacking, slicing, and stabbing.
But we lost and now I am a prisoner in the very Wall that held the Mongols out.
“
Why did you stop?” Marc asked Anna.
“
Because this is probably worth millions! Missing chapters of history could be found in here! Look!
We can even learn about how prisoners were treated in China in his time! “The beds of straw were itchy and
uncomfortable. Business was done in a bucket and food was gruel.”
“
Well read on! That’s no reason to stop entirely! Read on.”
17
July 365
I am ill. I am dying. I write my last words in this book. All I want is to go home. To see my family. I
will see them soon. I wish. Yin Xing.
At that point a shimmer appeared in front of them and took the form of a human with its back towards
them. It was a man. No more than 35. He turned his head, smiled, and dissolved in the light.
* * *