As Dawn Flickered
Independent Schools Foundation Academy, Fong, Lok
s dawn flickered, the night slowly crawled over the hills. Soon, rays of beautiful mandarin orange
casted it’s light over the awakening city, signaling a new day. Faint echoes of street carts could be
heard, reaching the ears of the Great General Xiang. He woke up, yawning, attempting to shake
off the sleep that lingered in his mind. Bright red drapes hung on the walls, billowing quietly as the breeze
sprinted pass.The sweet smells of orchards drifted from the Emperors garden, bringing life to General
Xiang. He crawled out of bed, limping slightly as he grabbed hold of the cane that lay adjacent to his bed
frame. He grunted “Yang! Bring me my morning Baozi.”The thought of Baozi made his stomach
grumble profusely.The steaming rice, mixed with a variety of green beans, pork, and eggs proved too
much for anyone to turn down. General Xiang trudged towards the door, pushing the 2 wooden flaps
open as he walked along the musty corridor.The thumping footsteps ofYang shook the wooden house,
instantly rousing Xiang. Xiang signed, awaiting his meal. SuddenlyYang burst into the corridor, forehead
beaded with sweat. Xiang’s eyes widened in confusion, right before his servant’s feet crumbled beneath
him, into a lifeless heap. His Heart pounded against his chest. His desire to eat diminished into oblivion.
Xiang rushed towardsYang, placing 2 fingers on his neck. No pulse. Soon, a gaping red hole appeared in
the center ofYang’s chest, blooming wider as Xiang examined him.An arrow was lodged behindYang’s
backbones. Xiang’s mouth gaped in horror, as he realized that his servant was murdered right before his
eyes.“No…Who did this?Why would they do this??”
Xiang sprinted out into the street of Xi’an. Feet slapping the cobblestone paved roads as he ran towards
Emperor Qin’s palace.The palace was grander than ever.The roof, constructed out of solid gold shone
radiantly against the rising sun, reflecting the azure sky above.There was nothing more pleasing, than
observing the Emperors palace at dawn. Guards stood, with stoic expressions at the doorway. Grasping
long, steel infused spears.Their eyes slowly pinpointed at Xiangs direction. Xiang exclaimed,“ Let me in!
The emperor is in grave danger.There are murderers, assassins. KILLERS in the city!”The once
emotionless guards now became, the emotional.Their brows furrowed, hands clenching their great spears
even tighter as they guided Xiang throughout the palace. They stopped instantly outside a bronze door
and gestured their hands towards the handle that was screwed onto the metal. Xiang looked backed
hesitantly and proceeded forwards.The door creaked open, yawning loudly as if greeting an unwelcomed
guest. He shivered as the breeze ruffled my robe.The emperor was sitting cross-legged on top of a
bamboo mat. Both hands wrapped around an incense stick, muttering words that were not audible to
Xiang.“Who goes there?” boomed Emperor Qin.“General Xiang your grand, majesty. I have come to
warn, or perhaps alert you of the assassins that are roaming around the city…” answered Xiang. Emperor
Qin stood up, facing Xiang with an unnerving yet steady gaze.“Show me, what happened” He tersely
said.
“There he is. He is my assistant. His name isYang.” Xiang exclaimed.After a thorough inspection,
Emperor Qin pursed his lips in anxiety. Xiang could feel the tension building as the emperor strode
around his room, muttering rapidly.“How will the people react to this? Everyone is in danger, and I am to
blame!” roared the emperor. Xiang placed his hand on Emperor Qin’s shoulder, calming him as much as
possible.As soon as his arm left the emperors shoulder, 2 of the emperor’s guards dropped dead.A sharp
hissing noise sprung past Xiang’s ear and then a loud thud was emitted.The wooden table before him was
lodged with 4 steel shuriken shaped objects.“Get down!” Xiang yelled. Xiang whisked behind a chair,
covering himself as much as possible. Emperor Qin panted loudly, eyes wild with fear and terror. Xiang
poked his head over the rim of the chair, and instantly, a robed figure darted out of the door.
Silence plagued Xiang’s house, as the tension built up dissipated.Within moments, it was evident everyone
had injuries and cuts here and there.“2 more bodies to mourn for” Xiang thought, as he stared at the
guards that lay on the floor. Emperor Qin was hysterical.The seemingly rising sun, no longer seemed to
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