The Magistrate was now quite beside himself with glee. ‘A golden island!’ he kept repeating. ‘All that gold, just waiting for me!’ He paced back and forth, rubbing his hands together. ‘But how shall I reach it, boy? It’s so far away, across that vast, painted sea! I need a ship!’
Li nodded, a secret smile playing on his lips. ‘A ship, your Honor?’ he asked innocently. ‘Of course. A grand ship, worthy of a great Magistrate, to carry you to your golden treasure.’ He picked up his silver-wood brush again, its bristles now twinkling with purpose.
He began to paint a ship, unlike any ordinary vessel. He painted a magnificent wooden boat, with a sturdy hull of dark brown, and tall, billowing sails of pristine white. He added tiny flags fluttering from the mast, and a grand, ornate steering wheel. It looked so strong and ready for adventure!