Time has passed from the Defense exercises, and everyone is exhausted.
Kalim informs everyone, "That will be all for today. Tomorrow morning, we march to the eastern oasis, where I will put you through your paces!"
Everyone is relieved, and exhausted from the training as Kalim takes his leave.
Tired one student says, "My arms and legs feel like noodles..."
"Water... Need water..." the second Scarabia student says, feeling drained.
The third student complains, "And we have another day of melting in the desert heat ahead of us tomorrow. Uuugh."
Another student asks, "What's come over the housewarden? He never used to be like this."
Jamil remains silent to see everyone heading back to their dorms in exhaustion. Then has his eyes on Briar and the Ramshackle group, who are also tired.
Grim pants and says, "Finally, it's over. He was all smiles and sunshine before. What's the deal with the sudden one-eighty?"
"Yeah. Kalim was cheerful a while ago," Tanzanite says.
"And suddenly change his attitude completely," Jasper adds.
Jamil walks over and says, "I imagine when we placed last in the Spelldrive interdorms, and then Scarabia collectively scored at the bottom of exams... He must have felt personally responsible. He's had terrible mood swings ever since.
"That ain't a mood swing. It's like he's a totally different person!" Grim complains.
Then Jamil explains, "I've known him a long time, but that volatile temper has left me stumped as to how to approach him. He'll say one thing, then do something else the next minute. The way he goes on these power trips without warning is out of control. The whole dorm used to look up to our housewarden, but this odd behavior has us all scratching our heads. He's been making unreasonable demands, as you just saw... I fear it's only a matter of time before the students reach the end of their rope. I've done what I can to smooth things over, but this has gone beyond my ability to handle alone."
"Yeesh. Between you and Trey over in Heartslabyul, you vice housewardens have it rough," Grim replies.
"I remember. It was crazy having to deal with Riddle's tyrant-like personality back then," Jasper says.
"It didn't end well when things escalated," Sereia says.
Suddenly, Jamil has an idea, "Ah! Of course. You all are diamonds in the rough!"
"Huh? What're you talkin' about?" Grim asks.
Then Jamil says, "Heartslabyul, Savanaclaw, and even Octavinelle...Rumor has it that you six are outstanding students who have solved problems with multiple other dorms.
Grim giggles and says with pride, "Heh heh, we sure have. Be grateful, peons, for the omnipotent sorcerer Grim walks among you!"
"Yeah right. Briar is the one who really helped solve the problems and does it because she wants to help the other students," Jasper says.
"And she was a big help for those in need, especially for Riddle, Leona, and Azul," Tanzanite says.
"I say Briar deserves a lot of credit. Sure we helped, but Briar is the one who really pulled through," Sereia says.
Trinket nods her head.
Suddenly, Jamil says, "I bow before you, sir. Please, I must ask: could you find it in your heart to help Scarabia as well?"
"Uhhh..." Grim replies, dumbfounded.
"Our chance encounter in the cafeteria must have been guided by the hand of fate. Surely you all can find us a solution using your sparkling intellect!" Jamil says.
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Wonderland Book 4: Schemer of the Scalding Sands
FanfictionWinter Break has arrived, and Briar and her friends are staying at campus for the time being. However, their break has cut short when Jamil from Scarabia Dorm ask for their help with their housewarden, Kalim. Upon arrived, they are forbidden to leav...
