Twisted Wonderland Book 4: Schemer of the Scalding Sands

Chapter 29: Setting the Bait

Time has passed and the study session has been going well without a hitch.

Kamil happily nods his head, "Yes! I think I managed to memorize a spell I was having trouble with!"

Jamil however, remains silent throughout the session and glances at Azul and the others.

Sometime later, the students are outside for some physical training.

Azul says, Proper exercise is critical to honing a more efficient mind for study. However, overstraining yourself will have an adverse effect."

"Mock battles are a good way to exercise while venting stress," Jade says.

Floyd laughs, "Aha ha! I'm in the mood to cut loose, so count me in! Hmmm, who to fight?"

Kalim happily cheers, "All right, split into teams of five and let the melee begin! Aha ha! Mock bottles really are fun. And they're a great way to gauge the results of your training."

"Yes, Housewarden!" The students reply

Jamil sighs in reply.

Later in the cafeteria.

Azul says to the students, "There's one main reason we've grown as well as we have. And that would be...our diet, of course! It's about getting the nutrients you need...not too many and not too few. This helps your afternoon performance."

"Cooking is an essential life skill for gaining an understanding of food and developing a healthy diet," Jade says.

"Maybe I should start cooking every now and then... I wouldn't have to worry about poison if I prepared meals myself," Kalim says.

But Jamil is against it, "Don't. You'll injure yourself again."

"Again, you mean he hurt himself before?" Briar asks.

Jamil sighs, "It was kind of sometime ago. Since then, I have handled the cooking for him."

"I see," Briar replies.

However, Floyd says to Kalim, "Okay, Sea Otter. You're in charge of stirrin' the pot."

"Keep an eye on that soup and make sure it doesn't boil over, would you?" Jade says.

Kalim nods, "Sure thing! Glad to help."

Jade informs the students, "All right, everyone. Let's make this a meal to remember."

"Yes, sir!" The students answer.

Soon, everyone is in the kitchen preparing lunch for everyone. This time, Kalim is helping out, Briar and Grim stay close to Kalim with Azul, Jade, Floyd, and Jamil, in case he needs help.

"Okay, I'm going to make the best-tasting soup ever!" Kalim says, excited

"I worry about having you cook on your own. I'll help," Jamil says, and decides to help.

But Azul says, "No need to fret, Jamil. We will aid him."

"You just sit back and relax," Jade says.

"Fine..." Jamil replies, reluctantly.

"Don't worry, we'll be there to help when Kalim needs it," Briar says.

"As long as you're sure," Jamil says.

Soon, with help from Azul, Jade, and Briar, Kalim is actually getting used to cooking and is pretty excited to give it a try.

Seeing the food and spices, Azul says, "Scalding Sands cuisine is delicious. Perhaps we should add some to our menu. Though it might be difficult to procure ingredients and learn to cook them properly."