Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 25: Planning a Route

"Signature spell?" Sereia and the Twinks reply in surprise.

"You're using your signature spell?!" Epel replies with the same expression

"It's quite a weak one, actually. I can't hurt anyone or control anything with it. Nevertheless, it is an essential spell for a huntsman such as myself," Rook says.

"How is it helpful for a huntsman?" Jasper asks.

Sereia also asks, "What does it do?

Rook then explains, "It enables me to locate anyone upon whom I cast it. Even if they go over the Seven Jeweled Hills, or go beyond the Seventh Fall...even to the very edge of the world.

"Daaang... That's a mighty scary piece o' magic," Epel says.

"When those Charon goons took Vil, I swiftly cast my spell on one of them," Rook answers.

"Really?! You did?!" Tanzanite asks, surprised.

Even Epel is shocked, "Golly, I didn't even notice!"

"Heh. I suppose it's time for the grand unveiling," Rook says.

Then place the map on the ground.

He then begins to cast his magic, "Come, see if you can flee from me. Arrow Afar!"

Soon enough, the map begins to make a glowing trail. Although, it's being cut off abruptly.

"Hm... As I feared," Rook says.

"What's wrong?" Epel, asks.

"For all my boasting, my spell is by no means omnipotent," Rook says, "If there's some magic-blocking vehicle or structure between myself and the target, my guideline is sharply cut off. It appears they transported our friends in a technomantic stealth aircraft that can block magic.

"What?" The twin says in shock.

Sereia grows worried, "Oh no.

Then Epel asks, "Does that mean even your signature spell can't track them?"

"Not quite," Rook answers, "Not even a technomantic plane can completely block out magic. They must drop stealth for the briefest of moments when using magic or radar. And in those precious seconds, I can envision the mark I've put on my prey. Every halting step is laid out before me, like the lovely footprints left by a dainty princess wandering the woods." And soon, Rook begins to cast his magic once more, "For I am a huntsman. Once I set my sights on a quarry, I never let it escape."

"I'm not sure if I should be impressed or uneasy about it?" Jasper mutters.

With that, Rook cast his magic on the map. The twinkling light trail extends across the map until it's further away.

"I see it!" Rookn says, "They left the Land of Dawning where Sage's Island lies, and ventured northward over the Coral Sea. My tracking shows they crossed the Sunshine Lands and Kingdom of Heroes, then it stopped well out over the water."

"So that's where the Island of Woe is?" Tanzanite replies.

"And that must be where those guys are holding Briar, Grim, and the others captive.

So that's where the Island of Woe is? That's where Grim and the others are!

"However, it's quite a ways from here to the Island of Woe. We won't be able to reach it on brooms alone," Rook says.

"Then how were you planning to get there?" Epel asks.

"One of my ancestors was an avid traveler. They had villas all over the world. And those villas contain teleporters that link to each other. We'll be using those," Rook says, "Luckily, there's a villa in the land of Dawning, the Sunshine Lands, and the Kingdom of Heroes. We should be able to cover a substantial distance in one night using the teleporters."

"Wait, what?! Your family has villas all over the world?!" Epel asks, shocked, "With magic teleporters that go between countries?! Don't you need some kind of special government permission for that? Just what does your family DO, Rook?"

"...Wouldn't you like to know?" Rook replies in remark.

He then chuckles, "Heh heh heh... I am especially grateful to my ancestors right now for their love of travel. There's a chance the teachers have noticed our absence and filed a report, so I'd prefer to avoid public transit. Oh, I can imagine the disapproval on my forebears' faces if they knew what I was up to. 'Don't use our legacy to upset your professors!' They'd say. But this is all in service of beauté and l'amour. I can only beg my ancestors' forgiveness..."

He then says, "Anyway! Now that we have a plan of action, let us away before anyone notices we've absconded!"

Epel then giggles, "Heh heh!"

"Hm? Is something amusing, Monsieur Pommette?" Rook replies, confused.

"Oh, it's just... You're such an eccentric guy, and I can tell your family's super rich," Epel says, "But here you are, sneaking around like the rest of us when we do something bad, trying to hide it from the teachers."

"Is there any student on campus who doesn't fear the faculty raining lightning upon them?" Rook questions.

Then says, "I am but one of many troublemakers attending Night Raven College."

"Really? You?" Sereia asks, surprised.

"It's surprising to believe," Tanzanite says.

"Oh, yes—" Rook says.

Then says, "I recommend you both put on something warm before we set out. Your dorm uniform would serve you well on a long broom flight. Apropos of that, here's a fun little tidbit. They're woven with magical threads that retain heat and provide insulation from the cold. In fact, allow me to lend you a uniform from our dorm as well, everyone. Here you go!"

And with that, Rook cast his magic, giving Epel, Sereia, and the others the similar Dorm uniform.

"Woah!" Epel replies with surprise.

"You're right, this is toasty!" Jasper says, feeling comfortable.

"My posture is better just wearing this..." Sereia says.

"We're visiting our queen Vil, after all. We must be dressed for the occasion," Rook says. "Epel, I will not slow down to match your pace. Will you be able to keep up whilst in the air?"

"Don't you imply my flyin's slow," Eepl replies with a smirk, "I'm the best freshmen flier in the whole Spelldrive Club. Leona said so himself! I ain't gonna fall behind!"

"Merveilleux!" Rook happily says, "Just what I like to hear from a Pomefiore student. Now, to the Island of Woe! Allons-y!"

And with that, the group takes flight again to find the Island of Woe to rescue the others.