Twisted Wonderland 2

An EZ Win

You and the boys walk towards the starting line for the sledathon and the boys carry their plushies with them. The starting line is marked by a banner reading 'START,' flanked by two leafless trees adorned with colorful apple ornaments. The path beyond the start line is a snow covered track that curves into the distance. On both sides of the track are decorative barriers with apple patterned banners. To the left, there are stands with colorful signs featuring various logos for a spectator area. The surrounding environment includes snow covered mountains and trees, adding to the wintry atmosphere.

"Here's the main staging ground for the sledathon." Epel says as you walk onto the track. "We start here, then follow the course over Mount Moln through the night. Eventually, it brings us back here to the finish line. The course is filled with dense trees and sheer cliffs. It takes a lot of skill to navigate."

"It's a team race, yes? How are the winners decided?" Jade asks.

"It's based on the combined time of all four team members."

Sebek nods. "Ah, so all four of us have to cross the finish line."

"And just one weak link would make winning impossible." Jade states.

You look to Epel. "How many teams compete?"

"It varies by year, but usually about thirty." Epel informs. "You'll see teams of old folks who wanna show up the young'uns, kids who love playing in the snow, then there are the sledding fans and the embroidery enthusiasts. We get all kinds. Teams from far away cities also come and try their luck."

"Back in its heyday, the sledathon would get over two hundred teams." Marja adds, narrowing her eyes sternly. "But as Harveston went into decline, so did the number of competitors. Which is why YOU BOYS need to liven up the race! Losing ain't an option, y'hear?"

Epel rubs the back of his neck. "We'll try our best..."

Marja holds a hand to her ear. "What was that? Yer voice is as soft as an unharvested apple left rottin' on the tree! Speak up when you answer me! YER IN IT TO WIN IT, OKAY?"

Epel stands a bit straighter. "Y-yes, ma'am!"

Grim trots to stand beside you. "Boy am I glad I kept outta the race."

"Now get to practicin'!" Marja demands.

Epel leads you and the boys to where the sleds are kept. "Okay, guys. First you gotta tie the lines between your plushie and your sled. Oh, and when I say 'lines,' I mean these leads attatched to the plushies."

Sebek quirks an eye at the sleds. "These sleds are puny. I'd say they could only hold one person each."

"Are you supposed to stand while riding them?" Jade brings a hand to his chin as he looks to the sleds. "It seems like it would be difficult to maintain your balance."

Epel nods. "That's right. You have to keep a firm grip on the handlebars or you might wipe out."

"...Yikes." Idia scratches the back of his head.

The boys drag their sleds into place and attached their plushies to them with leads. The stuffed animals sit lifelessly in the snow.

Epel smiles excitedly. "Okay, the lines are all hooked up. Now let's go over how to control the plushie's direction. The sled is designed to channel magic through the handlebars and down the lines into the plushies. You call out the direction you want them to go in. When you want to go forward, you call out 'Mush.' For right turns, it's 'Gee,' and for left turns, it's 'Haw.' And when you want to stop, you say 'Whoa.'"

Sebek hums in thought. "That all rings a bell. Those are the same calls used in horseback riding."

"Do you use calls in the Equestrian Club?" You ask.