Corbin by Melanie Karsak

Author:Melanie Karsak [Karsak, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clockpunk Press
Published: 2020-06-18T22:00:00+00:00

14

A History Lesson, Wonderland Style

As our cart left the main orientation room and turned to follow the track, I looked back into the hall. The parents and other students were already departing. As they went, I spotted a familiar face. Seated at the very top of the galley was Hank. He was talking to some others who were dressed in robes that looked like graduation gowns—apparently, they were other teachers or Academy officials.

He must have felt my eyes on him because he looked my way.

Giving me the briefest of nods, he turned back to his colleagues.

The cart shuddered then pulled us forward on the track. Ahead of Spades, I spotted the cart for Diamonds. They stopped down the track not far from us. They were watching something. I could hear the sound of a recorded voice, but I couldn’t make out the words.

A trumpet sounded, and our cart turned to face a screen. Music played, and the Wonderland Academy crest appeared on the screen. A moment later, the image faded to reveal a man wearing a plum-colored suit and black-rimmed glasses sitting at a desk.

He cleared his throat, then began. “Welcome to Wonderland Academy. I am Bartholomew Snark, President of Wonderland Academy. We are delighted to have you begin your education at our esteemed institution. At Wonderland Academy, you will learn skills to help you become leaders in the Wonderland community. Achieving entrance into Wonderland Academy is an honor bestowed on the select few, both from Wonderland and from our sister realm, Overthere. Those of you from Overthere might be feeling a little confused right now,” the man said.

He got up then and went and sat on the corner of this desk.

“Let me assure you, Wonderland is very real. In the 1800s, a man named Charles Dodgson—you will know him better as Lewis Carroll—our world and returned to Overthere with tales of Wonderland. But he was not the first visitor here. People from Overthere have lived in Wonderland since the beginning of memory. In Wonderland, magic is a part of our daily lives. Students from both Overthere and Wonderland are here to refine their skills in magic, learn, and become experts in their chosen vocations. Now, let’s get started,” he said, and with the snap of his fingers, he disappeared.

Our cart shook again, and we turned and rolled toward the next station.

“Maybe if all my education took place on a carnival ride, I would have paid more attention in school,” Nova whispered.

The cart halted before a scene that depicted a meeting table. The lights grew bright, and the president appeared once more.

“As new students, you might be wondering about the history of our fine institution. More than three hundred years ago, the Kingdoms of Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades, Roses, and Stars joined together in a cooperative spirit to form a singular, elite academy of magic,” the founder said then waved his hand toward the table.

Holograms of the Kings and Queens of Wonderland appeared at the table.

“Only the finest students are admitted to Wonderland Academy.

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