On the coldest night in memory, Henry Yewbeam's cousin Zeke tricks him into using the Time Twister, a beautiful marble full of shining colours that draws him into the future.

In January 2002, Charlie meets Henry reappearing at Bloor's in the twenty-first century, and realises Henry's cousin is none other than old Ezekiel Bloor.

Charlie and Fidelio are joined by Cook and the Flames in their attempts to hide Henry from Ezekiel's spies.

But Manfred captures Henry, and although Mrs Bloor tried to save him, she vanishes with the Time Twister.

With the help of the endowed, Charlie must enter the portrait of Skarpo the sorceror and retrieve the wand of a Welsh wizard.