Howl's Moving Castle Fan Fiction ❯ The Battles of Peacetime ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

DISCLAIMER: Yeah, don't own `em. Just pulling their strings a bit. But many thanks to Miyazaki and Diana Wynn Jones for creating them. Howl's Moving Castle is the property of Diana Wynne Jones for the novel and Miyazaki for the movie. I do not own them, and am making nothing from the publishing of this story on the internet.

 

**********

The Battles of Peacetime

Chapter 5

**********

 

Twilight slowly embraced the field Sophie and Howl stood in. The flowers around them swayed gently in a warm, light breeze. Sophie felt Howl's fingers brush hers and she tangled her fingers with his needing his touch to calm her nerves. When he squeezed her fingers, she glanced up at him.

 

Howl was gazing off in the direction of Market Chipping silently. He was unmoving, appearing to be a statue, except for the silken strands of his hair the breeze toyed with. Sophie wondered what Howl was doing, it almost seemed he was listening for something, some message brought to him on a magical wind.

 

Sophie remained silent at his side, unsure if she should break the silence, or Howl's concentration with voice or movement. She took the time to observe him, taking in his lean figure in the black pants and shirt. Both were very simple, but the fabric was obviously expensive. Sophie smiled, questioning that judgement. After all, Howl could have magically altered them, just as he had her dress when she had gone to visit Mrs. Pentstemmon. Her gaze made its way up to lock on his face. She paused for a moment, struck. His intense blue eyes gazed into the night, face serious, strands of black silk brushed his cheeks and forehead. Sophie felt the realization to her toes, Howl was no longer a child in a man's body. He was completely a man. She had wondered, seen glimpses of this powerful wizard, but felt they were merely glimpses, deviations from his usual childish behaviour. Now, she questioned that. Perhaps, the childish behaviour was the deviation now. No, she thought, shaking her head, deviation is not the right word. Façade. The childish behaviour was now a façade. Sophie felt something click within her; something which had been holding her back from tossing her cap over the windmill and committing herself completely to the wizard before her.

 

She was startled out of her contemplation of the wizard before her when his gaze shifted and their eyes locked. He squeezed her hand and gave her a lopsided smile. “We move now, at twilight. Their eyesight is at its worst now. Come.” With that he started moving, “We're going to fly, dear one. Do you need my help? Or can you manage?”

 

Sophie raced beside him and saw his ebony wings begin to emerge, “I … I can manage, but I might need a moment more.”

 

Without a word, Howl swept her into his arms and lifted the two of them into the air. Sophie wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on tightly. She felt Howl's breath against her ear a moment before he spoke, “Tell me when you're ready, I'll hold onto you until then.”

 

Sophie nodded against his neck and couldn't resist snuggling a little closer to his warmth. After a moment, she allowed herself to start the mental process that would allow her to fly on her own at Howl's side. After all, he would probably need all his concentration for their approach.

 

She pushed away from him slightly and smiled up at him confidently, “I'm ready.”

 

He nodded absently, his attention seemingly elsewhere, but the care with which he slowly released her, continuing to hold her hand told her he was very aware of her safety. Sophie felt the still unfamiliar rush as her own wings unfurled from her back, and enjoyed a brief moment of euphoria, before gazing around her, taking in the scenery.

 

They were flying swiftly, but not quite as fast as they had when they had been making their way to the palace. Sophie assumed this was because Market Chipping was not as far from the meadow as the palace and they would need to approach carefully so as not to raise the alarm with the beast wizards.

 

The sun had almost dipped below the horizon as they flew down the mountainside. Sophie felt slightly unnerved as she realized by now, she should be able to see some faint light from the valley where Market Chipping was located. As she squinted her eyes gazing toward the valley, she started in surprise as small pinpricks of light became visible scattered among the crags and rocks.

 

“Howl … what are those?”

 

Howl glanced at her and squeezed her hand, “Campfires. Many of the residents of Market Chipping are still camped out here, waiting until they can return and begin to rebuild their lives. Because of these people, there are also troops stationed all around here to ensure no one gets too close to Market Chipping. The situation is far too precarious lower on the mountain. The last thing we need is some rambunctious kid wandering into the area on a dare. Many people have also tried to go in and retrieve belongings or get an idea of what's left of their lives. The soldiers have so far been able to prevent anything serious from happening, but we really don't know what these creatures would do to them, so it's best not to tempt fate.”

 

“Oh …” Sophie gasped softly, understanding the seriousness of the situation, despite Howl's attempt at a light tone.

 

Howl squeezed her hand, “Don't worry, we're just going in to look around and get a better picture of how things are laid out. We shouldn't need to fight any of them tonight.”

 

Sophie's eyes sought out the campfires, trying to get a feel for how many refugees and soldiers were camped here on the mountain. She was thankful her sister Martha was safe with their mother's in-laws in Kingsbury where they had fled during the war. Before she realized it, the campfires faded into the encroaching night and she and Howl were speeding over the foothills.

 

It was then, Sophie felt Howl slowly lowering them to the ground. She noticed he made a gesture and her wings melted away in a rush of feathers. She glanced at him, “If you don't teach me how to land, I'll never be able to do this by myself.”

 

Howl grinned and winked at her, “Maybe that's all part of my evil plot to keep you with me and dependant on me always.”

 

Sophie blushed, her heart doing a strange little flip-flop, and glanced around to hide her embarrassment. She realized they were on a small cliff side overlooking what used to be Market Chipping. As Sophie focused her gaze, her eyes straining in the darkness, shapes began to take form. Abruptly everything came into startling clarity and she clutched her hands over her mouth to stop herself from crying out.

 

Howl's warm arms clutched her to his chest, and he stepped back hiding them in the shadows of the cliff.

 

Sophie lay still in his arms, numb, her eyes wide with shock, hands clutched over her mouth. In that brief glance she had seen and understood what was now reality.

 

Down in the valley lay a strange conglomeration of what were once buildings. The entire landscape looked like some sort of lonely, forbidding fortress. A strange mist seemed to hover just above the ground, concealing some shapes, while revealing others, only adding to the bizarre disorganization of structures. Tall twisted spires of metal ripped through the sky at strange angles, shards of darkness that were anything but natural. Chunks of masonry thrust up through the mist looking more like hulking beasts than pieces of concrete. Slivers of wood and old shutters broke through the chunks giving the appearance of horns. There was a randomness that seemed eerily intentional, as though some demented mind had placed each piece deliberately. Strange lights flickered, casting odd shadows and flashing orange off cat-like eyes glaring in the darkness. Amongst all the chaotic ugliness of the skyline, freakish creatures moved and slithered from shadow to shadow. Round beetle-like blobs flew awkwardly from structure to structure, only the top hats resting on their brows above a purple masquerade mask revealing their previous forms. Reptilian creatures with colourful batwings cut their way across the evening sky, randomly blotting out strange patterns of stars with their movements, the same violet masks and top hats proving their brotherhood with the fat, beetle creatures.

 

Strange calls and chirps came from the valley, while shrill shrieks pierced the night air, sending a shudder up Sophie's spine. She felt Howl's arms tighten around her protectively.

 

Sophie took a deep breath, “I … I'll be okay, you need to get going. I don't want to keep you from the things you have to do …”

 

Howl ran a hand through her hair, gazing down at her, searching her eyes, “Are you sure? I swear I won't be long. If you stay here, you should be safe. Just, keep your head down and stay to the shadows, no matter what happens. Stay here until I come for you. Promise?”

 

Sophie nodded, then reached up and kissed him, needing the reassurance the gesture offered.

 

Howl wrapped his arms around her tightly, understanding what Sophie wanted, an emotion he himself was feeling, and returned the kiss tenderly, trying to reassure her through the gesture.

 

Despite the emotions of the moment, the kiss ended quickly, both understanding the need to hurry.

 

Sophie gave him a shaky smile, “Better one later?”

 

Howl laughed at her softly, “I didn't think that one was all that bad, but if you say so, it'll give me something to look forward to.” He reluctantly disentangled himself from her and settled her against the cliff, a small gesture ensuring she was thoroughly wrapped in shadow.

 

“Now, stay put. I mean it Sophie. Here.” He slid a ring on her finger, similar to the one he'd given her when he'd sent her to see Mrs. Pentstemmon. A ruby stone surrounded by rune encrusted silver winked at her. “This will keep you protected and help me find you, no matter where you are.”

 

Sophie nodded and gazed up at him, her eyes glassy, but she wouldn't allow the tears to fall, “When we're done here, can we go somewhere I can have a good cry?”

 

Howl reached down and tenderly stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, “I think I can manage that.” Before he could change his mind, Howl turned and leapt off the outcropping and into the air, his wings catching the breeze.

 

He soared through the air swiftly, completely focused on the task at hand. The wizard's cold blue eyes swept the shadows. He was getting a fairly good idea of just how many of the creatures were nesting among the ruins, but what he really wanted was eluding him. He wanted the queen's nest.

 

It was the Queen that controlled the minions. Howl shook his head at the nomenclature. From what he had seen of the behaviour of the other creatures, the title fit the one who controlled them, but it still seemed odd to give such a status to the woman who had once been his mentor. He knew, however, in this case it was appropriate. If he could discover where she was and remove her from the equation, it would make it much easier for he and Suliman to round up the remaining beast-wizards and eliminate them. In fact, he might even be able to stay out of the round-up entirely. He smiled to himself at that thought; Sophie would declare him a first rate slither-outer if he managed that one, but finding more time to woo his impatient, nosey love would be worth countless beratings. He grinned; besides, Sophie was happiest when she was bossing people around.

 

Howl was startled out of his musings by an odd purring noise below him. He was hovering over the southern part of the ruins, floating on a thermal as he gazed down. His eyes narrowed trying to make certain what he was seeing was not some trick of the mist. Sure enough, one of the large piles was opening up slowly like an evil maw; a number of the beetle-like beasts had gathered around and began creating quite an uproar screeching and hooting. Just below him the lizard-like creatures swooped and careened through the air, screaming at each other, adding their voices to the rising cacophony. Occasionally, fights broke out near the opening as the many creatures jostled to be as close as they could.

 

Abruptly, a deep silence fell, it seemed as though all the creatures were holding their breath as a long, white claw emerged from the depths. This was what he was waiting for, and dreading. The queen emerged, her long serpentine neck swinging back and forth as her black tongue flicked out, tasting the air. The claws were attached to the tips of paper thin wings which fanned out as she crawled from the hole. White scales glittered, even in the darkness, as the rest of her body slithered from the black mouth of the cave. Flaming red eyes swept over her minions as they sprang into motion once more, grovelling and hopping about, hoping for her favour. She stood up on strong hind legs, reaching her wings into the sky, her eagle-like beak opened as her talons clutched into the ground. She let out a horrific screech that echoed through the valley. The other beasts let out similar calls, answering her.

 

Her flaming gaze shifted and swung east, and she glowered as though the distant mountains had offended her. She then cried out to the creatures around her and three of the lizard-creatures leapt into the air. Howl sighed inwardly at this display. This was evidence the Beast Queen, at least, had retained many of her magical senses. How much magic she still remained in control of was yet to be seen. True, Howl was able to sneak past her, but he was only one man and had learned as a child how to elude Mrs. Pentstemmon's magical guards.

 

Deep in thought, Howl watched the creatures fade into the night, obeying their queen. He was jolted out of his thoughts as the direction the creatures were heading sank in, and his heart lurched into his throat even as the ruby charm at his ear tinkled a warning. Sophie. The creature had sensed Sophie. He closed his eyes and focused, trying to find what had alerted the Queen and almost groaned aloud when he felt the protection spell floating on the breeze. Without a second's hesitation, he sped through the night toward his beloved, uncaring of the cry of alarm that went up behind him. His entire being was focused on getting to her before those creatures did. His eyes narrowed as fury and terror rushed through his veins increasing his speed. If they touched one silver hair on her head they would pay.

 

At that moment, he heard a feminine cry pierce the night, so obviously different from the animalistic calls of the beasts and a new terror flooded him. With a fresh rush of adrenaline he strained his muscles, streaking through the night sky to reach the origin of the cry. His eyes pierced the blackness and mist, both parting to reveal a sight which caused his entire body to wash cold with pure horror.

 

**********

 

Sophie was caught almost completely unaware. Unconsciously, her concern for Howl and what she was feeling for her home had turned into a chant she was mumbling under her breath. “Please be alright, please be safe, please be alright, please be safe …” over and over she repeated it, naively unaware of the protection spell she was casting even as she sent it out into the air.

 

Brown eyes scanned the sky for signs of Howl returning, desperately trying not to gaze at the ruins of her home. She'd been completely unnerved when the strange cries had begun, slowly increasing in volume and strength until abruptly cutting off. After the violence of the calls, the sudden silence was almost worse. Sophie froze, hardly daring to breath. It felt as though the night itself was listening for the slightest out-of-place noise. Her mind continued her frantic chant, needing the repetition to stop her from screaming. The unearthly sound which broke the silence caused Sophie to press back against the cliff, uncaring of the rocks which bruised her back and shoulders as she tried to make herself blend into the shadows. Her breathing was shallow and fast. She began whispering the chant again, needing the sound to help ease her pounding heart. She began to relax slowly, the sounds of earlier, which before had unnerved her, returning and allowing her to hope it was a sign all was well and Howl would return soon.

 

She even gained enough composure to finally push a little away from the cliff wall at her back and peer into the darkness, searching for some sign of his impending return. She almost fell off her perch when she spotted two shadows swooping up toward her from the base of the cliff. Sophie immediately shrank back against the rock, attempting to make herself as small and unobtrusive as possible her whisper changing slightly, “Keep going, keep going, you can't see me. I'm not here, I'm just part of the cliff, keep going, keep going, don't see me, don't see me …” over and over hoping her magic wouldn't fail her now when she needed it so desperately.

 

She almost gave herself away by laughing in relief when the creatures flew past her, screaming in apparent frustration. She choked on that laugh as a third creature came at her from above. She was so shocked she cried out, the panicked sound alerting it to her presence. In that moment Sophie knew her chants wouldn't help her, the only thing her mind could process was fleeing, but she was on a small outcropping of rock with no where to go except the sky. At this point of utter desperation, her mind began working again, she began reaching for the emotions she needed to allow her wings to appear, even as she feared it wouldn't happen fast enough. Without a second thought, she hurled herself off the outcropping, dropping like a rock through the creature's vicious talons. Sophie felt her wings emerge in a rush of magic and spread them, hoping to slow her decent. Purely by luck, she caught on a small breeze and lifted into the air.

 

Unfortunately, her triumph was short lived as knife-sharp talons clamped onto one wing, holding her in place. She cried out in pain as one of the creature's hands gripped her shoulder, the talons piercing through her tender flesh. Icy agony ripped through her, and Sophie thought she might be sick when she looked over at her shoulder and saw a sharp black spike appearing between two claws which disappeared into the black fabric of Howl's cape. Sophie knew without seeing, there would be two matching spikes protruding from her back. Even as Sophie watched, a dark stain began to spread over the fabric of her clothes. Her vision swam and she blinked as darkness threatened to overwhelm her. From deep inside herself she heard a cry of denial. No, she wouldn't let this thing claim her. She swallowed and opened her eyes, galvanized to action. With her uninjured hand she began clawing desperately at her scaly prison.

 

**********

 

Howl watched in terror as Sophie dove headlong off the cliff and tumbled through the creature's claws, then his spirits lifted as he watched her wings explode from her back, a silver beacon in the blackness, and lift her into the air. He arced down and raced toward her, desperate to reach her, then utter despair overwhelmed him as he saw the shadow sweep up behind her. Red coloured his vision as he watched the beast grab her and Howl smelled the metallic tang of her blood. He folded his wings at his sides and shot through the sky, a deadly black arrow with a specific target. In the same motion he sliced through the creature's legs removing them from its body with a cry of rage, and caught Sophie, still clawing at her attacker, in his arms.

 

With an angry gesture from Howl, the arm of the creature still attached to Sophie disappeared. At the feel of her continued struggles, he pulled her to him tightly. “Sophie, it's me. I'm here. I've got you, love.”

 

Sophie gasped and ceased her struggles. “Howl … I …” tears streamed from her eyes; from relief or pain, Howl didn't know. All he knew was he had to get her home where he could stop her bleeding and begin the healing process.

 

“Shhhh … it's alright, I've got you now, everything will be alright.”

 

He felt Sophie shudder in his arms her hands fisted in his shirt, then she went completely limp, apparently giving up her fight against unconsciousness. Howl held her closer, hugging her protectively as he swept up higher into the air, using a magical breeze to move as swiftly as he could. With a gesture, her wings disappeared once more and he was able to hold her tighter, her warmth reassuring him she was there and safe.

 

His relief was short-lived. No sooner had he turned toward the castle, than Howl's senses tingled and a new rage filled him as he realized the creature had circled back to evaluate this new threat. Its legs had magically regenerated and it opened it's maw to cry out. Howl heard answering calls echo through the valley even as he turned and narrowed his eyes on the creature that had injured Sophie. Howl shifted Sophie carefully, not wanting to hurt her, then thrust his arm sideways, focusing his gaze on the creature darting toward him. Light and shadows mixed and burst up into the air, enveloping the creature. A horrific scream filled the night as what was left of the creature rained down from the sky.

 

With a last detached look at the valley, Howl turned and began flying toward his castle, ignoring the angry screeches and sounds of pursuit. He returned Sophie to her original position, holding her in both arms, careful not to jostle her injured shoulder. The ground beneath them raced past, and soon, even the campfires were fading behind them. His jaw clenched as he noticed how cold Sophie was becoming. He clutched the unconscious woman to him, in an attempt to share his body heat with her, even as he desperately tried to ignore the alarming wetness seeping through his shirt and beginning to trail down his chest. Her shallow breath fluttering over the skin of his neck gave him some small comfort as the castle came into view.

 

Howl was through the door and on his way up the stairs to the bathroom before either Markel or Calcifer had a chance to react.

 

“Calcifer, I'll need hot water; then I need you to put the castle down somewhere secluded. Markel, you need to go to the palace and find Suliman. The creatures will be attacking the refugees tonight and they'll need help if any of them are to survive. Calcifer, once you have done the tasks I set to you, it would be greatly appreciated if you would lend your assistance as well to the refugees,” as he spoke, Howl never broke his stride, carrying Sophie up the stairs. Just before they disappeared, Calcifer called after him, stopping him.

 

“I'll go Howl, but only if you promise you can save her.”

 

Howl turned his gaze on Calcifer and his pale apprentice, and decided to take pity on them. “She will survive,” he reassured, giving the two a slightly crooked smile, “And she'll yell at the both of you if you don't do as I ask. I'm sure I'll be receiving a thorough dressing down for attending to her and endangering the refugees. But it's worth it.”

 

Without another word, Markel turned and quickly headed out the Kingsbury door. Calcifer, in turn, blazed hotter in the hearth.

 

Howl nodded and turned, carrying his precious cargo into the bathroom and shut the door.

 

Sophie was still unconscious as he laid her gently on the floor and turned to run the hot water. He waited until the tub was half full, then turned off the water. He turned, facing Sophie and took a deep breath, “I'm so sorry love. The funny thing is, I think you'll be more angry at me for the cure than you will for the injury.” With that, Howl gestured and returned her clothes to their original state. He unclasped his cloak then reached down and began to strip Sophie of her muslin dress. His face was bright red and he decided he could leave her thin white shift on so she would at least have a modicum of decency. He then turned his back on her and stripped out of his shirt and boots, leaving his pants on.

 

Turning to the tub, Howl closed his eyes and began to chant, every once in a while he would reach out to his potions shelf and add a drop or two of some specific liquid. After what seemed an eternity, but was in fact only a few minutes, Howl felt the water was ready. He knelt down, gazing at Sophie and gently brushed some hair from her face. His eyes deliberately avoided looking at the still oozing wound.

 

Gently, he picked her up and stepped into the tub. He laid down, leaning back, then cradled her in his arms, lying her atop him, cradling her between his legs and arms, making sure the water rose to cover her wounds. Her head rested on his right shoulder and he tenderly stroked her silver hair.

 

“Please Sophie, please be all right. I know you've lost a lot of blood, I know you probably had your wits scared out of you, but I need you. Please …” He whispered his plea into her ear and waited for his love to awaken.

 

**********

End Chapter 5

**********

 

As always many thanks to the hubby, His Lordship Havoc, for betaing.

 

oO;;

 

Is betaing a word?

 

PLEASE read and review! It's what I LIVE for. ^^_v