Howl's Moving Castle Fan Fiction ❯ The Battles of Peacetime ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

AN: Welcome to the latest instalment of Battles of Peacetime! {cue crowd noise}

This was a hard one time-wise to get out and I apologize for how long it took me to get it published. I want to thank my readers for being patient. In real-life I have a highly demanding job that interferes with my ability to have a publishing schedule, but I promise you, I will not forget this story. The longest I will ever go without publishing is two months. Promise! Anyway, I do need to clarify a couple of things.

 

I know I mentioned this earlier, but I got a comment about it so felt I should explain again.

 

Suliman is a MAN in my story. It's how he is in the original novel by Diana Wynne Jones. He is a man there. So, he is a man here. The character of Suliman from the movie is ACTUALLY Mrs. Pentstemmon in my story. Please keep that in mind as you're reading. Also, in the novel, Suliman spent time transformed into a dog. It's not terribly important you know that, but you'll understand some jokes later on in the story if you know that. It also explains where Suliman was during the war.

 

Anywho, all that's left is the …

 

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Howl in a can, I do not own him in a boat, I do not own him or a goat, I do not own Howl gorgeous man, I do not own him brother man. 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.

 

I DO OWN CONSTANCE AND WILLIAM!! NO TOUCHIE!!

 

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The Battles of Peacetime

Chapter 7

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Suliman paced back and forth in front of Calcifer's hearth, his hands clasped behind his back. He was trying very hard not to rush up the stairs and ensure Lady Sophie was all right, then getting down to the task of throttling his dear friend. The sound of his booted feet rhythmically pounding the floor contrasted with the random pops and snaps of the fire daemon burning low in the hearth. Markel's anxiousness was apparent in the nervous bouncing of his knees as he sat in the armchair facing the stairway staring at it intently as though willing Sophie to appear.

 

All sound ceased when they heard the bathroom door open and shut. They all traced the pair's path as they walked down the upstairs hall toward the stairs. Then, Sophie's soft footfalls were heard on the steps, echoed by Howl's heavier footsteps. As they entered the room Suliman once again appreciated the eccentric wizard's skill at appearances. Howl was wearing a midnight blue silk shirt beneath a crème brocade doublet and matching blue breeches. His raven black hair brushed his shoulders and his deep blue eyes watched Sophie intently. Sophie was dressed in a crème silk gown with wide, vertical, midnight blue stripes, her silver hair left free to brush her shoulders added a sense of innocence and vulnerability. Her hand was resting on Howl's and only the white across her knuckles and the haunted look in her eyes revealed the stress she was under.

 

Suliman knew the picture they presented was at least partly contrived on Howl's part, but he wasn't able to get the image of a knight and his lady out of his mind. That image was only reinforced when Howl's eyes met his and Suliman could clearly read the warning implied. Howl was allowing Suliman to talk to Sophie, but if the Royal Wizard did anything to upset her, he would find Howl a bit more intimidating than a peacock.

 

Suliman glanced away for a moment, reassessing his original opinion. Perhaps, while the clothing was intentional it wasn't quite as contrived as he'd originally assumed. Perhaps it was merely another way of Howl letting everyone know Sophie was under his protection. Suliman couldn't argue with this purpose and felt the clothing as well as the attitudes of the duo proclaimed the situation loud and clear. Suliman took a deep breath and got his impatience under control. There were questions he needed answered and he would get those answers tonight.

 

When Suliman turned back to the pair, they had reached the bottom of the stairs and Markel was hugging Sophie, under the watchful eye of Howl. Sophie was hugging him back enthusiastically, reassuring the young man she was perfectly fine.

 

Calcifer sparked from the hearth, “Of course you're perfectly fine. I don't know why everyone was so worried. After all, I taught Howl many excellent healing spells.”

 

Sophie smiled at Calcifer, “Thank you for your help Calcifer. I appreciate it.” Then she turned and gazed at Suliman.

 

“Master Suliman, it's an honour you felt so inclined to come to our home this late at night in concern for my health. As you can see I am quite well. Can I offer you some tea or a sandwich?”

 

Suliman shook his head, “I thank you, Lady Sophie, but if I had you do anything but rest, I would deserve being turned back into a mongrel.”

 

Sophie laughed as Howl lead her to the cozy Queen Anne's chair near the hearth, “I am not injured as badly as all that. I am perfectly capable of moving about.” Markel hovered about the entire time, eagerly waiting to be given a task and shifting his weight from foot to foot in the meantime.

 

Suliman smiled gently at Sophie as she seated herself, “It is not your physical self I worry about madam. I have heard many stories of your strength and stamina. I am sure you are, as you say, perfectly capable, but it does set my mind at ease to see you resting after the encounter I believe you had.”

 

Howl chuckled softly as Sophie opened her mouth to protest, “I fear you must tolerate our over-protectiveness tonight Sophie.” Howl gestured to the stalwart Suliman and a fidgeting Markel, “Allow us to feel as though we are protecting you to make our ego's feel better. I promise you, we gentlemen can fend for ourselves for one evening. You rest, hmmm?”

 

Markel nodded eagerly, happy to be included in the group of gentlemen protecting Sophie; then, dashed over to the corner to grab a chair so he could sit next to her.

 

Sophie paused gazing between the two older wizards, then her eyes became unfocused and the hunted look returned to her eyes. She leaned back into the chair, almost as though trying to hide from something and nodded. Suliman realized there was definitely a reason for Howl's protectiveness. The normally independent girl would never have allowed herself to sit and allow company, especially company from the palace to fend for themselves.

 

Calcifer spoke gently to Sophie, not wanting to startle her, “Sophie, would you like a little more light?”

 

Sophie's unseeing gaze swept to Calcifer fear having dilated her pupils so her eyes appeared almost completely black, then she blinked focusing on the fire daemon and confusion crossed her face before she smiled, “That would be nice Calcifer, thank you.”

 

Suliman was beginning to question the wisdom of coming here so quickly. At the time he had needed answers to some very important questions. Now, he felt he had at least one answer and it was causing him to rethink his haste. “Are you certain you feel up to this Lady Sophie, if you like, you could go to your room and rest and I can converse with Howl privately,” Suliman knew what he wanted to discuss with Howl was not going to be pleasant. If they could convince Sophie to leave, they could speak freely and Howl could give Sophie the abridged version later, when the haunted look was not quite so prominent in her gaze.

 

Sophie's eyes widened and she glanced from Suliman to Howl and back again, “No. I want to be here. As Howl's … apprentice, I should be here.”

 

Suliman raised an eyebrow at Sophie's pause before proclaiming herself his apprentice and glanced at Howl who was watching Sophie's face carefully, searching her eyes. Then, he nodded and his gaze caught Suliman's, “Well then, that's settled, so to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit Ben?” Howl gestured to the table and waited for Suliman to seat himself in a chair before sitting across from him.

 

Markel arranged his chair next to Sophie and seated himself, reaching over to hold her hand.

 

Suliman clasped his hands, resting them on the table and gazed at Howl, “I need to know what happened this evening Howl. Everything.”

 

Howl nodded, his eyes darting a glance at Sophie, before he leaned back in his chair, “Markel, would you put on some tea? You don't mind, do you Cal?”

 

Calcifer sputtered, but acquiesced quickly, as interested in Howl's answer as Suliman was. Markel dashed around quickly to do Howl's bidding. While they waited for the kettle to boil, Howl stood and fetched a small quilt Granny had made and brought it to Sophie. “Here dear one, if you need anything, I want you to promise to speak up and let me know no matter what we're discussing at that moment, alright?” Howl tucked the blanket over Sophie's lap.

 

She smiled tentatively up at him, gently touching his cheek, “I'll be fine. It'll be good to have a conversation to focus on instead of … other things.”

 

Howl smiled gently down at her and turned his head to kiss her palm before drawing away and turning to fetch cups as the kettle whistled, “Tea, Suliman?”

 

Suliman nodded, “Please.”

 

Howl brought over four cups and began pouring. He brought the first cup over to Sophie whose eyes were once again beginning to look too large for her face, her skin drawn over the delicate bones of her features.

 

She smiled at him gratefully and took a sip, closing her eyes as the hot liquid warmed her.

 

Howl returned to the table and poured the remaining three cups, handing one to Suliman, one to Markel, and taking the third with him back to his seat at the table. He took a sip and sighed, “So, what happened this evening … well, I suppose I'll start with Sophie and I going to Market Chipping.”

 

Suliman held up a hand, “I would like to know why the decision was made to bring Sophie there in the first place.”

 

Howl opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, Sophie spoke quietly from behind Suliman, “That was my fault.”

 

Suliman turned to gaze at her, one eyebrow raised, waiting for her to continue.

 

Sophie stared into her tea cup as though the answers were there in the hot fluid, then spoke, “I … wanted to see it. To see what was left. I needed to in order to be able to accept it and move on. I was hoping I would be able to help in the rebuilding, but I wouldn't be able to even think about rebuilding until I could accept Market Chipping needed to be rebuilt.”

 

Markel was listening to Sophie his eyes widening until he spoke in a small whisper, “Market Chipping was destroyed?” his disbelieving eyes turned to Suliman, “So that's why we were driving the creatures toward Market Chipping. I … I knew we were sending them that direction but I didn't understand it was …”

 

Sophie squeezed his hand, pulling his attention back to her, “Never fear Markel, we will defeat those creatures and rebuild Market Chipping better than ever.” She gave him a small smile, trying to keep the grief over the destruction of her home out of her eyes.

 

Markel gazed up at Sophie, then nodded, resolution coming over his features as he squeezed Sophie's hand in return, “I'll help you Sophie.”

 

Sophie smiled briefly at him, then glanced up at Howl as her smile faltered.

 

Howl was up in an instant, crossing the room to Sophie's chair, “Markel, I have a favour to ask of you. Would you mind making breakfast for Sophie in the morning? I would like to allow her to have a bit of a lie-in.”

 

Markel perked up immediately, “Course I wouldn't mind! I'll make you the best breakfast ever Sophie! You'll see!”

 

Sophie smiled at him, “I know it Markel, now I have something to look forward to. But if you're going to get up and make breakfast, shouldn't you head for bed? It's awfully late.”

 

Markel looked torn between wanting to stay and wanting to make sure he was able to do his best for Sophie tomorrow.

 

Howl smiled down at him, “I'll take good care of her for this evening, I promise.”

 

Markel considered, then nodded. He reached over and carefully hugged Sophie around the shoulders while she squeezed him back. “G'night Sophie, I'll see you in the morning. G'night everyone,” He stopped at Howl and glared up at him, “I'm holding you to your promise. Take good care of her, otherwise I'll put hot sauce in your eggs tomorrow.”

 

Howl laughed and patted the young man on his shoulder, “And I would deserve it too. Thank you for all you did this evening Markel. I asked a lot and you did it all without complaining.”

 

Markel mumbled an embarrassed “Thank you” at Howl and headed quickly toward the stairs but was stopped by Suliman's voice.

 

“You did an excellent job this evening Markel.”

 

Markel flushed red to his ears, “Thank you, Master Suliman. Goodnight.” His footsteps were heard pounding up the stairs, then his door slammed and silence descended upon the castle.

 

The moment he was certain Markel was safely in his room, Howl scooped Sophie into his arms and seated himself on the chair. She curled into him, fingers clenching in his doublet.

 

Suliman tried not to show his surprise at Howl's lack of concern over the wrinkling of his clothing. The normally vane wizard merely ran his hands through silver hair, holding onto Sophie tightly with his other arm, giving her a moment to get her emotions back under control.

 

As Suliman watched, she slowly uncurled, her breathing evening out. Her hand remained tangled in Howl's doublet, but she did relax. Howl gazed at Calcifer for a moment, then his eyes swept up to Suliman, “She has to deal with the memories. It'll be hard for a couple of days.” He smiled down tenderly at Sophie, “But she'll be fine. Strong and stubborn as a bull is our Sophie. Some weird creature can't keep her down for long.”

 

Sophie laughed up at Howl, her eyes clearing and taking on their usual soft brown color, “No, weird creatures can't keep my attention for long, no matter how colourful.”

 

Suliman barked a laugh as Howl pouted, “She must be feeling better if she can put you in your place with such ease Howl.”

 

Howl tossed a glower in Suliman's direction, “Watch out mongrel, she may turn that tongue in your direction.”

 

Sophie smiled in Howl's arms, “Thank you, both of you. I feel much better now, but we had better continue, I can feel how tired I am and I want to be sure I can answer all of your questions Master Suliman and hear what Howl has to say.”

 

Suliman nodded, pulling Markel's chair around so he was facing Sophie and Howl. “So, you asked to go along so you could have some closure. How is it you were injured and where?”

 

Sophie wet her lips and sat up, still in Howl's lap, but a bit away from him. Suliman envied what he saw at that moment. Sophie, grasping her independence despite the fear lurking just beneath the surface; Howl, allowing her to pull away and stand, mentally, on her own two feet, but ready to catch her should she need to be caught. He wondered if he would ever be fortunate enough to have a relationship such as theirs, and at the same time wondered if they realized how close they had become.

 

Sophie spoke softly, breaking Suliman from his thoughts, “Howl and I flew to Market Chipping and he left me on the outskirts of the valley. I was hidden on a ledge just below the top of a cliff. Physically, it would have been very difficult to see me there in the night. I … don't really know what alerted them to my presence, but I was waiting for Howl when two of them swooped up from the base of the cliff, startling me. They passed me by, and in my relief I was unaware of the third creature. I let my guard down and it came after me. I jumped from the cliff using my magic to fly,” her eyes closed and she took a deep shaking breath, remembering her gut wrenching tumble through the sky and the short-lived jubilation as her wings burst from her back; she wet her suddenly dry lips with her tongue, “Then … the third one circled around and snatched me out of the air,” her left hand moved to massage her right shoulder unconsciously, “I struggled and suddenly Howl was there. He freed me from its talons and … that's all I really remember.”

 

Suliman nodded to her, her inner torment beating at him from her eyes, brown filled with tears, and smiled gently. He reached out and placed a warm hand on hers, surprised to find her skin ice cold, “Thank you, Sophie. I know that probably wasn't easy for you. But every detail helps.”

 

Sophie nodded and closed her eyes; Howl's hand gently came to rest on her shoulder. Sophie turned to gaze at him, then slowly lowered her head to his shoulder, curling against the warmth of his body, delicate tremors rippling through her.

 

Suliman gave her a moment, then raised his eyes to Howl and was surprised to find the wizard watching him with an expectant look on his face. Suliman smiled, “Well Howl, now I need the story from you.”

 

Howl nodded, his arms remaining around Sophie as he began to speak, his eyes a midnight blue. “I had finally determined what I thought was the entrance to Mrs. Pent … the Queen's lair. I wanted to be sure I was correct in my deduction, so I went to observe the area and attempt to discover more proof. I felt if we could determine the location it would be possible to sneak in during the day and … handle the situation. As Sophie said, she wanted to come with, and I felt her reasons were sound. I agreed, and we set out for the nest,” Howl's voice was pitched low and even, his eyes never left Suliman's as he related the events.

 

“Our journey was uneventful and, as agreed, I left Sophie at the edge of the valley, well out of harms way, and continued on to my destination,” Howl closed his eyes, pausing to tighten his arms around Sophie for a moment before opening his eyes to continue. “Suliman, I was right. I found it.”

 

Suliman's eyes widened and he leaned forward as Calcifer flared in the grate, casting strange shadows around the room, “You saw her?” he wasn't sure if it was he or Calcifer who had spoken, but it didn't matter.

 

Howl nodded, his gaze sweeping over Suliman, Calcifer, and Sophie in turn. All attention was completely focused on him, “Yes, I was correct in the location. It's concealed exactly as we'd thought. Plus, I was able to observe her interactions with the other creatures. I observed her giving orders and the creatures understanding and following them. They constantly seek her favour, kowtowing and prostrating themselves before her. It's definitely a matriarchal society with her at the top.”

 

Suliman nodded, fascinated, “It appears you've learned more about the way they function in one night than I was able to learn in months. I knew you were the right man for this job. I …”

 

Sophie shifted in Howl's lap, her skin having paled again. Her eyes looked too large for her face and her knuckles were almost white her fists were clenched in Howl's doublet so tightly. Suliman and Howl exchanged a glance and nodded, agreeing without words to continue the more in depth discussion at a later date.

 

Howl cleared his throat, the sound stirring Sophie enough to wake her a bit, before he continued, “Anyway, as I was saying, I noticed her give an order to her creatures, sending them off in the direction of the refugees. I was curious to know what had caught her interest and that's when I felt the protection spell floating through the air.”

 

Sophie blinked, seeming to regain awareness of her surroundings and the conversation going on. She gazed up at Howl with confused, chocolate eyes, “Protection spell? Who was casting it?”

 

Howl smiled down at her and brushed some hair from her forehead, “You were, my dove. For my protection.”

 

Sophie blinked, then her brow furrowed in confusion, “I don't remember casting any spell … I was hoping you would be all right … but …”

 

Calcifer cut in, “Sophie, you have a natural magic, were you repeating the same words over and over? You know that's how it's worked for you before.”

 

Sophie paused, considering for a moment, then blushed, “Oh dear.” She looked up at Howl some color returning to her cheeks as determination spurred her to action, “This does not nullify our agreement. Just because I accidentally drew danger to me merely means I need more training as your apprentice and more field experience will be important so we can determine what my strengths and weaknesses are.” Sophie's spine had straightened and her chin tilted up at a stubborn angle.

 

Suliman chuckled, shaking his head. He had to admit, it was cheering to see she hadn't lost her indomitable spirit in the creature's attack.

 

Howl grinned down at her, ridiculously glad she was, for all intents and purposes, ordering him around. He laughed inwardly at that thought. His own wayward apprentice, ordering him around in front of the Royal Wizard, and he sitting here, thrilled to pieces. Would wonders never cease, “We'll discuss all that later, when you're feeling more yourself and are able to give me the full attention of that stubborn streak of yours.” He winked at her, then, because he couldn't resist, he leaned down and kissed the end of her nose.

 

She gasped, “Howl!” and covered her nose with her hands, glaring up at him.

 

He looked down at her, innocence in his blue gaze, “If I don't do those things now, I'll never get the chance, you'd not let me get away with it when you're well. I'm going to enjoy you being at my mercy.”

 

Sophie humphed and crossed her arms under her breasts in annoyance. “'Course a peacock like you would take advantage of a lady's moment of weakness.”

 

Howl grinned down at her, knowing better than to push his luck. He enjoyed the view of Sophie sitting grumpily in his lap, relishing her warmth for a moment more, then closed his eyes and focused his mind back on the matter at hand.

 

When he looked up at Suliman once more, the warm joking light was gone from his eyes to be replaced with cold ice.

 

“Once I realized where the creatures were going, I followed quickly. The attack happened as Sophie said. After I had her safe, I destroyed the creatures that had attacked her and made my way quickly to the castle to begin healing her. She had lost a lot of blood and I needed to begin the healing process immediately. I was concerned, in their anger, the creatures might attack the refugees camped in the foothills, so I asked Calcifer to go protect them and sent Markel to fetch you.”

 

Suliman listened to the abridged version of Howl's encounter with the creatures that had attacked Sophie and made a mental note never to hurt the girl in any way. He shuddered at the power behind the wizard's voice. He would need a more detailed description later, but before that he would need to brace himself.

 

It was at times like this he realized just how dangerous the wizard in front of him was. And he was once again grateful the Wizard Howl was an ally.

 

Suliman nodded and stood, “Howl, I will need to speak to you of this more in depth. Tomorrow, we will all get some badly needed rest. But the following day, I would ask you come to see me at the palace and we will continue our discussion.”

 

By this time, Sophie had curled up in Howl's lap once more, her eyes half-lidded. Suliman took one of her ice-cold hands and bowed over it, “Sleep well Lady Sophie. I am glad you will recover from your ordeal and hope to see you in better spirits soon.”

 

Sophie summoned a small smile for the Royal Wizard and nodded her head.

 

Suliman then turned and bowed to Calcifer, “Again, I thank you for your help, master daemon.”

 

Calcifer fizzled at the wizard, “At least some people appreciate me.”

 

Suliman smiled, then turned toward Howl, “I look forward to our next meeting.” He executed a graceful bow and without another word, the Royal Wizard departed.

 

Howl stood, with Sophie in his arms, “Goodnight, Cal,” Howl spoke over his shoulder as he headed toward Sophie's room. Then, he paused, and without turning around spoke softly, “Calcifer, you know I appreciate everything you do for me.”

 

Calcifer flared and mumbled, “I know. G'night Howl, night Sophie.”

 

“G'night Calcifer …” Sophie mumbled and trailed off.

 

Howl smiled and continued carrying Sophie into her room. He started to set her in her bed, when her fists clutched the sleeves of his doublet, “No!”

 

Howl blinked down at her, his eyes questioning.

 

Sophie blushed, “Don't … I don't want to be alone … please …”

 

Howl nodded, gently caressing her cheek with the back of his hand, “I'll get a chair and watch over you, never fear dear one. While I'm gone, why don't you change into a nightdress and crawl under the quilt, hmm?”

 

Sophie looked up at him with wide eyes, “But, you need your rest too.”

 

Howl just shook his head, “I won't rest if I'm worrying about you. Now, hurry and change, I'd be more than happy to catch you in just your nightdress.” He gave her a lascivious grin and she swatted his arm before he slipped out of her room.

 

Sophie quickly changed into a white nightdress trimmed with blue ribbons at the neck and wrists. Her feet curled against the cool wood floor as she made her way to her bed, climbing under the quilts just as a knock sounded on her door. She smiled. You really had to hand it to Howl, he projected a certain image, but understood the boundaries.

 

“Come in, Howl.”

 

Howl opened the door and lifted a chair through, before closing the door behind himself. He carried the chair easily and Sophie realized he must be using magic to lift it. She laughed softly to herself wondering if she would ever get used to the ease with which he used magic in daily life.

 

Howl placed the chair next to her bed, and draped himself across it, long legs dangling over one arm. He reached out a warm hand and took hers, instantly warming her chilled flesh, “Now then, you are looking decidedly not yourself. I believe it's time you rested. Never fear, I will be here to chase away any darkness that might shadow your dreams.”

 

Sophie smiled as she allowed her eyes to shut, not realizing she spoke her thoughts aloud as she drifted off, “Sometimes, your flowery language is exactly what I want to hear.”

 

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Sophie stood in the foothills gazing in horror at the devastation around her. Bodies lay everywhere sprawled in positions no living human could attain. The ground was a horrible rust color no flower could possibly acquire naturally. Her hands covered a scream as she noticed an arm lying nearby, with nothing else attached.

 

A scream from above caught her attention and she looked up, ignoring the pain in her neck from the jerky motion.

 

Above her the creatures swooped in such numbers they blocked what little light was trying to filter to the ground from the moon. Then, her eyes spotted the source of the scream. Her sister, Lettie was struggling in the clutches of one of the bat-creatures, her eyes wide in panic. As Sophie watched the creature released her sister. She watched, frozen to the spot as Lettie hurtled toward the ground.

 

She opened her mouth on a soundless scream, her eyes wide.

 

“Sophie! It's me!”

 

Sophie turned to the source of the voice, eyes wide and unseeing.

 

“Dammit Sophie, wake up!”

 

Something was shaking her, warm hands on her arms. She blinked, dispelling the horror, then blinked again at Howl's face so close to hers. She stared at him for a moment unsure if he was real.

 

“Lettie …”

 

Howl took Sophie's face between his hands, “You were having a nightmare, love. Focus on me. It was just a dream. Listen to my voice. I'm real, feel the warmth of my hands. Damn, your skin is cold as ice.”

 

Sophie felt a warmth drape around her shoulders. Strong hands rubbed up and down on her arms, trying to get the circulation moving.

 

Sophie blinked again, and tears flooded her eyes as reality sank in. A dream. It was all a dream. Sophie threw herself at Howl, her arms clutching around his neck as her body shuddered in reaction to the horrors of her dream. It was still too real to her, but her mind finally realized it was not reality. Lettie was fine.

 

Wasn't she?

 

Howl stroked her back gently, holding her tightly, “Shhh, love. It's alright. It was just a dream. Everything's fine.”

 

“Is it?”

 

Howl leaned his head on hers, “Of course it is. You're here. You're alive. You're arm will be good as new before you know it.”

 

Sophie pushed a little away from him and looked up at him with terrified eyes, “What about the refugees? What about Lettie? I … I dreamed she was, they were all … I …”

 

Howl gently wiped some tears from her cheeks as he debated how much of the truth to tell her, “Sophie … how about I have Lettie come visit tomorrow to set your mind at ease, hmm?”

 

Sophie looked up at him, and after a moment nodded.

 

Howl smiled gently at her, “That's settled then. Now my girl, I doubt you'll get to sleep after what appeared to be a whopper of a nightmare, so how about I tell you a story?”

 

Sophie swallowed and nodded, then surprised Howl by shifting around in bed, until her head was off the bed and in his lap, her body sprawled horizontally across her bed. Howl carefully edged his chair closer to the bed so Sophie was supported by his legs, then tucked her quilts more tightly around her.

 

“Right then, once upon a time, for that's how all good stories begin, there was a wizard. He was a cold, cruel man who only thought of his own selfish needs. Oh, he had the power to do great good, but did not have the drive or desire to do so. Instead, he wanted to use his powers to make his own life easier.

 

One day, a young woman wandered onto the wizards lands. Now, this young woman was nothing extraordinary at first glance, but if you really looked closely, there was something about her, something that drew your attention, and kept it.

 

The young lady came upon the wizard as he was wandering through his gardens which were the most fantastic gardens anyone had ever made. The corn grew taller than a house. Tomatoes were round and fat and red as rubies. And the watermelons were green and bursting with sweet juice.

 

Now, the young lady was hungry, and the wizard obviously had more than he could eat himself, so she asked quite politely if she could have a tomato or melon to ease her hunger.

 

`What will you give me in exchange?' the wizard asked.

 

The young lady was unsure how to answer. She was very poor and didn't have much. She gazed at the wizard, then smiled, `I will keep you company for the day.'

 

The wizard scoffed at this, but the young lady was not about to be put off.

 

`You obviously do not have anyone else around. So, I will stay with you for the day and you may talk with me about whatever you like. We can play card games and have tea. I believe you are getting the better deal. After all, I am getting something which will only last me a little while. You will have an entire day and the memories will stay with you forever.'

 

The wizard pondered this for a while, considering. Then, not able to find a flaw in the young ladies logic, agreed.

 

The two spent quite a lovely day together in each other's company. She told him stories of her family when she was small, and he taught her to play a difficult word game, finding himself surprised when she took to it quickly and even beat him at a round.

 

That evening, the wizard found himself hesitant to let her leave, but the young lady insisted. `I kept my part of the bargain. Now, it is time for me to continue on my way.'

 

`What exactly is it you seek? Perhaps I can help you find it.'

 

The young lady shook her head. `I must find the answer myself for what I seek, but thank you for your offer. Farewell.' And with that, she left.

 

The next day, the wizard was wandering the south parts of his lands making the water of a stream tinkle a beautiful tune for him, when a familiar voice greeted him.

 

`Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I might bother you for a meal? I am afraid I have not much to offer, but am willing to work hard to pay for it.'

 

The wizard turned around and exactly as he had thought, it was the young lady, but oddly enough she didn't seem to recognize him. Perhaps it was because she hadn't really had a chance to recognize him yet.

 

`Hello. I didn't expect to see you again so soon!' He tried very hard to keep his eagerness at her presence out of his tone.

 

The young lady cocked her head at him, `I'm so sorry, you must have me mistaken for someone else. Perhaps you will take pity on me in the memory of your friend and offer me a meal?'

 

The wizard paused, then looked at her more closely and that was when it hit him. There was a spell upon the young woman. One had to look very hard to see it, but it was there. The wizard made a choice. He would help this young woman. He would free her from her spell. After all, it was the least he could do since she had wandered onto his lands.

 

He smiled at her, `Of course, in exchange, would you do me the honour of allowing me to enjoy your company?'

 

The young lady happily agreed.

 

Things continued this way for many days. The young lady would appear and ask for a meal, and the wizard would ask for a day of her company in exchange. The only difference was, he was deliberately seeking her out and placing himself in her path.

 

Over time the wizard found she was not only spending her days with him, but was invading his dreams at night. He could not stop thinking of her lovely green eyes and blonde hair which shone like a sunbeam. And this scared the wizard as nothing else had. So much so that he did not seek her out the next day, hiding in his cottage.

 

That night, he had a horrible nightmare. The young lady gazed at him with sad eyes and a single tear trailed down her cheek as she slowly faded away. He called and called, but could not find her. He woke with a start as the sun began to creep over the land.

 

The wizard leapt from bed, dressing quickly and immediately went out searching for the young woman. He searched everywhere, using a pair of magic boots called seven league boots to quickly travel the breadth of his land. That evening he returned to his cottage to face an awful truth. The young woman had disappeared as mysteriously as she had appeared. It was then he felt a pain and heaviness in his heart which shook him to his soul.

 

`I love her …'

 

`Whoever you love is a very lucky girl if she can affect you so completely. I hope she returns your affections.'

 

The wizard's head snapped up, eyes wide. There she was, gazing at him with a gentle expression in her eyes.

 

`I do as well, but I fear she doesn't even know who I am.'

 

The young woman smiled at him, `Then, you must make her aware of you. If you look at her the way you were just now, she is sure to love you.'

 

The wizard stood and approached the young woman, gazing down at her, `I hope so, but I worry, for she has a very complicated spell upon her.'

 

The woman smiled up at him brightly, `But sir, everyone knows true love conquers all.'

 

He returned her smile and raised a hand to the side of her face, `Indeed,' then leaned down to kiss her.

 

In that moment, there was a flash and the young woman blinked up at the wizard and gasped. The spell was lifted. She remembered everything, including the many days she spent in the wizards company.

 

He smiled down at her, his emotions in his eyes, `So tell me, does the young lady I have fallen in love with have a name?'

 

She blushed, gazing up at him, `Constance.'

 

`Constance,' he whispered. `So, tell me Constance, do you think the lady I adore returns my feelings?'

 

Constance wet her lips and smiled shyly up at him, `I think all she needs is a name to put to the object of her affections to give you the answer you seek.'

 

`William'

 

Constance slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, `Now that I am able to remember all our days together, I can say the emotion filling me must be love, William.'

 

After that, he took her to her family who rejoiced at her return. It turned out the spell had been cast by a woman in the town who had wanted her daughter to marry the mayor's son. The mayor's son had only had eyes for Constance, however. Constance had tried to discourage him, but in the end, the witch had cursed Constance. Her family had been terrified when they had awakened one day and she had been gone.

 

The witch's curse had backfired, for without Constance to keep his attention, the mayor's son had left the town and soon ended up married to the daughter of a prosperous merchant from a nearby city.

 

The wedding of Constance and the Wizard William was considered the celebration of the decade. The bride was so happy she glowed and the mysterious and handsome groom made all the women blush and fan themselves.

 

Constance and William were deliriously happy for the rest of their days tending their gardens and walking across the land hand in hand.”

 

Howl gazed down at Sophie who had fallen asleep at some point during his story and smiled, stroking his hand through her hair.

 

“So, tell me Sophie, do you think the lady I adore returns my feelings?” Howl leaned his head back in the chair and allowed himself to drift off to sleep, his hands holding his most precious possession safely through the remainder of the night.

 

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End Chapter 7

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As always thank you so much to the hubby for betaing no matter how late in the evening it is. :D

 

Please review, they really do drive me to get on the computer and type. Thank you so much. I have gotten so many really inspiring reviews. I can't express how much they mean.