Another chapter of the tale of mystery.
FAMILY SECRETS
A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC
Chapter 38
I was shocked by what my husband said. Edvard was not responsible? How was that possible? How would Howl know? Last time I checked he didn't have a spell to tell if someone was lying. If he did then my life would be a lot different. Howl, it has to be him! I used the telepathy spell again so that only Howl could hear me. I did not want Edvard to know that Howl was there. It just has to!
I felt him shift his weight. It's not. Look around you: Do you really think that this man could hire wizards strong enough to attack my castle? I think not. The men who attacked us that day were strong. Calcifer and I had a hard time repelling them. None of these men could do that. They wouldn't even scratch our defensives. No, it's not him.
I rolled my eyes. Just because you've seen some weaklings doesn't mean that . . .
He cut me off. It's not him.
Edvard looked confused. He could not hear the conversation going on right inside our heads. All he knew was that I stopped talking suddenly then started making faces. He did not know why. How could he? We were using telepathy! So he couldn't hear us. He eventually cleared his throat then asked, "Are you alright?"
That brought my attention back to the man that I accused. He seemed genuinely confused. It was like he couldn't detect Howl hiding in my clothes. Which should have been obvious to anyone with a small bit of magic. That's when I realized it: He couldn't do it. He had almost no magical ability what-so-over. Howl's words suddenly hit home. This man had neither the money nor the power to command wizards of that caliber. He was not responsible. This was not the man. This was all for naught.
I sighed. I had no idea where to go from here. Clearly, 'Seus' lied. This man could never offer such wealth. It was all a lie. 'Seus' had lied to me. Or maybe he stretched the truth, I don't know. All I know is that this is waste of time. Edvard was not the one.
"Sophie, are you alright?" He asked again. True concern leaked into his voice.
I smiled, "Yes. Sorry. I'm fine." I swallowed hard. Which did not convince the man. "I just realized that you were telling the truth. It's hard to take in. I was certain that it was you! I'm sorry for what I said."
He paused for a moment then said, "Do not worry about it. I did kidnap you. Although, I am beginning to suspect that you came willingly on your own. A witch as powerful as yourself would not so easy to catch. I only sent one man after you and look what I got! Success! That shouldn't be possible. Not with a Royal Wizard as husband at least."
"Wait? One wizard?"
"Yes. One wizard." He said blankly. "I could barely afford one! The man offered me a deep discount and yet I still could barely afford his services. Our family no longer has the wealth to employ such talented people. Then again such people are rare in Strangia. Naturally, their services come at a premium. Even the King would have a hard time employing a wizard." He swept his hands around him. "As you can see; none of my men are wizards. I simply can't afford them. I did not attack your castle nor did I kill your father. I am sorry, but the one you are looking for is in another castle."
I sat up straight in my seat. "This wizard you employed: Did you manage to get his name?"
He thought about it for a second, "Well, yes, I think. The man told me that his name was 'Seus' or something like that. Odd name if you ask me. Never met anyone from High Norland with a name like that. It's always Hans or Matilda or something like that. Never 'Seus.' Personally, I didn't care. He was a wizard. I couldn't ignore his offer. I could not pass up the chance to meet you! You are our family's final hope."
It was hard to take in what he said. Edvard just confirmed everything that I dreading. Edvard was not the one responsible. He might have questionable morals, but he was not a threat to our family. He was not the mastermind! Someone else was! I wasn't sure if it was 'Seus' or not. Clearly the man wanted me here, but for what reason? What could he gain by leading me here? I doubted that Edvard had any idea, but I might get some clues from him. It was a long shot, but right this moment it was all I had. So, I decided to stay and ask him some questions. He might prove useful. Like it or not, he was my best lead at the moment.
Next Chapter coming up!