Disclaimer: I do not own Howls Moving Castle. If I did, I would be rich and wouldn't be writing fanfiction.
It was the preliminaries. The test was to see how they were able to disguise themselves among common everyday workfolk in the field. The judge would be the wizardess Elena, master of concealment. "You have two hours to hide. If I find you, you will be disqualified but still get a Calcefer doll. On your mark, get set, GO," She said before they all hid in the field. She went back into the castle and chatted with the other judges. "I bet five gold coins on that Sunny," said Elena when she was in the wizard room.
"I would have to bet ten gold coins on that Michael lad," said Adam.
"Are you mad. It's obvious that Aaron will win, and to show my confidence I bet fifteen gold coins on him," said Drew.
" You are both moronic idiots. That Hein seems the most serious and most promising. I bet fifteen gold coins on said Hein," said Flamboa.
"But did you see the cloths those twins were wearing. Only great wizards would wear such fantastic clothing. I bet twenty coins on both the twins," said Sarramon
" If you should bet on two your chances of winning are doubled. That's smart," complimented Adam.
" I'll add an extra three gold coins and a magic ring that creates bread out of sand," said Elena.
"Your tea, sir," said Flamboa's servant.
"I'll add a set of tarot cards and Flamboa's servant," said Sarramon.
"WHAT! If you bet my servant, then I'll bet your shoes and hair," said an outraged Flamboa.
"Uh, sir, if I could have a say in this," said Flamboa's servant.
"Quiet. This has nothing to do with you Steve," said Flamboa.
One and a half hour later
" All betting closed. The betting chart will be set up. Oh and Sarramon can't bet on two people. I'm terribly sorry," said Howl
"It's understandable," said Sarramon.
Betting chart
Elena: Sunny
Adam: Michael
Drew: Aaron
Flamboa: Hein
Prizes
23,481 gold coins, a servant named Steve, Sarramon's shoes, Sarramon's hair, ring that makes bread from sand, a Calcefer doll, twenty gourmet meals, five pounds of writing paper, the complete series of "Magic and You", by Sherlock Watson, tarot card deck, four pigeons, a flute to summon a dragon called Dran, and the name Mickey for some reason.
