Chapter 3 - Desperation
Howl awoke to Sophie screaming in his head.
NO god SOPHIE!
Howl shot out of bed and scrambled to find his clothes. He tried twice before he got his shirt right, his head racing with terrible thoughts. His wife, his love ad been kidnapped, Kidnapped!
He shot down stairs just in time to see Markl race through the door paper white.
"Markl!"
Howl flew to his side and enveloped the shaken boy into his arms as Calcifer simultaneously popped into his hearth. "What's the matter kid? Why the…" .
"Howl…Howl, Sophie! The men, they took her…they …I tried…but she told me…I ran…and Sophie…" Markl struggled with words, desperately trying to make sense fast.
Howl's heart shook violently and he tried to calm not only his own raging fear but Markl's as well.
Calcifer gasped in shock. "No. No not Sophie."
"Shh", Howl crooned as he stroked the boy's hair and face. "Markl it's ok. You're all right. But listen…you must tell me what happened. Start from the beginning and don't leave anything out".
The boy relayed the events, and every second that passed Howl's fists clenched in fury. Anger boiled inside him. More than anything he wanted to launch himself out that door and bolt after her. But where to look?
"Howl. HOWL!" Calcifer yelled at him.
"Sorry. I drifted for a moment. Markl you did the right thing by coming back here to let me know." Howl reassured him and engulfed the boy in another hug. "Alright?" He watched Markl nod in agreement and move to stand next to the hearth.
"Calcifer, I just don't know where to look. She could be anywhere by now", Howl ranted as he paced the living room floor. His head was racing with too many terrifying possibilities.
"Howl don't you remember the twin locating spells you put on your wedding rings? "
Hope lifted Howls heart and a smile spread to his lips. "Of course how could I forget? Calcifer…" Howl started as he turned to his life long friend in his greatest time of need. "Calcifer I need you to watch after Markl and the castle while I'm gone."
Markl lunged forward. "Gone? But Howl can't I come with you. I'm sure I …".
"No!" he yelled a little too forcefully that had Markl and Calcifer flinching. "No. I can't …" His breath caught in his throat. I can't loose you too he thought and his heart tighten like a fist." No. It's too dangerous."
"Kid, he's right you know." Calcifer scooted over to the edge of the hearth to help comfort the worried boy.
Markl stared up at Howl with pleading eyes. "Please just please find her. I love her."
With one last agonizing look, Howl launched himself out the door and into the black void. So does he Markl. So does he.
It's taken me awhile, but i have finally updated it! :) Please read and review! Thanks!