Soaring on Wings
Chapter 4: In which wizards are threatened…
By: RobinNAmon
Author's Note, Beginning: Hey guys! Here's another update for Soaring on Wings. Currently, I'm trying to figure out how long I want this story to be, etc. I've got a few thoughts, but that's it. If anyone is interested in giving me some suggestions, or even being a beta reader, feel free to review or e-mail me. I believe my e-mail is on my profile. Have fun reading :)!
Disclaimer: The book, Howl's Moving Castle, is written by Diana Wynne Jones (a simply marvelous writer, if I do say so myself!). The movie, Howl's Moving Castle directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is based off of Mrs. Jones' book, but the two aren't one in the same. All of the characters from the book (and movie) are copyrighted to their respective authors/creators. (What imagination those people have, you know ;)!) Any new character names I create for my story belong to me, Becky, aka RobinNAmon. Please keep these copyrights in mind :D!
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There was a long pause between the time Sophie ran to Howl and either of them spoke.
"Howl…" Sophie said evenly
"Sophie." Howl replied in the same tone.
"Where have you been?" Sophie cried, changing the mood. Howl let out a soft laugh.
"The Palace." Sophie opened her mouth to ask why but was cut off by Howl,
"Where are Markl and Granny Witch?" Howl inquired.
"They're sleeping, as is Calcifer."
"Not anymore…" The fire demon said seemingly irritated and half-awake.
"Oh, sorry Calcifer." Howl and Sophie said at the same time, laughing at the fire demon taking its chance to speak up.
It was in that moment that Sophie and Howl looked at each other. It was a serene situation, really. Calcifer was emitting a low bluish color. The Witch of the Waste and Heen were sleeping peacefully upstairs, although Heen was wheezing a little in his sleep; probably because of a dream. Markl was upstairs as well, sleeping in his room. And there they were, only the two of them, standing in the middle of the living room.
"Sophie. I'm sorry for the other day when we got in a fight. It's just…" Howl trailed off.
"I know, Howl. I was just having a bad day, and you were what I let my emotions off on." The young woman smiled.
"Thank you. But how would a trip to Port Haven and Kingsbury serve you? Your mother is in Kingsbury (at this, Sophie inwardly laughed. Of course! Grand Honey would never settle in a sea-side town.), and your sister Lettie is in Port Haven. Actually… I heard a rumor she's engaged to a fine young man." Howl replied, hoping to lighten the mood.
Howl was taken aback, however, when Sophie immediately hugged him.
"That'd be wonderful, Howl! Thank you so much!" Howl returned her embrace, but it soon ended.
"You're welcome, Sophie. It's really late though, so we should probably head off to bed. Goodnight Calcifer!" And with that, the two went upstairs, hand-in-hand and went off to sleep in their separate rooms.
Tomorrow will be a great day, Sophie thought. I can't wait to see my family. You don't realize just how much this means to me, Howl. I haven't seen them in almost a year!
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It was another blissful morning in Howl's Moving Castle. The skies were blue, with just a few clouds.
Sophie was up in the early morning, enjoying the nice weather of the Folding Valley.Well, it's off to cook breakfast for those men! Sophie thought.
Unknown to Sophie, Howl had already left early that morning through the black portal. He was in search of news on the "impending" war.
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It was early morning; the sunlight finally beginning to filter into the dark room. Lining the windows were royal red draperies. A figure loomed in the distance. Another one sat in a chair in the middle of the room.
As the figure began to approach the person in the chair, it spoke aloud, "Dear Suliman, I have heard you requested my appearance here? What do I owe such a request?" The man asked mockingly.
"How nice to see you again, Howl. Oh, I'm sure you know why you're here, being such a fine wizard. You're beginning to interfere with our country's private matters. Where do you believe you get that authority?" Suliman inquired with the same tone as the other man.
"I'm intruding in your business? I don't believe so. I've simply asked my representatives in the War Committee to push toward peace treaties and compromises with Bapin and Cicern. As for the Twilight Gate, it's an ancient portal my ancestors created. There are wizards who are now foolish demons and spiteful creatures locked in there. The wizards you and this kingdom now and from ages past have changed into inhuman things. The poor wizards got over their heads, but I've made it my duty to keep that gate sealed as is needed. What more could you ask for?"
"Your loyalty to the kingdom. Let the Wizardry branch of our government deal with sealing those monsters. You're a selfish person. Come with me and help serve the better good of Ingary!" The Royal Witch demanded.
"How slow you are, Sir. I thank you for teaching me the ways of magic, but there's a fine line between loyalty and serving you as your own pupil to do your dirty work." The dark-haired man jumped to his feet, preparing for his exit.
"You think your powers match mine, Howl. You're mistaken, gravely mistaken. I'd protect your family if I were you. Stay away from our affairs, or you'll find out the consequences." The Wizard threatened.
"Just stay out of this war and you won't need to see my wrath either." The wizard said confidently and strode of out of the royal room; not daring to look back, not caring to look back.
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Author's Note, End: I'm not very satisfied with this chapter. Well... We'll see what happens. Thanks for reading! My apologies on the delay! R&R please :)!