Author's notes:
Hi again, my dear readers! Once again, I apologize for the late update, but as you can see, this is a pretty long chapter! :-)
I've been terribly busy as the hostess of another wedding and I've also been visiting my parents for a few weeks-which isn't the best setting if you're trying to be productive. Now, I'm back home, and finally had some time to work on this story.
I'm still overwhelmed by your words and kind feedback! I repeat once more-this story will not be forgotten or left unfinished. My main "problem" right now is that the current chapters are actually very... emotionally straining (and draining!) to write. I hope, though, that you'll enjoy it and appreciate the effort I've put into this.
If you're following this story and want to be notified of updates, feel free to add it to your author alert/favorite stories or some of the "follow" options; all of them will result in a notification e-mail every time it's updated.
Once again, thank you SO very much for your support!
Love, always/BoMD
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Sophie woke to an ear piercing scream. For a moment, she felt totally bewildered, uncertain whether she'd been screaming herself. Sitting up with a jolt, she became aware of a throbbing pain in her back… and she realized that she was, in fact, no longer in bed but on the hard floor, still entangled in the blankets. At the same moment, another scream was tearing through the air.
"Howl!" Sophie managed, her heart beating so hard that she was all out of breath as she was trying to rise and find the box of matches at her nightstand. Her hands were trembling, but she eventually managed to light the candle, and nearly froze at the sight. Howl was sitting upright in bed, his eyes wide open and his hair on end. There was a look of absolute horror on his face, and his eyes appeared to be fixed on something far away.
"Howl…" Sophie tried, approaching him cautiously. "It's all right… calm down… It was just a dream…"
"NAHHHH!" Howl screamed, flinging out his arm. What felt like a strong gust of wind swept towards her and knocked her off her feet again. The ceiling ornaments quivered anxiously.
"Oh, Howl, please, Howl…" she pleaded, trying to rise again, but was struck back by another wave of magic, this time accompanied by a bright flash of light.
Howl looked positively demonic, as if his skin was glowing with a faint, greenish light. His eyes were flaring with anger. Some of the baubles snapped from their chains and fell to the floor with a rattling sound.
"Howl, please," Sophie tried again, her voice thick with emotion. "Please, no magic… you'll only wear yourself out! It was just a dream…"
But he didn't even seem to hear her. "Stay away!" he screamed, on the top of his lungs, launching wave after wave of magical knock out forces.
"Howl…" Sophie pleaded anew, now on the verge of tears. "For Goodness sake, Howl, please, stop, please! It's just me… your wife… and I love you… I love you…"
Finally, the wizard froze, and for a moment, his anxious eyes met Sophie's, as he was gasping for breath. Suddenly, he reeled, his head sagging. Before Sophie could rise from the floor, he let out a long, whimpering sound, and moments later, he was retching violently, soaking his nightshirt, the bed and the remaining blankets. For a moment, he was almost unable to breathe between the forceful heaves, which resulted in a violent onset of coughing.
Finally able to move again, Sophie was on her feet, and in an instant, she was beside him, supporting him while trying not to get soiled herself. As he was finally done, several minutes had passed. Howl was shaking like a leaf, whimpering softly, rocking back and forth, once again clutching his ribs. Whatever the doctor had given him, it was clear that its effects were wearing off.
Hot tears of compassion rose in Sophie's eyes as she started the preparations to remove Howl's nightshirt, and found that its lower back side and the sheet behind him had also been soiled. The stench was almost unbearable, but yet, she hardly even noticed, as she was unbuttoning the nightshirt from the collar down. Under normal circumstances, she would have had it burned in a bonfire somewhere out in the wasteland along with the sheets–she would never ever ask such a thing from Calcifer. But now, she was aware of that every piece of clothing must be salvaged, since there was no way of knowing when Howl would be able to use his magic again and renew their wardrobe.
Fortunately, only one of the blankets had been lightly stained, since the rest of them had been dragged down to the floor as Sophie fell out of the bed. As she finally managed to get Howl undressed, he was still shivering violently.
"Shhh, easy now…" she soothed. "Look… we have to get you off this bed, just for a moment, so I can change the sheets… and then we'll get you cleaned up…"
"Chamber pot…" Howl managed in a barely audible whisper.
"All right, let me help you, there…" Sophie put his arm around her shoulder, slipping the chamber pot underneath him before helping him sit on the floor, supported by the side of the bed. Quickly, she grabbed the only lightly stained blanket from the bed, and draped it over his trembling shoulders, wrapping it around him. Reaching out for the basin on the nightstand, she placed it on his lap, and he weakly gripped its edges, only the tip of his fingers visible from under the blanket.
"Can you sit like that just for a moment?" Sophie asked, stroking a strand of hair away from his eyes. Howl gave a weak nod in response, and tensed as his insides started churning violently… but at least, he wasn't vomiting again.
"I'll be right here," Sophie assured him. In a few, swift moments, she stripped all the linen, including the rubber sheets and the soiled nightshirt on top of it all, off the bed. Forming the heap into a giant bundle, she carried it to the bathroom, placing everything in the tub.
Focusing hard on her task, she forced herself to push all other thoughts away but the need to get back to Howl as soon as she possibly could. Fetching a bucket, she filled it with hot water, soaking the soiled nightshirt and the bed sheet. Rinsing them several times, she disposed the water into the toilet. Eventually, she filled the bucket anew with water and soap flakes, and placed it on the balcony. Normally, no matter the circumstances, she always took a moment to check out the castle's whereabouts when opening the balcony door, but this time, she didn't even notice whether they were flying or stationary.
Briefly checking on Howl, she helped him off the chamber pot, and after a quick cleanup, she intended to help him sit for a moment on the floor, on a folded towel. But he hardly had the strength, and eventually, she unfolded the towel helping him lie down on top of it instead, covering him with the blanket and placing the basin beside him.
She had just been cleaning up the chamber pot and was about to start rinsing the rubber sheet over the bathtub when she heard Howl, still using the magic link, calling out for help. Rushing to his side, she held his head over the basin as he was once again vomiting violently. Staying with him until the attack subsided, she stroked his hair and back, trying to talk soothingly to him, assuring him that he would be all right. But inside, she was starting to feel hollow, as if all hope had left her… then again, she could not let it show, she knew she had to be strong, for him… and for Markl…
With a deep sigh, and a few words of reassurance that she would be back soon, she headed for the bathroom once more, finishing the cleanup. After dosing the rubber sheets with the drying powder, she eventually undressed herself, cleaning up her own nightgown while also washing her face, hands and arms. But as she was just about to dose her nightgown with the drying powder, she realized that she probably ought to ration the drying powder as well… only God knew when they would be able to renew their stock, as manufacturing the powder was still way beyond Markl's skills. Wringing out as much of the excess water as she possibly could, she just applied a little powder, leaving the fabric slightly damp, but no wetter than what her body heat would take care of within a couple hours.
As she returned, she draped the bed with the rubber sheets, and placed a couple towels on top. Howl was almost unable to provide any help at all as she struggled to get him back on the bed. Carefully, she sponged bathed his entire body, that was once more burning with fever. As she was done, she brought him a new, dry, nightshirt, helping him to get dressed.
When she was done, Howl was once again curling up tightly, clutching his ribs. Getting him off the bed and back again would probably be more difficult than trying to get it made while he was still on top of it. Fastening the sheet under the edge of the mattress on one side and draping the bed to the middle, she gently rolled him over to the finished side of the bed.
Changing all the pillowcases and the blankets, she carried all the dirty linens to the laundry basket in the bathroom, and mopped the floor around the bed. As she was finally done, the first hints of daylight could be seen through the curtains. Curling up beside Howl, she realized she was shivering… and she felt like she hadn't slept at all.
She just had to face it–Howl wasn't getting better yet… maybe, he wouldn't get better at all. And within a few hours, at most, Markl would wake up, and need her attention…
Suddenly, she had to fight very hard to hold back the tears. She felt as if a giant curtain was opening up in front of her, revealing a massive darkness. She was almost relieved when Howl suddenly tensed, moaning in agony, and she had to focus her attention on nursing him through another long and painful vomiting attack.
As he was finally done, and Sophie had cleaned him up and tucked him in, she left for the bathroom, carrying the basin. Rinsing it over the toilet, she saw her own, pale, hollow-eyed face in the mirror. Clasping her fists and clenching her teeth, she made a decision. Leaving the basin within Howl's reach, she hurried down the stairs, and into the kitchen.
–––
Calcifer didn't show the slightest hint of annoyance over being awakened early, in fact, he was already waiting for her by the bottom of the stairs. As she met his fiery eyes, she saw her own concern mirrored there, and had to look down. "Calcifer"… Her voice trailed off, and she drew a deep breath.
"I'm so sorry, Sophie," the fire demon replied with an uncharacteristically soft voice. "Is there… is there anything I can do for you?"
Sophie nodded. "Yes… in fact there is. Calcifer… can you please… get my sisters for me? I think I need them to… take care of Markl for a while…"
Calcifer nodded slowly. "I understand. I'll see to it right away." Reaching out his flaming arms, he stroked Sophie's hand in an attempt at a soothing gesture. Then, he shot toward the hearth and up through the funnel. Within a heartbeat, he was gone.
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"No!" Markl was almost inconsolable. "I don't want to go, Sophie! I don't want to go!" He buried his face in her apron, firmly gripping her dress on both sides of her waist.
"Markl, I'm so sorry…" She stroked his hair. "I'm so sorry, Markl… but Howl is very sick… and you're far better off with Martha and Lettie; they will cook for you, real food, you know, and you'll sleep… undisturbed…"
"But it's not like I haven't seen him sick before! And I do know how to cook for myself!"
Martha, who had been standing a few feet away, approached the boy and knelt beside him, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Markl… Sophie loves you… we all love you and…"
Suddenly, Markl tensed, and started shaking. "H-Howl is… he's gonna die, isn't he?" His eyes were wandering between Martha and Sophie, demanding an answer.
Sophie felt unable to form any sound at all, but thankfully, Martha spoke up. "No one can tell, Markl. We just don't know. But if you can't eat or sleep properly, you will get sick yourself, eventually… and we don't wan't to do that to poor Sophie, now, will we?"
Sophie nodded in silence, and Markl looked down, pondering this for a moment. "C-can I say goodbye to Howl first?" he managed.
"Of course, Markl…" Sophie put her arm around his shoulder. "Let's go upstairs." She turned to her sisters. "I think you'd better stay here… I'm sorry, but I don't think he wants to see anyone in this state… and you don't want to see him like this…"
Martha and Lettie nodded, quietly following Sophie and Markl with their eyes as they were walking up the stairs with Heen in tow.
They found Howl lying on his side, curled up tightly, clutching his midsection. He was breathing heavily, not asleep but nearly dozed off from the pain. But as he heard Markl approaching, he opened his eyes slightly. "M-Markl…" he managed in a quiet whisper.
Tears were running down Markl's face as he continued. "Martha and Lettie… they want me to stay with them for a little while… Sophie… they don't want me to get s-sick from not eating properly and s-uch… so I just came t-to say g-goodbye, just for a couple days or s-so… just until you're better…"
"Wise… ladies they… are, indeed…" Howl breathed, and with an effort, he stretched out his hand, his fingers weakly closing around Markl's. "Don't wan't you to remember me… like this…" The wizard's voice trailed off.
"But I will be back, I promise, I'll be back soon… and as soon as you're well again, we can continue practice the flying, can't we?"
Howl gave a slight nod. "Of course. We will…"
Markl held Howl's hand tightly to his chest. "Good b-bye then, Master Howl… Master Howl… I… I love you…"
"And I love you too, Markl," came the almost inaudible reply from the wizard.
As Markl slowly headed toward the door again, Sophie straightened Howl's blanket, tucking him in anew. As she stroked his hair, she saw a single tear making its way down his cheek.
–––
"Are you really certain this is the right thing to do?" Lettie's face was grave with concern, as she insisted to have a little talk in private with Sophie before they left. Martha, Markl and Heen were already waiting outside on the street.
"I really should stay here, and help you out…" Lettie's brows were furrowed with concern. "Mum and Martha can take care of Markl… and I know you're the strongest person alive, but sometimes, sis, I think you're being too stubborn for your own good. I don't think you should be facing this alone…"
Sophie shook her head. "I'm not alone. I've got Calcifer…"
"But it's not the same…" Lettie was persistent. "There are so many areas where he just can't be of assistance, no matter how much he wants to…"
"Listen, Lettie." Sophie fought to keep her voice steady. "H… Howl's body… will not be able to take it much longer. Either he recovers by himself, or…" Her throat constricted, but she swallowed, and managed to continue. "Within a couple of days, at the most… we'll know…"
Lettie nodded. "All of our friends are frantically trying to locate another available doctor…"
Sophie sighed. "I appreciate your efforts, but I actually doubt there is a doctor who can help him now… we're totally broke, and I know that none of you have much money left, either, and…"
Without another word, Lettie swept her sister into a warm embrace. "Don't you worry about that, sis'. We will find a way. We always will."
"Thank you… And Calcifer will keep you updated."
Lettie nodded. "And I'll be back to check on you too… you can count on it. Make sure that you won't forget to eat that food I left you. You don't need to ration it–we're far better off now than just a few weeks ago."
Sophie followed Lettie out onto the street, saying a final goodbye to everyone before heading back to the house again. It was physically painful to release Markl from their last embrace, but it seemed as if he understood that there was no use to argue. Sophie stood for a moment watching them getting smaller and smaller and finally disappearing around a corner.
Suddenly, a wave of suppressed emotions was welling up inside her. Quickly, she made it back to the house, closed the door behind her, and changed the portal color to green.
As she opened the door, she absently noticed that the castle was now stationary, resting on a small meadow surrounded by mountains, overlooking the wastes. Suddenly losing all the strength in her legs, she fell to her knees on the damp grass, weeping uncontrollably until there were no tears left.
To be continued