Another chapter of the tale of mystery.

FAMILY SECRETS

A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC

Chapter 20

I didn't allow myself much time to grieve. Howl was may be gone but the ones after my family was still in danger. Only now I lacked the services of the world's strongest wizard. I was at a severe disadvantage. I could not compound it but delaying much longer. I had to act soon or else.

There was one major problem. I had no idea what to do with Arthur. I knew that I had to make a stand. I knew that I had to go Strangia. However, I couldn't take Arthur along. He would be in too much danger. It is possible that he would become a target. They might use him to get to me or worse the may decide that he would do. I didn't know why they were after me so it was possible. Maybe there is some power that I passed on to Arthur? I couldn't tell. I didn't even know what power I had! Either way Arthur would be in too much danger. He had to stay somewhere else.

I was planning to ask Suliman to go with me to Strangia. With Howl gone he was the strongest wizard I could find. I needed his help if I was to get through this. I had to take him along. That meant that Arthur couldn't stay here. He had to go someone else. Only this was the safest place for him right now that the castle was gone. That wasn't even that safe. If it was then I wouldn't be in the situation. Howl would still be here and I wouldn't . . . I couldn't finish that thought. It was too painful. Losing Howl was just to raw. I wanted my husband back. I needed him back.

"Howl . . ."

I started to cry again. I couldn't help it. I just couldn't stop it. I don't even know how long I cried for. It was long enough for my sister to find me. I buried myself into her shoulder. She tried to comfort me but I was too upset. I wanted my husband back. I needed someone to tell me that this was a bad dream. That Howl was alive. No one really knew though. He might be alive, but it was highly unlikely. Either way we had to move forward without him. I had to move before the enemy got me. I had to stop crying. I had to get moving. It was just so hard to do this. The wound was too new.

I asked to speak to Suliman. Lettie seemed conflicted for some reason. I didn't know why and honestly I didn't care. Nothing mattered besides finding the one responsible and keeping my family safe. I could ask my sister about it later. It just didn't matter right now. I needed to speak to Benjamin Suliman. I needed his help! The rest didn't matter. When Suliman arrived he seemed almost as worried as Lettie. Although, he didn't say anything about it. Which was good because right now I did not want anyone's condolences. I wanted to move forward. I told him,

"I need to go Strangia. The answers that I need are there. I know they are!" I looked down. "Only, there's no way I can make it there on my own. I have no idea where that is. Lettie will tell you, I have no sense of direction." She nodded. "I will get lost. That's something that I don't have time for! I have to find the one's responsible before they find me."

Lettie grabbed my hand. "I'll go with you."

I was grateful, but that was not what I was looking for. I love Lettie, but she's not strong enough to protect me alone. Even if we pooled our powers it would not be enough. If the enemy was strong enough to take out Howl then neither of us are strong enough.

"Thanks, but I don't think that will be enough."

Suliman cautiously stated, "You are asking for my help."

I nodded. "I know that it is a lot to ask, but I don't have much a choice. I have to face my enemies. Otherwise, they will not stop. Howl and I were planning to go, but that's not an option now. I need your help. I can't do this alone." I took a breath. "Please, Suliman, help me!"

He was quiet for a painfully long time. He must have been mulling it over. He did technically owe Howl and I for saving him. Plus, we had grown closer to him as of late. I even suspected that he was dating my sister. Even though she had not told me about it yet. I have no idea why she hadn't. I was totally fine with it. Suliman was a good man. I wouldn't mind if he was my brother-in-law. I thought that he would make a fine addition to our family. I would trust him with my life. In fact that was exactly what I was doing! I was asking him to help me save my life. I hoped that he would not turn me down. I needed him. He was my best shot at getting out of this alive. He had to help me!

Finally, he answered. "I will help as best I can, Sophie. I'm afraid that I won't be as useful as Howl would be. He was one of a kind." I nodded. "Even I am not that good."

"I know. If I had another choice then I wouldn't ask."

"Alright. I will ask the King for a leave of absence. Until then please remain here. You will be safer that way." I nodded then he left the room.

Once he was gone Lettie asked me, "What are we going to do about Arthur?"

I looked at the baby in the crib. "He can't come. It's too dangerous. I was going to ask you to care for him while we were away, but now I don't know."

She gave me a sad smile. "Don't worry, I'll watch him. Even with Ben away he's a lot safer here anyway."

"Thanks, Lettie for everything."

Next Chapter coming up!