Another chapter of the tale of mystery.
FAMILY SECRETS
A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC
Chapter 41
The book was actually interesting. The story was absolutely thrilling until the end. Normally, I would have loved the chance to get my hands on an old book like this. It was exactly the kind that I loved. A truly hidden gem. Today, however, I found myself deeply conflicted. The idea that this woman was real and was possibly my ancestor nagged at me. I couldn't help but notice the parallels between her and me. Our lives were just too close to believe.
Her origins were that of mystery. It was said that she was an exotic beauty from a far away land. She arrived one day out of the blue and caught the eye of the crown prince. A powerful wizard in his own right. They married and had several children. Who all became legends in their own right. She was loved for her generosity and kindness and feared for her powers. It was around that time that her ability to travel through time became known. Many people feared that power. Others wanted to control her. So, they tried to kill the Crown Prince and marry her in his stead. Fortunately, the plot failed and their unborn child was not harmed.
After she became the queen the land was embroiled in a great war. During that time she used her power to aide her people. She brought back the country's greatest heroes to fight. Which tipped the balance in their favor. Sadly, the King fell in battle and the Queen was unable to save him. Forcing her to shoulder the burden of ruling alone. She never remarried. Even though she was pressured to do so. By the time her son was ready to rule she had become a legend. She was a Queen that was both loved and feared. She led her people to a golden age. She was known as the Warrior Queen of Strangia. A lady truly unique among many. One that has not existed since. It was truly was a truly an amazing tale.
While I was no queen I felt that my life mirrored hers. I couldn't help but be fascinated and horrified by the tale. Powerful forces were trying to control me. Just like they did with the Warrior Queen. Only she got herself out of it. I had no idea how to do that. I was not as strong as she was. I did not know how to do this.
That's when Howl hugged me. "Stop it, Sophie. You're not alone. Remember that."
I smiled, "Sorry." I put the book down then asked, "Howl, do you think that this woman really was my ancestor?"
He shook his head. "Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know. You do have a similar power. So, it's possible."
I looked at him. "You don't sound convinced."
His eyes grew hard. "I never I heard of this tale before. Nor have I seen this book. Surely, if this was a legend then there would be something! Why is that? Can you answer that for me?"
I shook my head, "No, I can't."
He laughed bitterly, "Somehow I doubt that Edvard could either. He doesn't strike me as the kind who could acquire such a rare tome on his own. It's just too hard to find. Even I would have difficulty. It's just that rare and obscure. Yet, he managed to do it. How? What is he hiding?"
"Do you think that it's a fake then?"
Howl shook his head. "No, I checked. The book really is old. Nor has it been altered or modified in any way. It simply details a legend of a long dead queen. Someone that I have never heard of before. Nor have I heard of this 'Golden Age of Strangia'. As far as I know Strangia has always had a magical deficit. This all doesn't add up!"
I shook my head. "Wait, wait, wait! You said that you thought that it was true. Now you say it's not. Which one is it?"
He rolled his eyes, "Must everything be one way or another? Really, Sophie I expect more or you!" He sighed then explained. "It is possible that an ancestor of yours had this power. A power that has been passed down through the years. Why else would your Grandfather be so obsessed with it? Surely, it must be because your family has always had that power. Yours is just inordinately strong, that's all."
He took the book from me. "Before you say anything, I know: That this doesn't necessarily make his story true. This could all be a lie. Or it could be a truthful account of what happened. I don't know. It's hard to say. You need to be careful. Something stinks here. Before you find out what that is: take anything he says with a grain of salt."
Next Chapter coming up!