Another chapter of the tale of mystery.
FAMILY SECRETS
A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC
Chapter 44
I don't know what I was expecting when I saw 'Seus' again. I do know that I wasn't expecting this. He just showed by himself with no backup. That was not wise considering how angry Howl was. He might actually kill him! 'Seus' seemed weary but was otherwise polite. He remained as quiet and meek as he could be. Hardly the brash and obstinate wizard that I met while being interrogated. Maybe he realized that getting on Howl's bad side was a bad idea. I do not know. What I do know that the man tried to keep his distance. It seemed that he didn't want to get too close to Howl. Which was a wise decision. I do not know the punishment for breaking one's word, but I am sure that it is not pretty. A wizard's word is his bond. 'Seus' broke that bond. I could understand why Howl was so angry. I still didn't understand what the consequences were for that. He wouldn't tell me.
Edvard seemed oblivious of all this. He welcomed the man then asked him to sit down next to me. Which was the last place that 'Seus' wanted to be. The wizard wanted as much distance between himself and Howl as he could get. Alas, that was not the way things worked. He was forced to sit mere inches away from a very angry Howl Pendragon. A place that no man wanted to be. Fortunately for him, Howl was still dedicated to keeping a low profile. So he did nothing as the man got close. He did watch every move he made in complete and utter silence. Making 'Seus' sweat profusely. I didn't blame him. Who wanted to sit next to the angry beast?
"Seus, I want to thank you for arriving so quickly. I hope that you are able to solve our problem."
He swallowed hard. "What problem is that?"
"Sophie here has agreed to help me. However, she has no idea on how obtain the object that I have requested. Completely understandable, but perplexing all the same. Alas, I find myself unable to help her. She needs specificity. I do not have that." He frowned. "My sources are too vague on the issue. They don't say what exactly the sacred relic was is or where it is hidden. Nor do they cite a specific time. Making it nearly impossible for her to track down."
He nodded. "This is a huge problem. However, I fail to see how I can help."
Edvard got more animated. "You're a wizard! Granted of High Norland, but a wizard all the same. Surely you must have more information than I do. Please help us!"
'Seus' swallowed hard again. "I'm afraid that I cannot tell you much. There isn't a lot written down. This queen of yours is all but forgotten. What I can tell you is that she is said to have created a device that can store magic on a massive scale. My employer found that out from an ancient document. It wasn't detailed, but it did mention a that it was intended to stockpile magic for emergencies. That was about it. I am sorry I cannot tell you more."
This was where I chimed in. I was very curious about this employer he mentioned. It was highly likely that this was the man who killed my father. I took the opportunity get more from him."Excuse me? May I ask who your employer is? I was under the impression that Edvard hired you."
He nodded slowly, "Yes, I did take money from Edvard. However, he did not technically hire me. I was ordered to help Edvard by my employer. He wanted to help, but preferred to remain unnamed. I need not be paid for my services. For my services were already paid for. However, Edvard insisted on paying me anyway. He said that it was only right. So, I took the money and gave it to charity. I have no need of it."
It seemed like a virtuous thing to do, but I still didn't trust him. I doubted his story. What kind of employer would authorize the kidnapping of a woman? Surely, he can't be a good person. So why would his henchman be? Why would 'Seus' want to donate the money to charity? It didn't add up. Then again I didn't trust a word he said anymore. He had proven that his word was no good. Why would I believe him now? I just had no idea what he thought to gain by saying that.
"I see." I did not mean to sound so cold. I was supposed to be going along with things, but I couldn't help it. I was angry too. "If you won't tell me who your employer is; can you at least tell me why he wants this relic?"
He regarded me with a fair amount of apprehension before responding. "I'm afraid that I do not know. I do know that my employer has been looking for the relic for many years. He has searched far and wide, but so far has found nothing. His best guess is that it is an object that exists only in the past. Making it inaccessible for most to obtain."
I swallowed, "That's where he needs me."
'Seus' nodded, "Yes, he needs your power to go back and find it."
I sat back for a moment. Now, it all made sense. Now I knew why this man went after me. I also knew why he hadn't attacked me earlier. He needed me to know how to use my power before he could act. That's why he allowed me to seal away my Grandfather unopposed. It didn't explain why he attacked me beforehand. Maybe he realized that I didn't know how to use it yet. I don't know. I may be wrong. There was a lot still missing, but it did help fill in the blanks. It helped me move forward. It did not help calm me down.
"What if I do not wish to help him? Will he try to force my hand?" I asked quietly.
Again I was surprised by my own words. I had never intended to argue. I wanted to be led to the man. I didn't want to fight him! At least not yet at least. So, why the hell was I arguing? It didn't make sense! I just couldn't help it. I couldn't contain my hate anymore. I trusted nothing that came out of that man's mouth. I wanted nothing to do with him or his crazy plan.
'Seus' stood up. "If that is so then I would ask you to reconsider. My master is trying to help this world. He is a good man. It would be wrong to deny him."
I couldn't stop myself from continuing. "You didn't answer my question. What would he do if I did not help?"
He begged, "Please, Sophie, don't do this."
I ignored him. "What would he do if I didn't want to help?"
"Sophie, please, do not force my hand!" The man looked as if he wanted to cry. Not that I cared. I was just too angry!
"What would he do?" I screamed.
"He would force you."
That's when I knew just how deep I was really in.
Next Chapter coming up!