Howl

Chapter Thirteen

Howl's POV

    We stand before Solomon, who greets us with her crocodilish smile. I was out. I was actually out, and she had to bring me back into royal matters. Not just me, but Artemis is at risk now, too. If she can avoid showing her powers though . . .

     "So what happened to Sophie, Howl? You aren't one to switch out your arm candy so often anymore," Solomon claims. What is that supposed to mean?

    "Sophie had an accident-"

    "And this one, Artemis, if I am correct, just happened to be near by?"

    "Precisely," Howl fibs. 

    "Well, as you have probably already heard," Solomon moves the conversation forward in her bossy way, wisdom cloaked in her voice, "You have heard the new war has begun, I am sure."

    "Actually, I thought you could tell the next wizard about it. I don't know about this war and I would prefer to keep it that way."

    "Oh, well, I am going to be requiring you to follow that oath you took so long ago, Howl."

    "I was only a boy, Lady Solomon. Can't you cut me loose?"

    "You confuse my title. You are still a boy in my eyes, and to cut you loose would be to kill you."

    "Just let him be free!" Artemis interrupts. Her auburn curls sem to light aflame. The weirdest part about this though, is that it does not affect her. Oh no. Artemis slipped-

    "Would you rather replace Howl on the battle feild, dear? I understand that with some training, your abilities could be of great use to the throne and this nation."

    "Um-" Artemis fails to deflect Solomon. "I would rather fight than see Howl have to."

    "No!" I interject.

    "Then you can both fight! Howl, if you won't allow me to teach the girl, you better. Both of your lives depend on it," Solomon declares.