Chapters 16 through 18 Summary

In Chapter 16, just as Sophie gets ready to cook some bacon, Howl's voice comes hoarsely from somewhere, warning Calcifer to ready himself. And just like that, the battle begins. The Witch of the Waste has found Howl, and attacked. Howl and Calcifer battle the Witch and her fire demon. Calcifer is stronger, but the Witch's fire demon is much older, and knows things that Calcifer has never imagined. The battle takes Howl and the Witch out to sea, where they provide a great spectacle for the entire town of Porthaven. After one illusion chases another out into the marsh, no one can hear or see anything. Most of the people simply go home, but Michael and Sophie stay and wait. After a while, a great ball of fire rises up out of the marsh, and a great boom is heard. People...