Jonathan Thunder, page 12
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“I know all of your faces,” the Lord Mayor said as he stood up and walked over towards a horse. “If I am going down, I will not go down quietly. I’ll make sure that all of you will no longer guard anything that has to do with Story. Any of you that work for the Watch will be fired. Any of you that work for the City Government will be fired.”
“And you will go down with them,” Everett said. “You can't just show up here and stop us. This is our last big score.”
The Lord Mayor didn't bother responding and left. Jonathan watched the man go as everyone went for the gold. Jonathan saw them all start playing with and laying out the coins. There were many of them and Everett started counting them all. Jonathan smiled when he saw that the man had on gloves, whatever acid ivy was wouldn't get to him. Jonathan wanted to know how he would get to him. The men started pocketing their share when one of them took out a gold coin and bit into it. The man looked at it oddly and bit into it again.
“This is fake!” the man said as he took out another coin and bit into it. Everett pulled out a dagger and stabbed a coin and then looked at it.
“Tricky,” Everett said. “Load all of this back up and let it ride through.”
“Maybe not all of them are fake,” said one of the men.
“We can't try them all or someone would know something,” Everett said. “Now load it all up.”
Jonathan watched them load it all up and thought that the damage was done. A lot of the men didn't have any gloves on and would be hurting in a few days. Jonathan watched the caravan continue on and waited in crouch. The people who were supposed to be guarding it moved on as the fake bandits went a little off the road and started taking off their clothes. They wore another set of clothes underneath the first and Jonathan recognized the uniform of the City Watch. Once the men grabbed everything they needed to, they headed deeper into the brush. Jonathan was happy that he was on the opposite side of the road.
Jonathan watched them leave one by one and couldn't believe his luck when Everett was the last to go. He was in the back of the pack as the rest slowly made their way towards Greenley. Jonathan grabbed his dagger and took off flying, careful to stay in Everett’s blind spot. Jonathan doubted Everett knew what happened. One moment he was riding at the rear of his friends and the next moment something sharp took him across the throat. Jonathan cut as deeply as he could and then plunged the dagger into Everett’s back, where he thought the heart would be. Jonathan wasn't as quick as he would have liked but was fast enough that no one saw him.
Jonathan flew into the trees on the side of the road opposite from where he started from. Jonathan had to dodge a lot of vegetation but did so and then took to the air. Jonathan flew his heart out and ensured that he came from the opposite side of Greenley that the bandits would arrive from. Jonathan hadn't been on this side before, it was more opulent and Jonathan was sure men and women with money lived there. Jonathan strolled down the street when he heard his name being called. Jonathan looked for the source of it and saw Cyprian.
“You are on this side of town?” Cyprian asked.
“Just going for a stroll,” Jonathan said from far away.
“Come in,” Cyprian said as Jonathan flew over his fence. Jonathan landed in front of the man who gave Jonathan an odd look. Jonathan was sure that Cyprian wouldn't know that Jonathan attacked Everett Devine.
“Torrenor was able to sneak inside the Lord Mayor’s home,” Cyprian said. “Maybe sneak isn't a good word. Commoners value coin so he just paid his way inside and wanted their silence. Two or three items were taken from his home that definitely belonged to Story. I personally gave five gold to one of Everett Devine’s servants for anything new that Mage has come across. A pair of earrings showed up that fits the description of the things Story lost. Add to it that both the Lord Mayor and Everett Devine are missing right when Josephus Story’s things were on the move paints a clear picture. Chief Cozzer performed an emergency recall of all of his Watchmen. A few are unaccounted for, something that is also odd. Their families all have different stories of where their people are. He has men watching the roads for when these men return and they are going to be taken straight to me where I will interrogate them at my leisure.”
“Sounds like you have this wrapped up,” Jonathan said.
“You are competent, Your Luminous,” Cyprian said. “It is easy to gain an opinion of someone from what you have heard or things that you have seen, especially when taken out of context. You said something that sticks with Torrenor.”
“And what is that?” Jonathan asked.
“You said that the dragons didn't care about nobility or how much money someone had,” Cyprian said. “There were no safe spots on the field of battle. Mages were expected to combat that threat. It is much like me here, except on a smaller scale. Two people in a dispute is easy to handle, I have mind magic and I can ferret out the truth. That part is easy. The trouble comes when there are third and fourth parties. No one not accused of anything is going to let me cast a spell on them unless they have no other options. It makes my job as Magister infinitely harder and forces me to rely on both commoners and mundanes alike. It makes me appreciate talent better than most. His Lordship, Baron Devine not Ambrose Devine the Lord Mayor, expects results. I know that my position should be held by someone from the Devine family, not me even if I am a Mage. If I relied on people who I find palatable because of who they are and not what they could do, I would have been fired long ago. Commoner or not, murderer or not, you are competent.”
“I am not a murderer,” Jonathan said and then thought about Everett, a man that hadn't done anything to him.
“Kevin Wilson would disagree,” Cyprian said.
“Kevin Wilson sent my parents off to die because he was angry with them,” Jonathan said. “They repeatedly requested help and he failed to give it. When he went down there and saw that it would only be a few Mages, he cried for help. He should have kept what he had. That would make me respect the man. Or admit he made a mistake, I most likely wouldn't have believed him, but I would have to consider it. He didn't do either which made him a coward in my eyes. The former Tower Mage thought my parents dying was funny. I regret the fact that my parents died. My Father would have been better off backing down instead of causing trouble. I think Kevin Wilson regrets his actions more than anyone. He saw his little brother killed and has been constantly called out and ridiculed both in his face and behind his back by someone that could actually kill him. He has to live with strong and influential men like yourself asking him why he doesn't just meet me in the Arena and shut my mouth. His punishment is ongoing and I refuse to drop the subject of his cowardice.”
“He fought Dragons,” Cyprian said.
“He would rather be out there with dragons, instead of in an Arena with me,” Jonathan said. “With the dragons, it would be nothing personal. With me he knows that it could only end in death, his or mine. He put himself in this position, I did not. No one can ever say that I run from any battles. I will admit though, since the man became Mage Commander he has been in every battle that I have. I don't know about his leadership style but I know he has been present.”
“Then perhaps he is a better person in your eyes,” Cyprian said. “Come inside and let us have some refreshments. You can meet my family and some friends.”
Jonathan followed him inside. His home was nice but Jonathan had been in similar and had seen better. Cyprian led him into a simple room that only contained a table and twelve chairs around it. Cyprian took a seat and Jonathan followed his host's lead. Chilled fresh fruit was brought out alone with some chilled wine. Jonathan would have preferred a nice crisp ale but would take what he could get. Cyprian took a bite out of a strawberry and sipped on some wine. Jonathan could tell that the man wanted to say something but didn't know how to put it into words.
"I'm one of the lads," Jonathan said. "And I can read body language. The fact that you aren't in a hurry to insult me means that you are trying to pick your words with care. Whatever you say, I will not take offense to it."
"My family members may insult you, either purposely or accidentally."
"I will respect your home and although I may call someone out for a duel, I will not kill anyone," Jonathan said as he could see Cyprian visibly relax.
"How long are you in Greenley for?"
"Just a few days," Jonathan said. "I am not trying to get into your business."
"Well then, I'll introduce you to my family. My wife and daughter will kill me if I do not give her enough time to pretty herself up."
"I don't mind waiting here until everyone is finished," Jonathan said.
CHAPTER 8
Did that really happen?
-Lydia Summersong talking to her husband.
"You are the Archmage?" asked a snobby looking gray haired woman in Mage robes. Her name was Lydia Summersong and she was Cyprian's wife.
"Since the last great battle with Downey, Ma'am," Jonathan said.
"You are, different than I was expecting," Lydia said.
"How so?" Jonathan asked.
"You are a boy," Lydia said. "Our Mages are being led by a boy."
"No one wanted the job so I took it," Jonathan said. "At least no one was willing to fight for it."
"And the Queen, she just gave it to you?" Lydia asked.
"I would like to think that I earned it," Jonathan said. "I have been in many major battles and I was always in the worst of it."
"You want me to believe that everything that I have heard contributed to the Archmage is true?" Lydia asked. "That someone as young as yourself and who is a commoner has done all of that?"
"Lydia, do not insult His Luminous," Cyprian said.
"It is a fair question," Jonathan said. "Many people doubt me Ma'am but for a similar but different reason than you did. Most know that I am a commoner and remember their time at the Tower. I am then insulted and invited outside for a duel. It never ends up well for them. Those too disrespectful are invited into the Arena where they do not realize what they have gotten themselves into."
"I don't believe it," Lydia said.
"I know a simple test," Jonathan said as he held his hands out, palm up. Jonathan summoned three weak mage lights and let them hang in the air.
"Now for most people, this would be something to be proud of. A Mage that can cast three spells, most Mages wish that they could. It opens up a lot of spells that other Mages, no matter how strong, could not duplicate. But every Mage older than forty summers have probably seen or heard of someone that could do this."
"I am not impressed," Lydia said.
"Nor should you be, I am his Luminous. I should be stronger," Jonathan said as he summoned another Mage light. "Now many Mages have heard of a Mage with the ability to cast four spells but not many has seen one. In fact, I doubt many could even name more than a few. I only know of three, Russell Golad, Kevin Wilson and Charles Fitzwilliam. All three are exceptional Mages and can do spells that others only dream of. But I am not them, I am the Archmage.” Jonathan said as two more magelights appeared.
"Six spells, all at one time?" Cyprian said, amazed.
"I can make them a lot brighter but it would hurt your eyes," Jonathan said. "But here are six spells when no one can even name a Mage that can cast five. That alone is enough to make me the talk of the town. Commoner or not, casting six spells is casting six spells."
"That is somewhat impressive," Lydia admitted. "I have heard that you were a show off."
"This isn't showing off," Jonathan smiled as two more mage lights appeared. "This would be showing off. This gives you a clearer picture of how far above most Mages that I am. As impressive as this is, this isn't the main reason why I am the Archmage. I only know of two Mages that can bring as much or more power than I can. Of course there is a reason why I believe I could beat the other two."
"What is that?" Cyprian asked as all eight mage lights winked out and then went back on less than a heartbeat later.
"My speed," Jonathan said. "And I haven't even shown you why I am known as Jonathan the Lightning. It is the reason that most Mages who want a fight are defeated in ten heartbeats or less. Any Mage who has seen me fight, suddenly are not outraged by the loud mouthed commoner anymore."
"That was impressive," Cyprian said. "I have of course heard about Mages stronger than I am. I have met a few."
"Having power and knowing how to use it, are two different things," Lydia said. "Even I have fought stronger Mages and came out victorious."
"Truer words were never spoken," Jonathan admitted. "And I have made many dumb mistakes while fighting. While I am sure that you have faced Mages stronger than you are, I doubt you have faced and beaten any Mage as strong as I am. I have faith in my skill and it seems that you are not impressed. I am willing to bet one hundred gold coins versus your one gold coin that you wouldn't last longer than a count of three if we were to spar. That is a pretty big boast for someone who you doubt has skill."
"One hundred gold coins?" Cyprian asked.
"Both of you could fight together but the time is upped to five seconds," Jonathan said. "I beat four Members of the Superb Seven at the same time in less than a minute. Inexperienced or not, I don't know many who could say that they beat four Mages at once."
"I don't mind taking your coin," Lydia said. "Your bluffing doesn't amuse me. I admit that I got Prince Jeffrey's missive and I tossed it after talking with my daughter. We were both expecting some old man. She and her friends think that you are not worth their time. You are better than that but you are still a commoner. A commoner that many feel the Queen has been coddling."
"Let's take the bet up a notch," Jonathan said. "I will throw in an additional hundred gold coins if you manage to not be the first taken down."
"You are real confident, Your Luminous," Cyprian said.
"I just came to introduce myself," Jonathan said. "I think I am best, but right now your wife thinks that I am a braggart. In a few moments, you will believe that I am the best that any of you have seen.”
Jonathan smiled and followed the pair outside. He could tell that Lydia was impressed but not fully. Jonathan was sure the woman knew that Jonathan could beat her. She probably thought being with her husband would make them a lot tougher. Jonathan knew that she thought it was preposterous that Jonathan could take them both down and do so quickly. Jonathan let them get into position and then stood across from them.
“I want you to call it, Lady Summersong,” Jonathan said. “That way there can be no doubt.”
“What is considered down?” Cyprian asked.
“You will know if you were in any condition to fight,” Jonathan said. “And you will know if you want to run it back.”
“Go!” Lady Summersong screamed.
Jonathan turned away and began walking inside before either of their bodies hit the ground. He knew they weren't ready, now they did as well. His lightning tore across the space and hit one of them right after the other. They were good shots and struck before a shield could be raised. Jonathan walked back inside and went back to his strawberries. Jonathan was sipping wine when the Summersongs found him. They both looked shocked and Jonathan thought Cyprian looked a little embarrassed.
“So let's hear it,” Jonathan said as he looked at Lydia. “I let your insults go because I told your husband that I would. You went on about power and how I am so young and many other things. You just had your shot at Jonathan the Lightning. I poured a lot more power into that spell when I dropped Quevin Wilson, I doubt the man knew what hit him. Now who do you know that you think could take that lightning on?”
“No one, she knows no one,” Cyprian said and then gave his wife a pointed look.
“You are fast,” Lydia said. “Very fast.”
“I am the Archmage,” Jonathan said. “Now you know why outraged people tend to leave me alone. No matter how angry they are, that spell would get them. I don't use it that often though, I don't want to give people a way to scout it.”
“Lord Summersong, Chief Cozzer is at the door for you,” said a servant.
Jonathan thought the bandits finally made it into town. He wondered if they even discovered Everett was dead before they made it into town. If not, they would have some very interesting stories to tell. Cyprian hurried back inside like he had seen a ghost. Jonathan tried his best to look unassuming, like he hadn't a care in the world. Lydia stood up when she saw her husband’s face.
“Everett Devine is dead,” Cyprian said.
“Who is he?” Jonathan asked. “Is that the Lord Mayor?”
“His old cousin,” Cyprian said. “I have to go, Your Luminous. His Lordship Baron Devine will want a full report. Lydia, I am not sure when I will be home. Can you see to my guest?”
Lydia nodded and looked in shock. She slowly sat down and Jonathan grabbed her husband’s wine glass, emptied it in his and then filled it up with cool water and handed it to her. Lydia gave a shaky nod and downed the water. Jonathan gave her a refill and she drank that one as well. Lydia looked like she was getting some color back, Jonathan thought Everett Devine had to be a real big player in Greenley for this type of reaction.
“Are you okay?” Jonathan asked.
“I am fine,” Lydia said and started fanning herself.
“Mother, is he gone yet?” said a young female voice from behind Jonathan.
“Nope, he is still here,” Jonathan said and didn't turn around.
“Uh, who are you?” the woman asked.
“The man you are supposed to be avoiding,” Jonathan replied as he kept his attention focused on Lydia.
“Everett Devine is dead Nora," Lydia said. "I don't know what happened but your Father is making it seem like he was murdered."
"Was it the Fever?" Nora said. Jonathan could hear the fear in her voice.
"I hope not," Lydia said. "We have already lost so many."
"The Speckled Fever is here?" Jonathan asked.
