Jonathan Thunder, page 16
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“Whose side are you on?” Arlene asked.
“Mother,” Grace said. “By now you know that I deal in facts and a little manipulation. What Mage out there do you believe is a higher catch than Jonathan the Lightning? We have gone to plays written about him.”
“You really are that nutter’s daughter,” Red said.
“Excuse me?” Grace asked.
“We met your Da,” Red said. “He threatened a Lord Mayor and possibly a Baron. Said he is moving all of his things out of Greenley if he doesn't get his way.”
“You have met my Father!” Grace said excitedly.
“Mr. Josephus was a smooth talker,” Jonathan said. “I am supposed to meet up with him or someone he knows when I make it back to Dyson.”
“Dottie,” Grace said. “Or maybe Laura.”
“Who are they?” Arlene asked.
“Two of my cousins that happen to be Mages,” Grace said. “They can't just marry anyone. Pulling the Archmage though, that would be where it is at. It would be much easier for my family to meet unattached Mages without someone sticking their noses where it doesn't belong. Are you looking for a Mage girl or just a pretty one?”
“Mage girl,” Jonathan said. “I didn't discriminate earlier in my life but I have a power that shouldn't end with me.”
“Then it is Dottie or Laura,” Grace said. “Has to be. You could become very rich Jonathan. Well, you can become a lot richer. Are you still under that rule that the Queen gave you?”
“The three years to find a bride?” Jonathan answered. “Of course I am.”
“What happens in three years,” Carson said.
“Then Her Majesty will find a bride for me!” Jonathan said.
“Probably the bird who looks like she has sucked the most lemons at one time,” Red said.
“What will happen will happen,” Jonathan said. “But you all have me down here. Anything you want to ask about Mage business?”
“I want to go back to you being too good for my little girls,” Carson said.
“Come on now Father, we have already covered it,” Grace said. “If you have a better suitor than Jonathan, then go for it. Jon doesn't mind.”
“I agree with her,” Jonathan said.
“So who is out there that is being considered for Ruthie or Avis?” Grace asked.
“Well there is Simon Kreacher for one,” Arlene said.
“Kreacher, as in Lord Tobias Kreacher?” Jonathan asked as Red started laughing.
“You know Lord Kreacher?” Carson asked.
“I am amazed that he didn't put himself forward for your other daughter,” Red said. “He came into Jon’s office once trying to lay down the law. Only thing that got laid out is him.”
“Wait,” Jonathan said as he looked at Arlene and then at Carson. “Kreacher did put himself forward! How many old men have your girls had to fend off?”
“More than I would like,” Arlene said. “But both of my girls could be set up for life.”
“They are Mages, they are going to be set up for life anyway,” Jonathan said. “Not outrageous money but pretty good money. I’m nobody you have to listen to, but if I were you, I would let them pick who they are actually attracted to instead of who has the biggest fortune or comes from some great Mage family or whatever. The only people who think the Thunders were a great Mage family are me and my boy Red. No one else believes that and yet I am the Archmage. Mage culture sometimes is quite stupid. Too much politics.”
“That I agree with,” Carlin said.
“You agree with him?” Arlene asked.
“Mother,” Carlin began. “I was told to go out there and find a Noble Mage girl. You have no idea how hard that is. Everyone is all over them and let's face it, most aren't very nice. I went into my Senior year in the Tower with the same bravado. I ended up with no one because I didn't want to disappoint the family. My only hope to find this Mage girl would have been in an arrangement with whoever wanted to marry Avis or Ruthie. It worked out for me in the end. I have a smart wife who is beautiful and worth a lot of money. My home is even bigger than yours is and most of the nice things in here, Grace and her family bought. But just imagine if we were never reached out to. The Story family were wannabes and we should stay away from them at all cost. It was rubbish.”
“It was rubbish and it still is rubbish,” Grace said. “My family are treated as the bad guys for no reason. We pay more taxes to the Kingdom to keep things running than any other family. We are more concerned with growing our money and helping the Kingdom instead of standing back and telling everyone how great we are. Don't get me started. So Jon, you will be meeting both of my cousins. Good luck.”
“Good luck?” Jonathan said.
“Real Story women know how to bargain and we always get what we want,” Grace said. “Just like you doubted me when we first met. You better hope that you meet Dottie first. She is sweet. Laura will eat you for lunch and have you married before the day is over.”
“I am the Archmage,” Jonathan said.
“And they are pretty Mage girls with a lot of money and both are smarter than you are,” Grace said. “Laura is a lot more in your face and will let you know how things are going to go. She is almost as good as I am. And her Dowry would be outrageous. Many in the family would come together and ensure that it is and that you have an estate benefitting the Archmage.”
“Sounds like your days are numbered Jon,” Red said. “I wonder what your blondie will think about all of this.”
“What blondie?” Grace asked. “Has Wendy or her people been about? Or are you talking about that girl from earlier?”
“From earlier,” Jonathan said. “She is the same one Russell Golad is after but I don't think that he has a chance. He is putting forth how much money he has and how much power he could bring. He talked about titles and other nonsense.”
“How is that nonsense?” Arlene asked.
“He is busy talking about how great he is,” Jonathan said. “I am busy telling Crystal about how great I think she is. There is a difference and I have beaten Russell Golad at many things before. Right now my eyes are focused on a pretty girl that I am sure every noble with a little power have tried throwing many men at. I’m not worried. Well maybe a little bit but not really.”
“She could have a Noble,” Arlene said.
“Why would she want that?” Jonathan asked. “I don't.”
Why wouldn't she want that?” Arlene asked. “She could become a Noble and set her children up for all time.”
"I am not trying to be rude,” Jonathan said. “Please do not take my words for such since I didn't take any of yours for being rude. I see it the way she does and most Nobles see things the way you all do. What have your daughters done other than be born? I am the greatest Hero that Kirby knows and my children are guaranteed to be powerful. I already have my accolades and yet you think I am not good enough because I am a commoner. In fact, you rank Lord Kreacher above me. You just had a Noble in here that I had to run off. Crystal feels more strongly about it than I do. She gets to hear men who couldn't secure themselves a Noble Mage girl berate her and tell her how lucky she should feel that they are even giving her the chance. Imagine that. She is the top student right now in the Superb Seven, made a name for herself by beating up Dragons and killing Dragonknights when many Noble Mages did nothing but become smoking meat. The Speckled Fever is about, she is the only Mage on record who has cured it outright. She has both a future Duke and the Archmage after her. Yet some man will tell her how grateful she should be that he is giving her a chance? I doubt seriously that she picks any of them. You all were trying not to be rude when you spoke to me. I am sure that they do not believe they are rude either.”
“Perhaps you took things the wrong way,” Carson said. “I have plenty of young women in my family for you to meet. Pretty girls with deep pockets.”
“My pockets are deep enough,” Jonathan said. “I don't have a desire to meet them. It was like I said, I’m Jon Thunder. What have they done that can be sang about and praised?”
“He has you all there,” Carlin said. “Well now that he isn't after my sisters, I am going to go get the both of them. It is not everyday that the Archmage is in your home and I am sure they have questions. Especially about all the plays that we have seen. I want to know how much of it is real and how much of it is fake.”
CHAPTER 11
I need to go. I know she is sick but she will last at least until tomorrow. We may never get this chance again, to have all of the rats in one barrel. Her Majesty was clear of what was to happen. Do what you can for your sister while I get everything in place.
-Leopold Hinter talking to his first born son Leon
“That is splendid!” Avis said as Jonathan explained to them how the Tower would be. Jonathan decided to stay at an inn, the first night the Delrays were grateful not to have him and their daughters under the same roof. Jonathan was certain that even though both girls could be as acidic as their parents, that they were both smitten. Carson Delray had written all of his family within a short distance and many of them showed up with young ladies. Their parents were a lot more welcoming, at least most of them were. Jonathan thought that it was because none of these girls were Mages. Jonathan knew he hurt some feelings when he declined any offers of hospitality, arguing that he had to travel on to his next stop which would be Earl Hinter. This was his last day here and he was having breakfast with the Delrays and much of their extended family.
“So you are just going to return to Dyson after all of this and spend time with some commoner?” Tillman Delray asked. His daughter Tootsie was prettier than any of her cousins but rubbed Jonathan the wrong way. Something about her screamed privileged rich girl with no idea of tact. She was quite unlike the rest of her mundane family members that flirted a bit and were just nice people to hang around. The only time Tootsie and her Father became more welcoming was when they both found out that Jonathan had more money than they did. They were probably used to dealing with commoner Mages. The big difference was that most of those boys were poor with little power before they married into the family. They didn't realize how different Jonathan was from what they were used to dealing with.
“Of course,” Jonathan said. “I am the Archmage, I am the Champion. I’m not someone that can just bandy about.”
“I am talking about this girl I have heard about,” Tillman said.
“Pretty little thing,” Jonathan said. “I look forward to spending more time with her. And it was like I told your niece Avis. When she heads off to the Tower, Crystal could introduce her to the Princess, both of the future ones.”
“She must be very pretty,” Ruthie said in a voice that barely disguised contempt.
“She is,” Jonathan said. “Many people look at her and want to hate her at first glance. She will win you over, she wins everyone over.”
“You still have to meet Dottie and Laura,” Grace said. “Who knows if your girl isn't with someone right now that she thinks is a better pick? You might as well hedge your bets and I still have faith in my cousins. So Jon, you have access to plenty of commoner Mage boys? You have to be their hero. You could do them a large favor by introducing them to prominent families filled with pretty women and fat amounts of coin.”
“Are you talking about the Storys or your real family now?” Tillman asked.
“Both,” Grace said. “The majority of Carlin and I’s money still comes from my family. I know what you are looking for, I know what many of you are looking for. I can make it happen with the right contacts. Jon is a good contact to have.”
“Let's talk about something else,” Ruthie said. “Tell us again about the Dragons. My cousin said that they were scary and one dragon could kill a dozen men in just one attack.”
“I had to be out in front of that,” Jonathan said. “All of the loud mouths were cowering in the back. I was out front and made myself a nice juicy target for the dragons. As soon as they got close I let them have it. First time was stupidity. Dragons crashed on top of our people. Second time I got them before they came anywhere near the army. The Downey are only tough when their dragons soften everything up. Then their armies race across like they are really doing something. Once the dragons are gone, they cower and run. It was then our boys went at them. The regular Downian troops also didn't give our ladies the proper respect a Mage deserves in battle. Many of them didn't live to make the mistake again.”
“I could just imagine being out there and having people cheering my name,” Ruthie said.
“It takes more than skill,” Jonathan said. “Russell Golad killed more of the enemy than I have in the battles that he and I have fought in together. His sister Farrah along with his on again off again girl Monica has also killed more people.”
“I never really hear about them,” Carlin said.
“You gotta have charisma,” Jonathan said. “Remember that Lady Ruthie. Having charisma means not looking down on mundanes, especially commoner ones. They write the stories and they sing your praises. But battle is not the not the only way to leave your mark. Just helping out the unfortunate, those who can't help themselves will get you cheered. I think you and your sister will have a grand time in the Tower.”
“Do you know how many girls will be there?” Ruthie asked.
“You and your sister will make ten but that number could go up,” Jonathan said. “Five are already in what will be your senior class. I hear both sets of commoners are going to be married to the brothers of our new Princesses.”
“What?” Arlene asked. “Why would they marry commoners?”
“Because both went through the Tower for whatever reason thinking that they were the best thing going,” Jonathan said. “It didn't work out for them and then they had to scramble for a Mage girl, Noble or commoner. They both went with commoners and that's a wrap.”
“I don't plan on marrying a commoner,” Avis said. “Well, unless the right one comes along.”
“What?” Carson said loudly.
“I don't want to marry some old man when I can have a young one Father,” Avis said.
“I don't want to marry some old man either,” Tootsie said. “I want a Noble Mage.”
“Good luck,” Grace said. “Landing one is difficult.”
“Because we are too dumb to see what is right in front of us until it is too late,” Carlin added. “Noble Mages are after Noble Female Mages and then Commoner Mages.”
“You married Grace,” Tillman said.
“I did, because everyone thought Grace and Jonathan could be an item and no one wanted that to happen,” Carlin said.
“There is a guest for Mr. Thunder,” said Marilie, one of Carson and Arlene’s servants.
“Send them in,” Carson said.
Jonathan saw everyone’s eyes widen and then everyone got to a knee as a man came through the door. Jonathan thought he was in his early fifties and had hair that was more gray than the dark brown it originally was. The man was dressed richly in an outfit of dark gray and green. Jonathan knelt as well. Jonathan wasn't sure who this man was but figured he had to be someone important to come looking for him. The man scanned the room and his eyes set on Jonathan.
“Sorry to break up your meal,” the man began. “I need his Luminous.”
“I live to serve,” Jonathan said as he stood up.
“Leopold Hinter,” the man said and stuck out his hand. Jonathan gave it a shake and he continued talking. “Sorry to ambush you, I just expected you a bit sooner. We have a lot of things to discuss.”
“How did you find me, Your Lordship?” Jonathan asked.
“Well I sort of knew that you were visiting families in the Kingdom,” Leopold said. “I know I am on that list. I have made it no secret that I am looking for Marian a husband worthy of her. But I need you for something different and I need you now.”
“Father, the Earl wants Jonathan for his daughter,” Ruthie said in a voice that started out quietly but was louder at the end. Jonathan was sure that everyone heard it.
“That I do, young lady,” Leopold said. “I would be a fool if I didn't. Especially since he already has an estate in my lands. I was supposed to be near the first of the people he visited. Things happen though. Your Luminous I will leave you to say your goodbyes. I insist that you hurry to my carriage. We have a lot to talk about and little time to do it.”
“Delrays, thank you for putting up with me,” Jonathan said as Earl Hinter left.
“The Earl wants you for his daughter?” Avis said. “Have you even met her?”
“I haven't,” Jonathan said. “Probably wouldn't work out though. I suspect that she is going to tell me what's what and how things are going to go. Most of them do and make peace with themselves that they will end up with me. You should see the shock and surprise when I let everyone know that I am not interested. It was nice meeting you all.”
