Jonathan Thunder, page 19
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“Jonathan was a force multiplier,” Jordan said. “Imagine a battering ram. If it is good enough to knock down walls and gates, it may not get many kills but it is essential to the field of battle. Russell and Farrah both had the chance to kill many and do heroic things before Jonathan arrived.”
“Nine hundred and twenty three men died, Xalen,” Mildred said. “Nine hundred and twenty three of your citizens died. You can't dismiss their sacrifice and call them commoners or mundanes, or whatever you are getting at. Thinking that you are above your commoners is a great way to be forced off the throne. I will not always be here to stop stupid decisions from happening.”
“Well if Thunder was Mage Commander then he could have done the same thing,” Xalen retorted.
“He doesn't want Mage Commander and if you start forcing people into difficult positions, you would find a mob at your door ready to kill you,” Mildred said. “You both are so wrapped up in Jonathan, you fail to even acknowledge the good he has done. You both like Kevin. When he was Archmage, name one battle that he was the hero of? In fact, name one battle period that he was the hero. That he inspired men and women to follow him and he brought it to the enemy.”
“He ran off the Raelinians,” Jeffrey said and then paused. “Well he was there.”
“And why hasn't anyone heard anything about your praises being sung or Kevin’s being sung?” Mildred asked. “Plays, songs and books have been written about Jonathan.”
“He is only getting this praise because of commoners,” Xalen said.
“Because of commoners,” Mildred said as Xalen understood her words. “If I took every commoner and put them to the sword. Every mundane and put them to the sword, how successful do you think Kirby would be? There are many nations who get by without Mages, how many get by without commoners?”
“I know what you are saying mother but I still don't like him or the way you talk to Father,” Xalen said.
“You don't have to like someone to appreciate their competence,” Mildred said. “I’m not particularly fond of Kevin for letting a boy frighten him out of his position. But I acknowledge his dedication and his skill. That is why he became Archmage.”
“You wanted him to face Thunder?” Jeffrey said.
“Thunder is a lucky commoner who hasn't gone up against any real threats,” Mildred said, repeating Jeffrey’s words. “Thunder is a nobody, any Mage who has sufficient motivation can accomplish everything he has. Those were your words.”
“Well, well,” Jeffrey huffed.
“Xalen,” Mildred began. “If some other commoner comes along forty years from now and is twenty times the fighter Jonathan is, twenty times as strong as Russell and has every young lady wishing to be on his arm, do you know what that would make you?”
“No,” Xalen answered confused.
“It would make you King,” Mildred said. “He can be fifty times as handsome as you are and far brawnier than Russell. You would still be King. Jonathan Thunder right now is the Archmage of Kirby, my Champion and has people singing his accomplishments. I am sure that he has a few women that would love to be in his arms. Russell is a big handsome man that is going to be Duke and is the strongest Mage the world has ever seen. Segdrick Davies is part of the Superb Seven and helped kill multiple Dragonknights. He is handsome and big and the young and not so young ladies point at him wherever he goes. Atticus Story is a young man that eventually will wind up with a lot of coin from his Father and childless uncle. I am sure that he can go out and flaunt wealth that not even you can. All four of those boys are something that people can look at with envy. Do you know what that makes you? That you cannot go out there and do the same thing?”
“I will still be King,” Xalen said.
“Which is why it is foolish to enter into a competition with anyone,” Queen Mildred said. “Your only real competition, Jordan, doesn't want the job. He is happy eventually becoming your advisor and seeing how things work in the background and what he can do to improve them. You truly have no peer. Just like your Father doesn't have any peer. He sleeps with the Queen and is fabulously wealthy. He can practically have any form of entertainment he wants brought to him within reason. The finest bards, the best playwrights and actors, the best singers and most accomplished tailors. Entering into a competition to discredit a commoner, Archmage or not, should be greatly beneath him. The women of the Superb Seven and the Big Four are celebrated. Men lust after them and if they suddenly found themselves single, you can bet many young and old men would give their left arm for such a prize. Do either of you, Xalen or Jordan, know why I am not jealous or angry at their success?”
“Because you are the Queen,” Jordan said as Mildred smiled.
“I am the Queen,” Mildred said. “Part of being the Queen is to recognize greatness when you see it. I went along with your Father’s plan to send Jonathan all over the Kingdom because I know that it will not work.”
“Why wouldn't it?” Xalen asked.
“Because Jonathan is honorable,” Jordan said. “And you helped push Crystal far away from Russell. You and Father both did.”
“I haven't done anything of the sort,” Xalen said.
“You have called her a whore to her face,” Jordan said. “Why would she want to be around Russell when he hangs around someone who belittles her?”
“I haven't said anything like that in months,” Xalen said.
“So what,” Jordan said. “You said it once and I am willing to bet you never apologized. You think hanging around you is something that people should be enamored over. I doubt she likes you much and seeing her husband bow down to someone who has openly called her a whore has hurt Russell’s stock.”
“I am going to be the King,” Xalen said.
“Which is why mother said that you should be above such things,” Jordan said. “How does that make Russell look? You will be the King. How do you want to be remembered? Cheered by few or cheered by all?”
“It is not my fault that Russell can't romance a commoner,” Xalen said. “I have tried to give him every chance to do so. None of this is my fault and I could care less what a bunch of mundanes think about me.”
“That is your problem brother, it may be your downfall,” Jordan said.
“Wise counsel,” Mildred said. “You would be amazed how hard it is to rule. Xalen, you have taken a great step in trying to eradicate the Speckled Fever. That is the type of thing that you should be known for, not fighting with a commoner. Jordan, you move in the background but perhaps you should move out in front a bit. Find you a good work that can benefit the Kingdom, all of the Kingdom.”
“What about these bandits?” Jeffrey asked.
“Tomorrow gather me a group of names of men and women that you think would be best at finding and eliminating them,” Mildred said. “As is, you have ruined my tea.”
Mildred stood up to leave. She could see it in Xalen’s face that her oldest still thought that he was someone to be worshiped. Jordan had the gist of what Mildred was telling them but he would be forever regulated as being lesser due to his birth. Mildred wished there was a way to give Jordan powers. She knew that Jonathan secretly had his assistant Poppy hand over some magic to Jordan at least weekly. Jordan hadn't said anything about it and neither did Jonathan. It was their secret. Things like that was the reason that Mildred liked Jonathan. Mildred looked back at her husband. He was distraught over losing most of his conspirators but none were big names. Maybe it would make him slow down and she could get rid of Kevin quietly after a few years.
CHAPTER 15
If Mage Commander is still on the table, I want one of you to take it. His Luminous doesn't plan on sending anyone to their deaths and it sounds like you will have real backup, not just a bunch of poor commoners.
-Jay Warrington talking to his sons
“Well here it is,” Red said as he looked out of the window. “The last place was fun but you left me and Wilbur.”
“I was summoned by an Earl, that is why I sent you messages,” Jonathan said.
“These bandits are giving us a bad name,” Red said. “Commoner Mages going in and killing Noble ones and stealing their things. You know the Royal twats will be in a lather once they hear all about it. How was the Earl?”
“Angry and he wanted blood,” Jonathan said. “Whatever will happen will happen.”
“I miss home,” Red said.
“This is the last place you have to travel with me,” Jonathan said. “You can leave when I am settled in.
“Well I am looking forward to seeing my wife again. That was bollocks that they needed one of your assistants to hang back just in case.”
“That is just how they are. I don't know much about these folks, only that they can be a bit slippery.”
“These are the lads that slipped in quickly to take Cara Underwood off of the market?”
“The same ones. I know Jamie Warrington had to know something about it. When we were up against the Donalians he avoided me the entire time.”
“Thought you said that you didn't want that bird?”
“I don't. I just thought the way it went down was slippery. Jamie Warrington knew something and the plan was probably in place before I left Vashing. I am going to keep all of these people at arm's length.”
“What if you run into Cara?”
“I’ll give her a smile and pretend nothing is wrong. She wasn't being slippery. I don't care if she had some fun with Tobin or that she married into the Warringtons. She was up front with me from the start and we knew where each other stood. She got exactly what she wanted out of our deal and I can't complain either. It kept me from falling for Wendy, Tobin’s wife.”
“Well good luck to you then. I am going to take one of these horses to see your grandfather and then beg him to have one of his workers take me to the palace. I plan on drinking up his ale and eating his food while I am at it.”
“My grandfather would be happy to have you. I plan on seeing him right after this.”
“I know he will. Makes me wish I had an old man or at least someone to look up to.”
“See you in Dyson,” Jonathan said as he climbed out of the carriage. The Warrington Estate was nice, it wasn't the biggest or flashiest by far but anyone could tell the occupants had money. Eight people were outside, Lucius, Jamie and Cara Warrington were easy to spot. Standing with them were a few people. There was a girl who looked around eighteen summers. Jonathan was sure she had never gone through the Tower. Perhaps her parents wanted her to hang back a few years until she either had gotten married or had some seasoning. Alongside her was one old woman who had to be a grandmother or something, a couple that looked like they must have been Lucius and Jamie’s parents based on the cleft chin all the Warrington children had. Finally there was a man that Jonathan recognized. He thought he had maybe seen him when he was going through the Tower in his first year. The man must have been a part of the senior class and Jonathan never got his name. Jonathan was just trying to keep his head down for the first part and after his parents died he knew he scared the pit out of anyone remaining.
“Jonathan Thunder,” Jonathan said as he walked up to the group. “I am traveling to meet some of the Mage families in the far reaches of the Kingdom in my duties as Archmage.”
“Jay Warrington,” the elder Warrington male said hesitantly. Jay then pointed to the older woman. “This is my mother Cerise. My lovely wife Peaches and these are uh, my sons, Lucius, Jamie and Darrien. You already know my daughter in law Cara and with her is my daughter Taylen.”
“Lord Warrington, let's address the bull in the room,” Jonathan said. “First off, Hello Cara. Secondly, it was well known that Cara and I were in a relationship. I will not say more about that particular piece but I know you and your sons knew this. I went off to war and you made your move. I am sure your son Lucius told you that I am the scariest Mage that he has ever met. He was there to see me blow up dragons along with their Dragonknights. You all have possibly heard about the outrage other Mages had about me being promoted to Archmage. I doubt that it is a great secret that I have killed many men in the Arena who wanted a piece of me. The fights were over quickly and my opponents are now in their eternal slumber. Regardless of all of that, I am not some blood crazed murderer. Cara found someone and I am happy for her. I just don't like the way things went down and I think you are all slippery. I still do not wish to harm you or yours unless someone decides to harm me. Now that is out of the way, I am a professional and will not needlessly disrespect you, your family or your home.”
“Yeah,” Lucius said as he squeezed Cara’s hand. “I can tell you that I wasn't after her prior to Vashing. Noble marriages are mostly arranged and everything just fell into place for the both of us.”
“Jon, you know our relationship was a sham,” Cara said.
“I didn't know how much you told your new family,” Jonathan said. “It was a sham but not many people knew that. Did you make out better than expected?”
“We received a thousand gold on the behalf of the Mages of Kirby,” Cara said. “Never heard of the organization. Of course I received nothing but hate mail the first few months.”
“About what?” Jonathan asked. “No one likes me enough to be outraged on my behalf.”
“Plenty of people were angry that we didn't stay together since many thought you were on your way to becoming either the new Archmage or the next Mage Commander,” Cara said. “No one wanted to see a commoner Archmage and thought that by you finding a proper noble, maybe your goal would be tempered.”
“I am the same loudmouth that I have always been,” Jonathan laughed. “I don't back down from insults, threats or fights. That and I have been kicking Mage tradition all over the place.”
“Well we were told that you would stay for a few days,” Lady Peaches Warrington said. “No one here is your enemy although I have to ask the question. Why were you so against Mage Commander? From what my son tells me, you were perfect for the role and have led Mages in three different battles prior to becoming Archmage. Everyone that has seen you in action say that you are a perfect fit. You can learn on the job from the current Mage Commander.”
“That is a long story,” Jonathan replied. “Longer than you want to hear while standing out in the sun.”
“Forgive me,” Jay said. “Won't you come inside? Your men can bring your effects in and I will show you to where you can be situated.”
Jonathan followed them all inside as did his best not to look around. Their daughter had definitely been staring at him. She had a slight look of annoyance on her face. Probably because Jonathan had never even looked her way when they were outside. Jonathan supposed she was okay. He had seen better looking but had also seen worse. He was curious as to why a young Mage girl like her wasn't already taken by someone. She came from a Mage family that was apparently already in high regard with the Royals. Jonathan didn't understand why she hadn't found a suitor already. Men should have been lining up at her door and throwing themselves at the poor girl. Jonathan was about to be led into a room when two things made him pause.
Jonathan had collected a battlefield trophy or two but this was different. On the left side of the room was a wooden dummy clad in full Donalian armor complete with sword and shield. On the right side was a dummy clad in full Downian armor complete with sword and shield. Jonathan marveled at the pieces. The Donalians all had armor so finding a set shouldn't have been that difficult. The Downians definitely did not all have armor so its wearer had to be someone important.
“You recognize them?” Jamie said from alongside of Jonathan.
“I do, I have fought enough men wearing this armor from the small amount of time I was on the battlefield,” Jonathan said as he absently touched the Donalian armor.
“This piece belonged to General Igancio,” Jamie explained. “You see this hole right above the breastplate?”
“Looks like something burned right through it,” Jonathan said. “I think it must have taken him in the neck.”
“It was lightning,” Jamie said. “He went down and we pushed forward. I grabbed his armor as well as some other keepsakes in the fight that followed.”
“It sounds ominous but I don't even remember the man,” Jonathan said. “I was in a hurry after what had gone down with Gerald Morningstar.”
“Do not mention that man’s name in my home, I don't care who you are,” Jay Warrington said.
“You have obviously met the man, a bigger tosser the world has never made,” Jonathan said. “Excuse my language ladies. I am definitely not a fan of that man and unlike many people I would say it to his face and dare him to do something about it.”
“I have heard some of the things he has done,” Jay said. “That has nothing to do with warfare and everything to do with depravity.”
“I agree,” Jonathan said. “I have never and will never get off on torturing people. Although I admit I didn't really care when it was happening to the Blood Priests.”
“Why don't you step inside?” Jamie asked. “If you like these few pieces then I know you will like what is in our entertaining room.”
Jonathan stepped through the door and noticed the different uniforms. There were Downian uniforms along with the red uniform of the Blood Priests. The biggest thing that stood out was a Dragon’s skull. Jonathan remembered this dragon. Although most of the teeth were fake, Jonathan remembered the spotted dragon that had killed his friends Lehman and Alissa. This skull was the right size and hung next to it was a piece of the hide.
“Are you alright?” Jamie asked.
“This one killed my friends,” Jonathan said as he started taking deep breaths. “I tracked it down, it was a few days after the first battle that I was in but I got him. The Superb Seven dealt with its rider. The dragon took off and left him. That is always the underside of being in a war. You always lose good people and for nothing. Kirby has never started any wars since I have been around. Sometimes I think that maybe we should be the ones out there instead of always in defense.”
