Jonathan Thunder, page 20
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“People want our land,” Jay said. “No way to get past it. Many people want Mage blood to be birthed inside of their borders. Can you imagine how difficult our enemies will be to fight after they take us off the board?”
“They would be difficult,” Jonathan admitted. “Mages and Blood Priests would be an almost unstoppable pair. They could appear at any town and decimate the population and have unwilling soldiers. Those would be dark days.”
“That it would be,” Jay said.
“You all can call me Jon or Johnny,” Jonathan said as he made up his mind that the Warringtons were okay people. “Only my enemies and two angry old men call me Thunder. My friends know me as Jon, Johnny, or that damn commoner who drank up my ale.”
“You can call me Jamie and my brother is Lucius,” Jamie said.
“It looks like you have been in as many battles as I have,” Jonathan said as he looked around.
“We all have been involved,” Jamie said. “My Father was called out to battle the Blood Priests alongside the Mage Commander. It was towards the end but it was our first real taste of combat. Afterwards, I was asked to become a Battlemage and took on the Donalians. It was heartbreaking with everything that had happened.”
“You don't have to tell me more,” Jon said. “I heard from a lot of my fellow commoners that it was horrible and plenty of them died.”
“It's different when someone dies because of your leadership,” Jamie said. “Anyway, from there the Downians started attacking and I was lucky I didn't get myself killed. If it wasn't for my brother I would have.”
“I was a coward,” Darrien said.
“No, I was the coward,” Lucius said. “At least you went out there to fight the enemy without delay.”
“You were smart,” Cara added. “I told you that Jon was not some lucky commoner and that he could back up everything. Russell Golad of all people has never had a confirmed kill of a dragon. Neither has anyone else.”
“Well I am happy you both were cowards,” Jamie said. “My little brother Darrien blew me right out of the air when I wouldn't listen and had Lucius keep me down while he went to go fight. The Mage Commander was nearly killed and two of the Superb Seven were killed. I would have gone out there looking for glory and would have wound up dying. I thought the dragons were a joke during my first fight. Every fight after that I knew that they were for real.”
“That they are,” Jonathan agreed. “My lightning magic wasn't good enough to bring the big ones down. I could only stun them and then I, along with a gaggle of soldiers, figured out a way to kill the purple one. I remember being put down at the end of that battle. A friend of mine had to bring me to safety and heal me up.”
“I could still remember you that day,” Darrien said. “I remember seeing you when you first came to the Tower, that boy and man who appeared on the field of battle were two different people. You came in with your own criers. Other people were annoyed but I heard from my brother about the destruction you brought upon the Donalians. Soldiers cheered to see you. After all of the prior dragon attacks, it was heart wrenching to see you right at the front to take the brunt of it. Then you put down two dragons quickly. I knew they were dead before they hit the ground. Then you grounded two of the bigger ones. It was in that single moment I knew why you were made Champion. You were fearless and ready to put it all on the line.”
“I was foolish,” Jonathan laughed as he took a seat with the others. “I knew the Soldiers needed a hero and I knew a bold statement would be all I needed to become Archmage.”
“Young man,” Cerise Warrington began. “I have heard about you from my grandsons and I have heard from everyone that you should have been the first choice for Mage Commander. A commoner being picked for such a position should have been treated as a great honor. Why didn't you take it?”
“Lady Warrington,” Jonathan began as he tried to get his thinking straight. “The position was created just for me, at least that is what I believe. Maybe it is better to say the position was created for Kevin Wilson and many had me in mind to fill it when he retired.”
“Then why didn't you?” the older Warrington lady asked.
“Because I wanted to be Archmage,” Jonathan said. “I was done as dirty as anyone could be and treated as cruelly as anyone could treat another person. I didn't even want to be Archmage when I was first going through the Tower. I was a much quieter individual and only wanted to make it through.”
“Liar,” Cara said. “I knew you when you were going through the Tower.”
“My junior year I was a much quieter individual,” Jonathan said. “During the midterms in Vashing, my mother stood out. She had almost as much power as Kevin Wilson. Many people were outraged she went for my Father who was as weak in his magic as any other commoner. One man insulted my mother and I and then called my Father out to fight to the death. I can remember the angry faces talking about how commoners are always afraid and no good. They were saying this about a man in front of his family for no reason. My Father was weak but he was still a proud man. He also had a spell that no one had really seen or talked about before.”
“Lightning,” Jamie said, guessing correctly.
“The spell is the sole reason why I am the Archmage today,” Jonathan admitted. “Weak or not, my Father’s lightning was quick. It moves far faster than Magebolt and is impossible to dodge. It only misses you due to bad aim. My Father won the death duel. Kevin Wilson was so incensed that he sent my parents and just one other person to face down the Raelinians along with a small company of Soldiers. My parents died and it of course changed my attitude drastically. Most of everything that happened afterwards is known. Maybe not the part where Russell Golad and Prince Xalen thought the entire thing was funny but after that is known. I haven't gotten along with His Royal Highness since that day and my relationship with Russell Golad has barely been cordial.”
“That doesn't explain why you didn't take Mage Commander,” Jamie said.
“Because Mage Commander or not, the Archmage still determines who gets sent to the fight,” Jonathan explained. “Which would be nothing but commoners. Many people like to call commoners cowards. I think it is ridiculous. Most commoners have little magic and are expected to perform like they have much more. I didn't remember seeing even one noble stand tall ahead of the army with me to take out dragons. I know it would have been suicide, just like sending three Mages to face down a country was. Mage Commander came about because I promised to openly challenge any Archmage in a fight to the death. There were not many Mages I had respect for back then. I would have killed these men or women without knowing anything about them just because. The powers that be wanted to give Kevin Wilson a title since he was forced from Archmage. I wouldn't even have to challenge for that title, I would have been given it.”
“And once you are Mage Commander, you are disqualified from challenging for or accepting any other Mage title,” Jamie said as he filled in the blanks.
“As Mage Commander, why would I trust whoever the Archmage is?” Jonathan asked. “He could tell every noble that I plan on treating them as fodder. That would severely hamper the Mage Corps. and leave me with a bunch of commoners to go along with the ones he would send me. What if the Archmage decided not to send me anyone? Taking Mage Commander meant I had to trust whoever was given the title as Archmage. Anyone too weak would be immediately challenged by a stronger Mage who wanted things to go back to what they were. Only a few people I trust to take the title of Archmage and be able to hold on to the title all while being fair. The Golads didn't want the title since they would forfeit their Noble titles and Earl Gillespie can't be Earl and Archmage. That is the short of it of why I didn't want Mage Commander.”
“A sad tale,” Jamie said. “One that is hopefully over.”
“It seems like everytime I have my life in order and things are going the right way for me, someone has to come along and muck it up,” Jonathan laughed. “I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised. I have many enemies who respect my power enough that they would never openly challenge me. What they would do is operate sneakily to get things done. But that is the meat of my story.”
“Well I was a bit nervous having you here,” Jay said. “And it was underhanded how my son and Cara found each other.”
“It was, it is also easy for me to say,” Jonathan replied. “I am guessing one of the Princes pushed hard for their meeting. That and Cara was under her own pressure. I suppose it worked out alright.”
“Archmage should be more than who is the toughest,” Cerise said.
“I agree Milady,” Jonathan replied. “I know that there are hundreds of people who would do a better job than I am and would be fair while doing it. I had a few things I wanted changed immediately, the pay and the robes to name one. Other than that, I just wanted to make sure everything was done fairly. No more throwing a fit and tossing your enemies at an unbeatable foe. The issue is that since anyone can challenge for Archmage, the strongest always end up with the prize.”
“Well at one point I thought about trying for one of the Mage positions,” Jamie said. “I think if I wanted it, Mage Commander could eventually be mine. The only real challengers I think I would have would be Gerald Morningstar and some of the Superb Seven. Issue with the Seven is that I have been in a lot more battles than they have. I still don't fancy fighting Morningstar for the title if it comes down to it.”
“He is a bully who has excellent control of his magic,” Jay said. “You are not a lesser man for refusing to face a sadist.”
“Not in my eyes you aren't,” Jonathan added. “But there are still plenty of positions open that I believe you would be perfect for. Tower Instructor is one.”
“I thought about it,” Jamie admitted. “I should probably find a wife while I am at it.”
“This is forward and a bit rude, but why haven't you or your brothers found a woman?” Jonathan asked. “You are both from what the Kingdom considers a good Mage family and are of high standing. Neither of you should have needed any of the Princes to get involved to find a lady.”
“It is because of me,” Peaches said. “And you can call me Peaches. I married Jay instead of Lord Kreacher. Kreacher is in good standing with the Royal Family but the man was thirty years older than I was. What's so funny?” Peaches asked as Jonathan gave a small giggle.
“Kreacher visited my office and he had the nerve to tell my people what's what,” Jonathan said. “He called my mother a whore and said it was better that she was in the ground instead of embarrassing herself and her family by not marrying a noble. He then called my assistant street trash that was better off as dragon chow.”
“He did?” Jamie said surprised. “What happened then?”
“Please tell me it wasn't Red,” Cara said. “Many people were scared of Tobin Mountain in the Tower. Red wasn't and there was a not so secret rumor that Red was going to kill him if they fought.”
“Of course it was Red,” Jonathan said. “Happened while I was away.”
“What happened?” Jamie asked.
“Before or after Red broke his jaw and left his son Simon unconscious?” Jonathan said. “There was no preamble, he just came right up to Red and his wife and told them to end whatever hard feelings I had with the Mage Commander and went right into that diatribe. I am just amazed the man never launched an official complaint. I am sure he wanted to.”
“Well I think that could have been handled better,” Peaches said.
“I am sure it could have,” Jonathan smiled. “If I were a Noble I would have been offended and sent angry missives to my friends and other Nobles. I am sure Lord Kreacher believed this would happen and that the Archmage definitely would not go hands on with a Noble of high standing who was advanced in his age. He found out otherwise and his son Simon was forced to act. He was laid out right alongside his old man and that was that. Sometimes I bet you all wish you could just stomp some knobber out instead of absorbing insults to you and your family.”
“I do,” Cerise said. “It's just that we cannot. It just isn't our way.”
“You all seem very down to earth,” Jonathan said. “It is a bit refreshing.”
“I learned something a long time ago Jonathan,” Jay began. “My family and I play the game. Sure we pretend to be as snobby as any Mage anywhere but it is all an act. We don't visit Dyson all that often, some of the things you hate about Mage culture, we hate about Mage culture. But we play the game, that is why none of the big players have anything ill to say about me or my family.”
“I don't play the game at all,” Jonathan smiled. “I smash the board and scatter the pieces. I think everyone’s problem with me, is that they have nothing they can hold against me. I am the last of the Thunder line, the sole child of Sara and Joshua Thunder. If my bloodline ends, it will be kicking and screaming instead of down on my knees. These days the only thing that can be held against me is our future King telling me that he plans on replacing me as soon as he is King.”
“That doesn't scare you?” Jay asked.
“Not even a little,” Jonathan smiled. “Because I know he is going to need someone to go out there and handle things. The Donalians were not fun. The Downians were not fun. If I am deemed unworthy, you will never see me out front of anything leading anything.”
“You would abandon your Kingdom?” Taylen asked.
“I have already done more than enough for Kirby,” Jonathan replied. “I have been an instructor, a leader of both Mage and mundane troops on the field of battle, the Champion of Kirby and now its current Archmage. I would retire and do so willingly. I know many people want Russell Golad for the job. He is handsome and gets along well with the nobles. He is a great Mage, I am not fond of the man and anything I tell you, I have said in his face. Russell is not the man that could inspire the common troops. He has gone head up with a dragon before and survived. But he has not ever put one down and begged for another to take its place. I think if Russell ever gets the job of Archmage, it wouldn't be long before he comes begging for my help. I of course wouldn't give it. You can call it abandoning my Kingdom. I will tell you just like I have told some others, name a Mage that has done more for this Kingdom than I have?”
“Well, I don't know but there has to be someone,” Taylen said.
“This has been fought about in countless circles,” Jay said. “Many just say that you always find yourself at the right place at the right time. We have been in relative peace and now we have fought four different enemies in quick succession.”
“And commoners are always thrown out there to die,” Jonathan said. “That way of thinking got a lot of our Mages killed. Many people thought I was just hype and went face to face with a dragon.”
“I don't wish to relive that,” Lucius said.
“My apologies,” Jonathan said. “I am not trying to bring up bad memories.”
“Well enough of this, you have to have some funny stories since we have last seen each other,” Cara replied. “I know that no one here likes Mage Morningstar. Please tell me what really happened on the field of battle.”
“You are going to love this,” Jonathan said laughing. “Gerald gave General Goodnight papers saying that I am being moved immediately. The good General ripped it up right in front of him. Gerald hit the man with magebolt and wasn't aware of his surroundings. About six Soldiers laid into that tosser. Beat his ass worse than I ever did. Once they were finished, we didn't know how to play this. The other Mage that was with me, asked me to punch him in the eye. His story was that as soon as Gerald got struck, that he did as well.”
“I knew that was bullshit!” Jamie said. “I wish I was there to see it all. You know he tried to threaten Goodnight afterwards? Every time they saw each other, there were a contingent of crossbowmen around.”
“Well that is one story that made me laugh,” Jonathan said. “Did you all hear about how I was put down by some first year students going through the Tower?”
“Who hasn't heard about that,” Cara said. “Are the Superb Seven as good as they say or is someone just trying to discredit the Big Four? I hear there are two whores on the team.”
“They are tough and if I were you, I definitely wouldn't say that to any of those girls' faces. They are a strong bunch. The woman Xalen is marrying is as scary a Mage that anyone will ever meet. Such a pretty little petite thing. Looking at her, you would never think she could be as strong or as nasty as she is.”
“I haven't ever met her,” Cara said.
“Danica something,” Jonathan said. “She has beaten both Gerald Morningstar and Kevin Wilson. I also heard that she has had Monica Manchin and Farrah Golad on the run. With the right help, I think she would be able to beat Monica. One of the others, the ones you just called whores beat her and fought Monica to a standstill.”
“That good?” Cara said surprised. “I have been telling Lucius how good Mage Monica is. I have seen others fight against her and I had one painful match with her.”
“Monica is nothing to play with,” Jonathan admitted. “As for my fight with them, it was a one on four. Danica is faster than I am, another initiate who is no longer with us was also faster than I am. Then there is Duke Gillespie’s late sister Emma. Easily she was the fifth of sixth strongest Mage in the Kingdom and finally another boy, Segdrick Davies. If the Big Four never existed, they could have been the Big Four. I had to face all of them down.”
“At the same time?” Lucius asked. “You are just one man. No wonder you lost.”
“Oh, I took that group down quickly. They had never seen my lightning magic and had no way to prepare against it. Of course I was full of myself, four nasty Mages down in only a few moments. I had the entire crowd silenced. The second part of the Seven along with a senior initiate took me down.”
“How so?” Lucius asked. “Were they even stronger than that first group?”
“Smarter, much smarter,” Jonathan said and laughed. “It was a bunch of young ladies and one stripped down as naked as the day she was born.”
