Jonathan Thunder, page 24
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“Three days non-stop by horse and changing out carriages,” Jonathan said. “I expect anyone on a mission for the Queen to make it there in a bit shorter time than that.”
“Then it should take us four days,” Crystal replied. “We can change clothes and have fun until we get there. I just really wish you would have gotten a carriage or something. We are wide open here in this forest. You scared the pit out of me when I went flying to catch you in what I thought would be a carriage.”
“Well we can find something,” Jonathan said. “It has to be something inconspicuous. We probably shouldn’t travel around as Mages either.”
“Maybe we should get some clothes but then what?” Crystal asked. “You are very memorable. Anyone would recognize a tall thin dark eyed man with messy hair. It wouldn’t take a master brain to figure out that you are Jonathan the Lightning.”
“Then maybe you should buy something for me,” Jonathan said. “I can always cut my hair a bit and wear a hat. We just need to stay out of the way.”
“Well then let’s go,” Crystal said. “This is the best gift you have ever given me. The only place I can think of that has people that would help me out is in the city of Favoria. They would help with the items and say nothing. I might be able to buy a horse but I don’t ride.”
“No need to worry about that,” Jonathan said. “I ride. Maybe we can even buy an overpriced wagon and hide out. We are going the extreme long way around.”
“Are you just trying to get me alone in the middle of nowhere?” Crystal asked as she raised an eyebrow.
“As your friend Alonna always says, keep it in your pants,” Jonathan laughed. “No I am not trying to get you alone, at least not before you have met my grandfather. After that you should worry. I know he is going to like you instantly.”
“I hope so,” Crystal said. “Well then it is off to Favoria. You can hold on to me and I will do most of the heavy lifting. When I get below a certain amount of strength you can take over.”
“Crystal,” Jonathan said. “Thank you.”
“How is this going to work Jon?” Crystal said. “Once this is all over?”
“I don’t know,” Jonathan said.
“Are we going to end up together?” Crystal asked. “I am still young Jonathan, this could just be a crush.”
“Who knows if we will end up together?” Jonathan said. “I just know that I am where I want to be and who I want to be with. Being with you just feels right to me.”
“This can’t last,” Crystal said. “At least not how we are. After this, I think more people will see it as their duty to separate us.”
“It will not work,” Jonathan said. “I don’t ever see myself dumb enough to fall for it. I am also not stupid enough to let you get away from me without a fight.”
“Right now you have me Jonathan,” Crystal said. “Right now you have what you want and no Prince Jeffrey, Lord Russell or anyone else. You should think on that.”
“Well that sounds ominous,” Jonathan said. “You are really taking all of the fun out of all this.”
“I just want you to know where I stand,” Crystal replied.
“I already know where you stand,” Jonathan said. “I just didn’t expect you to unload all of this on me until after you have had the chance to meet my old man.”
“This seems like the perfect time,” Crystal replied. “My friend Alonna has taught me that whatever I want I should say it while it is on my mind. If we are not moving to the next step then maybe we should just take a step back.”
“Crystal, I have already met your Aunt Mattie,” Jonathan said.
“You have?” Crystal said surprised.
“The woman is shameless,” Jonathan said.
“Why did you go meet my Aunt Mattie?” Crystal asked.
“Why would I travel to the middle of the Kingdom to meet a woman who has no use for Mages?” Jonathan asked.
“Well, she would have said something,” Crystal said. “You met Aunt Mattie?”
“Very pretty lady,” Jonathan said. “Very flirty and uh, well she is Mattie.”
“She had her chest out for everyone to see,” Crystal said. “I couldn’t imagine you around her and her girls. Not when you went white as a sheet when Alonna stripped down during our fight.”
“It was difficult,” Jonathan said. “And I do not think she is my biggest fan.”
“Aunt Mattie likes you,” Crystal said. “You did save me.”
“She wants to go into business together."
“You still didn’t say why you went to see her,” Crystal said.
“To ask about you,” Jonathan said. “She is your last family member. Normally it would be something I would discuss with your Father but, well, I am sure you know why that couldn’t happen.”
“You plan on marrying me, Jon Thunder?” Crystal asked.
“It was supposed to be a lot more romantic,” Jonathan said. “But you have me backed into a corner and I can tell your mood changed a lot from when I told you about Wilson.”
“I don’t need romance,” Crystal said. “It would have been nice but it is better knowing where we are. When are we going to do this?”
“Don’t you want a big wedding and all that?” Jonathan asked.
“Yes,” Crystal said. “And all it would do is attract attention. We are going to see your grandfather, make sure he is in decent health and I am going to get married immediately after that. Once all of that happens and I am Mrs. Thunder, then you can make it up to me that I didn’t get a grand wedding.”
“The scandal will drive Jeffrey to suicide,” Jonathan said.
“He tried his very best,” Crystal said. “If I am being honest, the man isn’t that bad to those he deems worthy.”
“Well he hates me,” Jonathan said.
“He had no use for me either,” Crystal said. “Well until he found out that my background wasn’t what he thought it was and that I am a strong Mage.”
“People like that are what makes me get out of bed in the morning,” Jonathan said. “People should be judged based on their character, not their backgrounds. Slowly I am going to make that a reality and I want Jeffrey, Russell and anyone else who would judge someone by their background to have a seat up front while I do it.”
“I want to give him a seat up front for this wedding,” Crystal teased. “Maybe we have to do things a bit differently. I need a dress and some other things. Do you even have me a ring?”
“I do,” Jonathan said as he grabbed Crystal’s hands. “I thought a lot about using the ring my Father gave my mother. It cost him a lot of coin he didn’t have and went into debt with my grandfather to pay for it. I decided that the ring is better where it is, on my mother’s finger while her and my Father lay in their eternal embrace. My grandfather told me stories about how nervous my Da was and everything he went through to try and pick the perfect ring. My Da was eventually given the same advice I was given by the same man.”
“And what was that?”
“That there will never be a perfect ring,” Jonathan said. “Only a perfect finger to slip it on. It is outrageously expensive, it almost has to be with the amount of hate you will get from wearing it. It was made by the same man who made my mother’s ring and I think the craftsmanship speaks for itself. It has big rubies and emeralds all over it along with a small glass gem created when lightning strikes sand repeatedly.”
“When do I get to see such a ring?” Crystal asked.
“It is already on your finger, Mrs. Thunder,” Jonathan replied.
CHAPTER 19
Wait, slow down Ashley. You are saying that Crystal and Luminous went out and did what?”
-Alonna Davies talking to Ashley Raley
Jonathan and Crystal had been riding hard for three days. They slept out in the elements and Jonathan had bought, sold and traded horses to get to his grandfather. Currently they were at an inn about an hour or so away from the Estate his Grandfather had. Crystal was asleep and Jonathan snuck out to see the man. Jonathan flew through the night sky and saw the Estate. It was a decent size and Jonathan landed on the upper level. A little magic moved the latch holding the window closed and Jonathan walked inside. The servants inside were all asleep. If one was awake, then he or she would be on the lower level waiting to be summoned. Jonathan found his grandfather’s room and opened the door. Brigham Sally was inside snoring away. Jonathan gave his grandfather a couple of shakes to get him up.
“It’s me Papa,” Jonathan said as Brigham tried to blink the sleep away.
“Boy,” Brigham said as he sat up. “What kind of nonsense have you gotten me into?”
“What do you mean?” Jonathan asked.
“I had someone come here not even three hours ago looking for you,” Brigham said. “Told me to tell you that it was an emergency. He is staying at that inn up the road.”
“What did he say?” Jonathan asked.
“He said that he was happy to see me doing better and needed to see you right away. Something about him wasn't right. I thanked him and then went into a coughing fit.”
“Papa, I got him,” Jonathan said.
“You got who boy?”
“I got Kevin Wilson,” Jonathan said. “I have a story to tell you that cannot be repeated anywhere. I haven't even told my soon to be wife.”
“Wife?” Brigham asked. “You asked her already?”
“I’m getting married tomorrow right here,” Jonathan said. “You should act surprised. But we can talk about that later, I don't have much time.”
“What do you mean you got Kevin Wilson?”
“I got him Papa,” Jonathan said and pulled out the ring the Queen had given him. “This is infected with the Speckled Fever. If everything works well, then he has it.”
“Can he beat it?” Brigham asked.
“The only one who can cure it is the girl that you will meet tomorrow.”
“Does she know?”
“She doesn't know the entire story,” Jonathan said. “The Queen gave me permission. I am keeping Her Majesty’s name out of everything. I wasn't supposed to tell a soul, even you. If I am found out, then I am a dead man.”
“You know that I ain't telling,” Brigham said. “Kevin Wilson dying. And that girl whose Father he killed is the only one that can save him. This is beautiful.”
“Tomorrow you will act surprised by this entire thing. I just wanted you to know that I got the bastard. Everyone thinks that you caught the Fever and that is the reason that I am coming to see you.”
“So I was on my deathbed then.”
“It was a good reason for me to leave and for Crystal to come with me. Kevin is going to go.”
“It is better than he deserves!” Brigham said as he started tearing up.
“It is, and this isn't the way I wanted him to end,” Jonathan admitted. “But he is dying nonetheless and will do so praying that Crystal can be found and brought to him.”
“Those people will not stop looking for you,” Brigham said.
“And we will act surprised and head off straight away,” Jonathan replied. “All of the horses and carriages around here need to be sent off. If they want us, I want them to have to bring us there. Anything to make things more difficult.”
“I’ll get on that right now,” Brigham said. “When will I see you again?”
“You will see me in the morning,” Jonathan replied. “Crystal wants to meet you and get married right away.”
“That girl isn't playing any games,” Brigham said. “I will have a messenger ready to grab a Priest from the nearest church. Gold talks and everyone listens.”
“I am going to give her a proper wedding,” Jonathan said. “I want it in the Capital where everyone who's anyone can see. I plan on inviting all of them, knowing that most will not show up.”
Jonathan left his Grandfather and was happy that he decided to stop a bit away from the estate. If he had stopped closer, then there was a good chance that he would have been discovered. As Jonathan flew, he knew that he would have to tell Crystal something. She wanted to get married and Jonathan did want to lie to his wife. Jonathan wouldn't lie to his wife. Jonathan reached the inn and went inside. It was how he left it, everyone was sleeping. There was a bell to ring for anyone needing help and Jonathan didn't need any. Jonathan took a good bath in the bathing room. It was easy for him to fill it up with water and get it steaming. Once he was finished, he went to his room and cuddled up in the bed with his soon to be bride. She was still sleeping and breathing softly. Crystal had wanted to share a bed and Jonathan definitely wouldn't deny her some cuddles. He was excited about when they would really get down to business but figured that it could wait for them to have a real wedding and for everything to be behind them.
Crystal awoke first and then shook Jonathan awake. The sun was just coming over the horizon and hadn't shone its rays through the window. Crystal gave him a soft peck and then stood up. Jonathan could see the excitement on her face and she was ready to go. Jonathan gave a stretch and then stood up as well. He grabbed his coin purse and was ready to go.
“I can look pretty later,” Crystal said. “How far away is your Grandfather?”
“Not far away,” Jonathan replied. “I asked around and there have been people looking for us already.”
“We should hurry then,” Crystal said.
Jonathan followed her outside and then took to the air. It was cold outside but Crystal seemed too excited to notice. Jonathan caught her looking at her ring more than once while she flew. The morning sun was fully in the sky when the pair landed. Jonathan walked right inside of the house and was a bit surprised to see his grandfather was already up and dressed.
“Boy, what are you doing here?” Brigham asked.
“Brigham Sally, this is Crystal Ward,” Jonathan beamed.
“You are definitely as pretty as that boy said you were,” Brigham said. “I wish that you were here earlier. I was as sick as a dog.”
“I heard,” Crystal said. “I came as quickly as possible.”
“Thanks for thinking about me,” Brigham said. “I know that you both had to be on the road for a while. Let me show you where you can keep whatever things you have girl and freshen up at.”
Jonathan watched them go and began to get a bit nervous. They were actually going to do this. His Grandfather reappeared after a short while and gave him a big smile. Jonathan returned it as Brigham walked over and gave him a hug. Jonathan returned it and it was hard for him not to break down. His Grandfather held him out at arm’s length and tears welled in his eyes.
“I am sure that we got him,” Jonathan said.
“To pit with him boy, my boy is getting married,” Brigham said. “I wish your Ma and your Pa were around to see this. They aren't so all you have is one bitter old man.”
“That loves me more than he loves life itself,” Jonathan said.
“That I do boy,” Brigham said. “I already sent for the Priest as soon as I showed your woman where she can freshen up at. Earlier this morning I had all of my horses and carriages ride off to Brighton and then turn around. I know my men are wondering what the pit is going on but they left anyway.”
“I have some horses at the Warm Arms Inn a town over,” Jonathan said.
“I know the place. Can I pick them up?”
“I put them in your name and mine,” Jonathan said.
“I’ll grab them. You nervous?”
“More than you know,” Jonathan said.
“Well I gave the Priest twenty gold coins if he can get his behind here in under half an hour along with all the necessary papers. I bet that gets his behind in gear.”
“Twenty gold?” Jonathan said. “That is enough for some people to live on for a year.”
“Which is why he will hurry his behind up and get here,” Brigham laughed. “Time is waiting. Why don't you go wash your face and do something to your hair. I have stuff already laid out for you in my dressing room. I even have some robes for you in there.”
Jonathan gave him a smile and found the room. He was getting himself together when Crystal walked in. His soon to be bride looked like she had a team of women put her together. She laughed at Jonathan and then helped him comb his hair and wash his face. When she was done, she smiled and held up a ring. Jonathan gave her a puzzled look. He took the ring and could see that it was made out of stone. She had to make this ring herself. Jonathan tried slipping it on and could see that it was too small. Crystal had to blast and chip at the ring the hard way just to get in into the right shape. Crystal frowned when she saw the ring wouldn't fit until Jonathan used a little earth magic. It slipped on his finger and the pair walked out to the main room. A wide awake man was there in wrinkled clothing. He had papers out that Brigham was looking over.
“Alright, we don't need any fancy words, let's get this thing finished,” Crystal said. “Skip to the part where I say I do.”
“Uh, this is not proper,” the priest said.
“Twenty gold is in the church’s coffers,” Brigham said.
“Do you, uh, Crystal, Crystal right?” the priest asked.
“Yes,” Crystal replied.
“Crystal, do you take Jonathan for your husband? Do you promise to care for him when he is well and when he is sick. Do you promise to be true and love him?”
“I do,” Crystal said quickly. “He does as well.”
“I certainly do,” Jonathan said as he gave her a smile.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest said. “You still need to sign these papers. One copy I keep, the other you keep and the last one goes to be filed.”
Jonathan hurriedly filled out his portion and watched as Crystal filled out hers. The Priest was still in shock as Brigham ushered him out of the door. Brigham then shakily walked over and took a seat. He stood up immediately and then walked to the kitchen with Crystal and Jonathan following him. He poured himself a drink and then took a seat.
“Are you okay?” Crystal said as she looked down at Brigham.
