Jonathan Thunder, page 29
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“I’m counting fifteen men plus this Mage that is trying to come for us,” Jeffrey said.
Tobias didn't answer, instead he started peppering the area with icicles. Jeffrey did the same except most of his was aimed at the Mage flying towards him. Like Jeffrey thought, this was a commoner. He could only cast one spell at a time and had to stop flying to toss on a shield. Jeffrey took the time to start aiming with his icicles to hit the mundanes. Tobias was bent over in pain and had gotten three of them immediately. Jeffrey cheered as he got one followed quickly by another. He reached back and instead of fighting, pumped some healing magic into Tobias.
“I needed that,” Tobias said as he began casting spells faster.
“Down to ten plus the Mage,” Jeffrey said. “That damn commoner Mage looks like he is taking off.”
“We are going to drop out of the sky, both of us could cast nothing but killing spells,” Tobias said. “Once we get closer to the ground we can fly back up. Those Mundanes are too worried trying to save their behinds to put up a fight.”
Jeffrey only cast his icicles as he dropped out of the sky. Since both hands were free, he could put a little more than twice the amount he had been doing previously. Tobias groaned as he fell, Jeffrey was happy to have the man by his side. Despite being injured, his friend was still ready to go. The men on the ground started regrouping and now arrows started coming their way. Their comrades had shields and would defend while the archers fired their arrows. Both Tobias and Jeffrey had to halt their falls and start flying again. Jeffrey groaned in frustration and thought that maybe it was time for them to leave. The commoner Mage hadn't fled the field, he had just gotten a better angle to attack from.
“Jeffrey!” Tobias said as he pointed.
It was Marlen Manchin. The man had been riddled with arrows and was on the ground. The enemy probably thought that he was dead, Jeffrey was in shock at just seeing the man being able to move with such injuries. Marlen lay prone on the ground and was just able to get his head up and stick out an arm. Fire erupted from his palm and right into the tightly packed group. The men screamed as Jeffrey left Tobias and went right after the Mage that was coming up to meet him.
Jeffrey hadn't sparred in years but had seen enough of them. He and Kevin had talked long into night about the different sparring that the initiates in the Tower did and how a Mage would be able to defeat Jonathan Thunder. Jeffrey flew right at the Mage, sending weak Magebolts in front of him. The Mage took the bolt and then gave his own, Jeffrey was able to move off to the side and then cast Mage Cone.
Mage Cone was a cone of pure energy magic. It was magic intensive but was a fight ender if an opponent was caught clean with it. It attacked and the power of it dissipated any spells directed at it. Jeffrey was up on the Mage with it and was taking the man apart. The Mage flew through the cone and Jeffrey knew that he was worse for the wear. Jeffrey didn't let him flee, instead he cast Mage rope. The rope wrapped around his enemy's ankle and Jeffrey used it to fling his opponent to the ground. The Mage regained control right before he hit and was able to land safely. Jeffrey would not let him get off that easy.
Jeffrey stayed in the air and tossed down icicles again. He knew the commoner would have to put up a shield and point it skyward. As soon as he did, Jeffrey cast Mage rope again and grabbed the commoner by his ankle and then flung him into a tree. The crack he heard was satisfying as the Mage bounced off the tree and was struggling to get up. Jeffrey sent an icicle through the man’s left calf and right shoulder. He would keep this one alive and make an example out of him. Jeffrey turned back towards Tobias who was in obvious pain and crouched over Marlen. The pair of them were roasting men and now Jeffrey could only count four bandits remaining.
The bandits made a run for it, Jeffrey wasn't ready to let them go. Instead, Jeffrey flew above one of them and was able to get him in the back with an icicle and then set the man on fire for good measure. The other three split up after that to make things harder. Jeffrey was able to kill another one and then cursed in frustration. He had lost track of the other two. He didn't know where they went but knew that they were running for their lives. Jeffrey went back to the downed Mage and picked him up with a swirl of magic and deposited him in front of Marlene and Tobias.
“You better start healing them or I will make sure you die here commoner and it will not be an easy passing,” Jeffrey said and added a bit of fire on the man’s legs to drive home his words.
“This is going to hurt Marlen,” Tobias said. “But at least this arrow went all the way through you.”
Tobias used his magic to break off the arrow head and then yanked one of the arrows free. Marlen screamed out as Tobias, Marlen, Jeffrey and the commoner Mage all poured healing magic into him. It would rapidly speed up the body’s healing ability and stop all the pain that Marlen was in. It took them longer than Jeffrey would have liked. All they could do was take out the most life threatening arrows which turned out to be five altogether. The ones he had in his shoulders, arms and legs would have to stay.
“You better use up all of your magic!” Jeffrey screamed at the Mage who looked to be on the verge of passing out.
Jeffrey himself was running low and thought that Marlen only had drops left. They were able to get the arrow that took Tobias in the stomach. It took the last of the magic that the commoner had. The man croaked as he keeled over unconscious. Jeffrey was happy that he did, none of them had any real magic left and Jeffrey thought that even a group of well armed mundanes could have taken them. Jeffrey took a seat on the ground next to his friends. They gave each other an uneasy laugh as the sound of a man screaming snapped them from the good times. Jeffrey was too tired to even stand up, but he did. He looked around and couldn't see anything. Another scream was heard, this time east of where he heard the first one.
“What is, what is out there?” Marlen croaked. “I don't have anything left, not even to get away.”
“I’m out too,” Tobias said and spat. “These damn mundanes! I should have told my son to come with us.”
“We aren't going out without a fight,” Jeffrey said. “We could get lucky.”
“There,” Tobias said and pointed.
Jeffrey looked up to see a Mage. He was too tired to tell who it was and prayed that it wasn't a commoner. The figure looked around and spotted them. Jeffrey stood up tall despite not having much magic left. His friends did the same alongside him. These were real men, Jeffrey thought. It made him miss his friend Kevin, if Kevin were here then this would have been over with a long time ago. That damn Mildred and her commoner. At least he wasn't Archmage anymore. Jeffrey knew Ryan Golad would be dead soon and Jeffrey would appoint Russell as soon as possible. Jeffrey let his mind wander and thought he would kill Thunder just because he could. No, that could come back and bite him if another war happened. Thunder would be the Mage Commander whether he liked it or not. As the floating figure came closer, Jeffrey was surprised he recognized who it was.
“It took you long enough Thunder!” Jeffrey snapped.
“Sorry, Your Highness,” Jonathan replied. “I didn't know that you were in the area, I only found about it because I heard the sounds of a fight.”
“We were here doing your job, idiot!” Jeffrey barked. “First you couldn't take care of the Speckled Fever and you were too incompetent to take down these bandits. At least you showed some decency and resigned so better men can take the position.”
“How may I be of service, Your Highness?” Jonathan said in a flat tone.
“You can help me for one,” Marlen said as he started swaying and then fell on his behind.
“You heard him, help him!” Jeffrey snapped.
“Help him?” Jonathan said, confused.
“Use whatever pathetic healing magic that you have,” Jeffrey said. “Whatever you have is better than nothing.”
“Do you want me to take your pain away, Lord Manchin?” Jonathan asked.
“Are you slow?” Marlen croaked.
“I’ll be happy too,” Jonathan said as a lightning bolt ripped from his palms and into the head of Marlen Manchin. The man didn't scream or cry out. Jonathan thought the man’s brain probably didn't recognize that it was under attack as the head it was inside exploded. Tobias and Jeffrey were both in a state of shock, it took them a moment to realize what just happened. While they were trying to comprehend what they just witnessed, Jonathan repeated the spell except this time he targeted Tobias Kreacher.
"You will not get away with this commoner," Jeffrey said wearily.
Jonathan's fist connected solidly against Jeffrey's chin. The Royal went flying backwards where he crashed into the ground. Jonathan looked down as Jeffrey raised his arm towards him. Jonathan used the cold water spell that his new wife was fond of using. Jeffrey sputtered as the water hit him in the face. Jonathan gave him a hard kick to the jaw while Jeffrey was distracted.
"You tried to kill me," Jonathan said as he looked down at Jeffrey.
"My wife will not let you get away with this," Jeffrey said.
"Who do you think sent me?" Jonathan said as Jeffrey's eyes went wide. "There you go, now you are getting it. I want you to know who pointed the bandits your way, I did it. You thought that you were so smart, you and the others. You thought Her Majesty was just so clueless. You and Kevin Wilson tried to kill her with the Speckled Fever. She played your game and won. Kevin Wilson is dead and you will get to see him again."
"Go to the pit!" Jeffrey said as he held up his hand for a spell. A lightning bolt struck the hand and blew off two fingers. Jonathan waited for the man to stop screaming before he started talking again.
"Kevin Wilson beat me there," Jonathan said. "It wasn't an accident Jeffrey. I infected that idiot and then took the only person that could heal him away. My Grandfather was in on the entire thing. My new wife didn't know I infected that coward but she knew he was infected. She knew and ran away with me. We laughed thinking about that idiot dying as we were married."
"She is a whore!" Jeffrey shouted.
"And yet, she will see another day," Jonathan said. "Every time your son gives me problems, like trying to hurt me by cheating at a duel. Or when he ensured the women I was dating found someone else or even when he just insults me, I will think about this. I will think about his Father, down in dirt looking at me with fear in his eyes. I will laugh to myself as I think about killing you. A commoner killed you Jeffrey. I took your title as King, and now I am going to take your life. Stay down in the dirt and filth where you belong. Do you have any last words?"
Jonathan shot out his lightning before Jeffrey could speak. "Cowards don't get the pleasure."
Jonathan started burning the bodies around him. He wanted to make sure that if anyone came up on the scene, they wouldn't be able to tell that lightning was used. Jonathan used swords on the bodies as well, just in case someone smart came along and tried to put things together. The only survivor was the Mage who had been leading the Bandits. Jonathan was confident that the man had no idea who he really was. Jonathan had just let it slip that a huge shipment of gold was going to come by and knew that the right ears heard it. Jonathan looked down at the horribly burned remains of what was once the King of Kirby and took to the air.
Jonathan briefly wondered what had gone through the man's mind. He was in a political marriage, the Queen never really liked the man. He fancied himself a King and was now killed. He wasn't surrounded by loved ones like that coward Kevin Wilson. Jeffrey died in the dirt along with his co-conspirators. Jonathan headed back to Kirby. He would need to fly all night until he got tired and then take a horse. Luckily Jonathan already had a few horses staged along with a carriage and driver at the stop Jonathan figured he would be tired at.
EPILOGUE
I have taught at the Tower for many years and have met many Mages. I don't think that I have ever been as proud of one as I am of Jonathan Thunder right now.
-Erlanger Telfarin, Former Archmage of Kirby talking to Winchell Rebelle, Former Tower Mage of Kirby
Jonathan was tired as he made his way into Bissell Palace. He had been moving non-stop and doubted that anyone would be able to place him to where Prince Jeffrey was killed. The guards there took one look at him and parted, Jonathan thought that it was just as well that they decided not to hold him up. It was late evening, Jonathan had just gotten into town and wanted to let Her Majesty know that he was successful. Just by being there would give him an alibi. Jonathan found her along with Xalen, his betrothed Danica, Jordan and his betrothed Ashley having dinner.
“You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?” Jonathan said as he gave the Queen a deep bow.
“What are you doing here Thunder?” Xalen asked.
“I was harsh on my Archmage,” Queen Mildred said. “How were the Barbarians?”
“I left them a week or so ago, Your Majesty,” Jonathan lied. The Barbarians were on the other side of the Kingdom from where Jonathan had met up with Prince Jeffrey.
“How was it?” Queen Mildred asked. “Were they consolidating their power?”
“They were,” Jonathan said, trying to understand the Queen’s code. “In the end they lost the battle. I fought and killed in your name. They were aware of their transgressions against Kirby before I sent them into the afterlife.”
“How many of them escaped?” Queen Mildred asked. “They had to run once lightning started being tossed everywhere.”
“None escaped,” Jonathan replied.
“So you have been off playing with Barbarians?” Xalen asked. “Mother, I hope that you aren't thinking of keeping him.”
“Jonathan is the Archmage until your Father comes back from seeing if there actually was a cure found,” Mildred said. “Then we will go from there.”
“Your Majesty, I think I have found another way to combat the Speckled Fever myself but it is highly dangerous and involves getting zapped by lightning,” Jonathan said. “I think it could kill people who are already weak. My wife may be the only person that I know of that can do so safely.”
“You returned just in time for her graduation,” Queen Mildred said. “I thought that I saw Your Grandfather about.”
“I am giving my wife the wedding that she always wanted,” Jonathan replied. “Her aunt should already be here as well. My wife should have sent out invitations.”
“Your Grandfather gave me mine,” Queen Mildred said and narrowed her eyes at Jonathan. Maybe she suspected that his grandfather knew more than he let on or maybe she didn't.
“You just have to make another spectacle of yourself Thunder?” Xalen asked.
“My wife deserves this,” Jonathan replied. “She has stuck by me through thickness and thin. She has been called horrible names and had her honor trampled upon. I have had many honors bestowed upon me. I was named Champion, got to be the hero of many battles, I even reached my dream of being Archmage, for however long it lasts. Marrying Crystal topped them all, I am a lucky man and watching that woman walk down the aisle will be enough to bring me to my knees.”
“Jonathan,” Prince Jordan began. “There is a rumor going around that the Big Four all sparred each other.”
“There is?” Jonathan asked.
“Come on now Jonathan, did you guys spar?” Jordan asked. “Who won? Who beat who?”
“Some things are meant to be private, Your Highness,” Jonathan said.
“So this really did happen?” Xalen asked.
“I will not say either way, Your Highness unless ordered to by Her Majesty,” Jonathan said.
“Why do I always miss the good stuff?” Jordan asked. “The Kingdom has been waiting to see you and Russell spar for years. It happens and I am nowhere around to see it.”
“I will not say anything either way, Your Highness,” Jonathan said and then looked at the Queen. “Your Majesty, when do you want a full report on the Barbarians?”
“Now is good enough,” Queen Mildred said as she shakily got up out of her chair.
Queen Mildred followed Jonathan out of the room and then led him to a small meeting room that Xalen favored. The monarch sat down heavily and gave a big sigh. Jonathan could see the tears in her eyes, the weight of everything that happened was now getting to her. Jonathan took a seat as well after shutting the door.
“There are far fewer ears here than there used to be,” Queen Mildred said. “I had Walter go through the staff and use mind magic to check if anyone else was involved. Two others that I had missed were killed.”
“Those who weren't in on it would talk,” Jonathan said. “I didn't know Walter Westcott was in on everything.”
“He was my back up plan,” Mildred said. “He was my Champion for longer than you have been. He let everyone know to keep it all a secret and that he would be back two or three times a year to check if they had run their mouths. Xalen and Jordan don't know anything. Jeffrey, how did it happen?”
“The bandits that have been running rampant,” Jonathan said. “I pointed them in Jeffrey’s direction. They thought that it was a big haul of gold. The bandits did most of the work. Marlen Manchin, Tobias Kreacher and Prince Jeffrey survived the fight and nearly killed them all. Of the three bandit survivors, I killed two and left the bandit Mage. He was out of power and unconscious. I killed the rest then.”
“Did Jeffrey know it was me?” Queen Mildred asked.
“He did. I made sure that he knew Kevin Wilson wasn't an accident either. I did a headcount to make sure that everyone was accounted for and donned a disguise and then left.”
“It is hard being Queen, Jonathan. Word of you being stripped of your power has spread around Dyson like wildfire. Xalen has been happy, Russell was really happy. Russell and Monica are a proper couple now. I know Monica is trying to contact her Father and have him meet her here before they all travel to Golad. I think Russell is finally going to go for it.”
