Jonathan Thunder, page 3
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
CHAPTER 3
Russell is blowing it. Danica you have to do something. If Thunder ends up with that girl then it is the end of everything as you know it. You have to have a brother, cousin or someone that you could introduce that commoner to. I’m not going to let this happen and neither is my father, we will come up with something.
-Xalen, Crown Prince of Kirby speaking to his betrothed.
“Lord Rearton, pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Jonathan said as he stuck his hand out. Rearton looked at it like it was going to bite him.
“And you are?” Rearton asked.
“Jonathan Thunder,” Jonathan snapped and then withdrew his hand. “I came here to visit you and talk about the Speckled Fever, not to be treated like garbage. If you want to make this something more, then let's handle our business.”
“Your Luminous,” Rearton said as he backed away. Jonathan was a young man but only an idiot wouldn't see how dangerous he was when he was angry. “I wasn't expecting this visit.”
Of course he wasn't, Jonathan thought. Jonathan was never supposed to make it this far. This man probably wasn't even told about the visit, Jeffrey just wanted to move Jonathan out of Dyson and into a place where his people could work. Now Jonathan was up on an innocent man, snobby, but innocent.
“I came to talk about the Speckled Fever all the way from Dyson on the orders of Prince Jeffrey. I can always tell him that you weren't interested.”
“Prince Jeffrey?” Lord Rearton said, confused. “And he sent you to me of all people?”
“Yes,” Jonathan replied as he saw the confusion in Rearton’s face. Jonathan pulled out the letter he was given. “You did write this asking the Prince for help in battling the Speckled Fever. You said that you had a breakthrough and wanted the help of either myself or Lord Tower Mage.”
“Letter?” Lord Rearton said as he took the letter and started reading it. “This looks like my handwriting but I didn't write this. Prince Jeffrey sent you to me?”
“Hmm,” Jonathan said. “You have no idea about any of this, whatsoever?”
“His Highness and I do not get on,” Lord Rearton said as he gave back the letter. “I don't know what this is about but I didn't send you any letter.”
“I hate His Highness with a burning passion but that is neither here nor there,” Jonathan said. “He sent assassins to kill me once upon a time.”
“I heard about that,” Lord Rearton smiled. “Music to my ears hearing about him being busted down from King to a Prince.”
“Well this is odd,” Jonathan said. “Are you working on a cure for the Speckled Fever?”
“Of course I am, everyone with any skill in medicine is,” Lord Rearton said. “I used to be the Royal Healer once upon a time before I was fired. Now I am the Head of Medicine for the Royal Army. I just happen to be on holiday.”
“I am the worst Mage at healing that anyone knows. I just have a lot of power that I can throw at it. I thought this was well known, everyone likes to know about any shortcomings the commoner Archmage has.”
“I am aware of this,” Rearton said. “This is still very odd. My findings are common knowledge and I have been working in conjunction with the current Royal Healer. There was no reason for you to come way out here. Maybe Prince Jeffrey was just trying to flex his muscle. He got you to come way down here and can blame the entire thing on an old enemy.”
“Sounds like him,” Jonathan said as he knew the real reason for the deception. “Well it was nice to meet you.”
“Why would you even come this way to see a Mage that you have never heard of?” Lord Rearton asked. “You are the Archmage, you make people come to you, not the other way around.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Jonathan said as he gave the man a smile. “If you are ever in Dyson, look me up.”
“I’ll do just that since I am supposed to be meeting with the Queen’s new council that she stood up for combating the Fever. It is being led by Kevin Wilson, another man I abhor.”
“Sounds like we have the same enemies,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan left and thought Jeffrey was too smart for his own good. Jonathan didn't know or care about why the Prince had it out for Lord Rearton. What Jonathan did care about was when Jeffrey would strike next. Wilbur was a bit surprised to be leaving so soon. It took him a few weeks to get out this far and now he had to go right back. Jonathan was grateful the man didn't grumble. Jonathan already was thinking about hiring another driver or drivers on the way there. Wilbur could ride with him inside of the carriage so at least they would both have someone to talk to.
Wilbur liked this plan as the pair rode towards Dyson. By the time they reached their target, the pair had been gone for more than a month. Prince Jeffrey dominated his thoughts, Jonathan decided right there and then that he was done listening to the man. He shouldn't have listened to him in the first place. True he was a Royal but he had no sway over the office of the Archmage and everything that he was told, he would run it through Queen Mildred first. He tried to be smooth by getting Xalen involved. Jonathan was sure that if he brought it up that both Jeffrey and Xalen would deny any knowledge of it. A month or so of his time wasted, it wouldn't happen again.
“Thank you Wilbur,” Jonathan said as he gave Wilbur a smile. “I already paid the men driving us at the last stop. See about the carriage and see about getting them a ride home.”
“I got you Jon,” Wilbur said. “Jon, I don't like this. Prince Jeffrey has only wanted dumb stuff done to you, like leaving you out in the rain, moving too slow or being purposely difficult. He has never tried to kill you before.”
“He tried me once before,” Jonathan said.
“You know what I mean Jon,” Wilbur replied. “You watch yourself.”
Jonathan shook the man’s hand and then walked into the palace. Even if his plan failed, Jeffrey probably thought the entire thing would be funny to have him waste a month of his time. The worst part about it all is that Jonathan couldn't say anything. Other than Wilbur being told by the Queen herself, Jonathan had no right. Queen Mildred saved him with her information, Jonathan thought that he would be more careful in the future. Jonathan saw his office and walked on inside, Red and Poppy were there. Red had a thick stack of papers in front of him and looked frustrated. Jonathan didn't blame him, Jonathan hated moving papers around more than anyone he knew.
“Anything new?” Jonathan asked.
“Please tell me that you and Lord whoever his name is found a way to defeat the Speckled Fever?” Red asked. “Every piece of paper here is someone outraged about how the fever has just been running rampant and killing whoever. I got it, I didn't think it was all that bad.”
“You were low on power,” Poppy said. “We have some ways but that wouldn't work for everyone.”
“Tell me what you got,” Jonathan said.
“Same as you know, low powered Mages are less susceptible to those with a lot of power,” Poppy said. “I think a way to fight it would be to expend all of the magic energy you have inside of you.”
“You caught the Fever Red?” Jonathan asked.
“We both did, while you were gone,” Red replied. “At least it stopped your best mate from coming by.”
“Who is that?” Jonathan asked.
“Kevin bloody Wilson,” Red said. “He came in here a few times to yell and do whatever. I would have handled that business with him right there but sometimes he had Prince Jeffrey with him. Something didn't feel right about those two.”
“Well we both ended up being sick,” Poppy said. “I think the Fever feeds on how much magic that you have in your body and how much magic your body creates. We got rid of our magic as soon as possible and stayed in the Wounded Knee. Cost you a small fortune by the way.”
“Why not go to Bartholomew, the Royal Healer?”
“Your other best friend Prince Jeffrey said that he doesn't want us anywhere in the palace other than this office,” Red said. “It didn't matter, walking around all these fancy folk and their big magic, we would have just gotten someone sick.”
“Well I am happy that you are both alright,” Jonathan said with a smile.
Jonathan walked over to his desk and took a seat. Kevin Wilson and Prince Jeffrey were probably in his area trying to see if Red and Poppy had heard anything. Was Kevin Wilson in on this as well? Jonathan thought that he and Queen Mildred would have to have a larger talk on the subject. Kevin Wilson was most likely angry that he had been replaced as the Archmage and would have a reason to be angry. Who else hated the Queen on Jonathan’s behalf? Jonathan had a few people in his life that they could go after. His grandfather Brigham Sally, his best friend Red, even Poppy would be a good target. If his Grandfather was killed then Jonathan decided right there that he would go for broke. Prince or no, he would kill Jeffrey and possibly Xalen too if he was in on anything.
“You look lost in thought,” Poppy said.
“I am a little,” Jonathan replied. “Things are going around and around in my head. All part of being the Commoner Archmage.”
“The Tower of Magic let back in,” Poppy said.
“Did I receive anything?”
“No, but I have sent flowers for the last three days,” Poppy said. “Your little friend has been sent out to Favoria. I pretended the flowers were from you and gave her friend Alonna instructions to place them in Crystal’s room.”
“And she hasn't called on me or anything?” Jonathan asked.
“No she hasn't,” Poppy said.
“Thanks for looking out for me but you can stop now. She isn't interested, I know she hasn't come out and said anything but her actions prove it.”
“Jonathan Thunder ready to give up?” Poppy said and raised her eyebrow.
“You can call it what you will,” Jonathan said. “Her Majesty gave me three years to find someone and that was a few months ago. If Crystal isn't interested, then she isn't interested. I can't afford to run after someone who doesn't want to be caught. Russell can have her, I don't play games.”
“Well I sent her those things anyway,” Poppy said. “Now do you want to hear the gossip out of the Tower or not?”
“When did the Tower let back in?”
“Almost a week ago,” Poppy said.
“Pit,” Jonathan said and shook his head. “I missed it, didn't I?”
“You mean where you puff your chest out and walk on stage like you are the Tower Mage?” Poppy asked, laughing.
“I miss slapping the piss out of any loud mouths that want to give me a go. The Superb Seven gave me a good run for my money because I wasn't ready for them but I doubt this class has anyone near as talented. I like the look on their faces when they think a commoner should just bow down to them. It is one of the highlights of my year.”
“Well you missed quite an event,” Poppy said. “Tell him Red.”
“You know that blondie you been pining after?” Red said. “The one you just jumped down my wife’s throat about? Well that bird was insulted the first day back. Russell was up on stage talking about how great he is and went into the Superb Seven. Someone started asking about the whore on the team and said the Seven couldn't be all that if they have whores.”
“Really?” Jonathan said as he perked up. Jonathan knew what he would have done. He would have asked them to step outside.
“Oh now you want to hear about this bird,” Red said.
“Just get to your story tosser,” Jonathan said as Red smirked at him.
“Well, another lad said that since she was a whore, that he would give her a copper and sandwich,” Red said. “Told her that he wanted some alone time between her legs. She invited the both of them outside for a duel.”
“Two nobles?” Jonathan said and smiled. “How did that turn out for them? The girl has fought off dragons and killed Dragonknights.”
“She beat the pit out of them,” Red said. “She was way nicer than you would have been. I was hiding in the crowd to watch it all. That ain't even the best part.”
“Some more students wanted a go with her?” Jonathan asked.
“Monica wanted a go with her!” Poppy exclaimed.
“Monica isn't an easy fight,” Jonathan replied. “I would just use my lightning and be done with it if we ever fought. How bad was it? I know Monica isn't stupid. She knows Russell has eyes for Crystal and probably wanted to make an example out of her the way she did your friend Lauryn.”
“The fight didn't have a conclusion,” Poppy said. “Not too many people even know about it. Your love interest held more than own, I thought she was winning the fight but all Monica needs is one good hit. A good hit that she never got.”
“Crystal hung with Monica and was beating her?” Jonathan said surprised.
“Well she was taught by that old cuss Erlanger,” Red said. “Monica finally found someone that she couldn't just push around. I wrote everything down that I noticed, it's on your desk so you can read it whenever.”
“Good for Crystal,” Jonathan said. “I bet Monica is stewing, she lost the fight and will probably lose her man as well.”
“You seriously are done going after her?” Red asked. “After all of that stuff you sent when the Tower let out for the year? All of that stuff my wife sent?”
“It is what it is,” Jonathan said. “Whenever I see her I will let her know that there are no hard feelings. Crystal would have been a bonus but I am still the Archmage. Look at where we started, all three of us. Now look at us. I’ll see Crystal around. I just wished she had more courtesy to let me know that it isn't happening. Just not responding is kinda low brow.”
“Well you can't do anything about her right now,” Poppy said. “Monica was so angry that she sent her to Favoria. You know how it is for the Senior class. If they are single, they get sent somewhere to do meaningless work so they can find someone.”
“Monica probably sent her nice and far after the match,” Jonathan laughed.
“Right now she is at a Healers,” Poppy said. “You remember Fawsett Sendicot, the man who keeps coming around trying to get Mages sent to work in his mother in law’s clinics? She was sent with his people.”
“Good luck for them,” Jonathan said as he heard a knock. Jonathan kept his office door open. He looked up to see one of the guards, Jolen, holding a large set of flowers.
“What's with the flowers?” Jonathan asked.
“Some blond girl dropped it off,” Jolen said. “Dropped right out of the sky holding them. Asked me to deliver them to the Archmage and that's your skinny ass.”
“Really?” Jonathan said surprised.
“Well she gave them to Guard Dalton who was getting ready to toss them,” Jolen said. “Don't tell him I said that. Before you get all angry, you know he is Prince Jeffrey’s favorite guard so its best to just let it go.”
“Thank you Jolen,” Jonathan said as he took the flowers. "Next time we both have the day off, I owe you an ale.”
Jonathan read the card and saw that it was from Crystal. There was a simple note attached explaining that she got his flowers and that they were lovely, just not as lovely as Jonathan himself. She signed it with her name and a kiss print. Poppy took the card from him and read it before handing it off to her husband.
“What was all of that about leaving her alone and letting her be?” Poppy asked. “Honestly Jon, if it wasn't for me you would have lost that girl. Remember when I fooled around and almost lost my man? It took dedication to get him back. He was mad, angry, and wanted nothing to do with me. If I can get him back, surely you can get a girl whose life you have saved.”
“Maybe I should start listening to you more,” Jonathan said as he sniffed the flowers. “Other than the Speckled Fever, anything else that I should know about?”
“There are reports of one or more renegade Mages on a bandit team or teams along the main route between Raleston and Finny,” Red said. “Already dispatched some Mages to clean it up.”
“Write back to everyone about the Fever so they know we are working on it,” Jonathan said.
“The only way you could do less is if you were dead,” Russell Golad’s deep voice said as he walked into Jonathan’s office. With him was Kevin Wilson and Prince Xalen.
“Hello Your Highness,” Jonathan said as he gave Prince Xalen a small bow. “If you are allergic please stay away. There is pollen in the air from the fresh cut flowers I just received.”
“You should tell that bird that she can't be just sending these large bouquets to your office,” Red said.
“Well it’s not like she can keep them where she is staying,” Poppy replied. “Stop giving her a hard time.”
“You found a lady?” Xalen asked.
“Yes,” Jonathan said.
“Who is she?” Xalen asked. “Why would she lower herself by being with a commoner?”
“She is a commoner,” Jonathan said as he took another big whiff of the flowers. “So what brings you all down, Your Highness?”
“I am taking over whatever it is you are doing or not doing about the Speckled Fever,” Kevin Wilson said. “This disease is killing people.”
“Bad leadership kills people,” Jonathan snapped. “Cowards also get people killed.”
“Thunder, healing is not your strong point and something needs to be done,” Russell said. “Who do you think is the best person to be on this team, The Mage Commander or you?”
“Him,” Jonathan said angrily.
“Then it is settled Thunder,” Xalen said. “We didn't come here to ask your permission, I came to tell you how it was going to be. Luckily we might have already solved this entire thing. At least one person has been healed of the Speckled Fever. My Commission is going to meet later on today about eradicating this and I better not hear of you puffing out your chest and taking the credit.”
