Jonathan Thunder, page 5
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“Nothing,” Jonathan said. “I made you look.”
Jonathan could see Monica blush as she frowned up her face. Jonathan thought it was funny as he pulled away from her. He had just gotten dressed but would listen to what she said. Monica left him and Gerald together. Jonathan could not stand the man, he was sadistic and got off on the suffering of others. Gerald didn't mind taking a life and currently had the highest kill count in the Arena. Jonathan frowned as he thought about it, with the Haffles, it gave Jonathan a lead by one person.
“Gerald, Gerald, Gerald,” Jonathan said. “I haven't seen much of you.”
“What do you want Thunder?” Gerald snapped.
“Don't you snap at me,” Jonathan said. “Unless you want to head to the Arena against the all time Champion.”
“Is that what this is about?” Gerald asked. “I knew a man like you would keep score.”
“Like you haven't?” Jonathan asked. “For every poor commoner who was just trying to save face that you ruthlessly kill, I smash the pit out of Nobles.”
“They are fools who were in over their heads,” Gerald said. “I am not like the rest. Nobles or not, pitiful and pathetic Mages should know their places. I am also on the frontlines of every war, Thunder. If a war was going on, I could grab some prisoners of war and experiment. I could cure the Speckled Fever by myself.”
“You are sick, Gerald,” Jonathan said.
“Says the man who wiped out an entire bloodline,” Gerald replied. “You are just angry that I am not running to be your errand boy and take down those bandits that have been causing all of this trouble.”
“I can handle it,” Jonathan said. “I don't need you for anything. You follow cowards. Kevin Wilson is a coward, if it wasn't for me, he wouldn't be on any frontlines doing anything.”
“Why are you talking to me Thunder?” Gerald asked. “I don't like you and you don't like me.”
“Because I can,” Jonathan said. “We aren't in the Tower. You know that would take you apart and go about my day. You don't issue threats to me because you know a bunch of Nobles.”
“And I will know more as a Tower Instructor,” Gerald said. “That girl has what it takes to make something of herself. But she is an idiot and will either bind herself to either you or Russell. What she should be doing is roasting the enemy. She would be a good member of the Mage Corps., a real good member.”
“Is that what you are doing here? Recruiting?”
Gerald didn't answer and just left. Jonathan thought it was just as well since he had things that he needed to do. Jonathan made his way back to the Bissell Palace. Something made Jonathan do a flyover and he found Queen Mildred tending to her flowers. She looked up and waved Jonathan in.
“You know, I love my flowers Jonathan,” Queen Mildred said. “They are like my family in a way. Some look nicer than others, grow stronger than others but I try to love them all the same. Sometimes these flowers get too large. They grow too tall and believe they are better than the bush they grew from. When that happens, sometimes they get a little snip, like this one.”
Jonathan looked at the long rose that he was just given by the Queen. Jonathan thought he would keep it. He could fix it up a bit and it would make a great gift for Crystal. Something nice and simple. Jonathan wouldn't ever be able to beat Russell when it came to extravagance but he could beat him when it came to simple beauty.
“I hear you, Your Majesty,” Jonathan said.
“I trust my message and my messenger found you?” Queen Mildred said.
“Yes,” Jonathan replied. Jonathan thought Queen Mildred was talking in code. Maybe she believed that she wasn't alone or was being spied on.
“Good,” Queen Mildred replied. “I like gardening, Jon. It clears my mind. Jordan is looking for you. He is as innocent as the winter’s first snow. He is a little busy today, do find him tomorrow.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Jonathan said.
Queen Mildred waved him away. Jonathan took back to the sky and landed at one of the outside entrances. Jonathan thought that was a cryptic message he got from the Queen. Was she planning to kill one of her family members? Was it Xalen? Jonathan went into his office and put the rose down. Poppy noticed it and picked it up.
“Did she give this to you?”
“I got that from the Queen,” Jonathan said. “I am supposed to be out on a date in a few hours. I was thinking of prettying that rose up a bit and giving it to her as a small gift.”
“I have a small box of chocolates that I was going to send on your behalf, you can hand her that as well,” Poppy said. “Red and I are heading off to see a play. It is about two people who found each other despite the obstacles. The girl is romanced by some larger than life figure. There are haters, angry parents and such. The right guy gets the girl though. It reminds me of Redford and I. Xalen was our biggest obstacle, him dropping me was the best thing that could have happened. It is almost like you and your little miss. Except you have a Russell instead of a Xalen. Do you want me to get you a pair of tickets?”
“That would be nice, something to go to after dinner,” Jonathan said. “Do me a favor. Dethorn this rose a bit and stick it and those chocolates in my carriage and send it to the Tower. If Crystal sees it, she can have a nice ride without messing up her clothes or hair.”
“There is the Johnny Thunder I know,” Poppy said.
Jonathan left and got himself ready. Russell mentioned something about a bounty board or something. He would have to talk to Poppy and Red about it. Jonathan finished getting dressed and worried about the Queen. She was his biggest fan and if she died, Jonathan knew that he was out on his rear and commoners would be sent to die again. Jonathan made his way over to the Horn and Hound. Farrah and Baron Nettleton were out there along with Monica. Jonathan was looking for Russell, he wanted the big man to see him out with Crystal.
“Jonathan,” Baron Harland Nettleton said as gave Jonathan a genuine smile.
“Your Lordship,” Jonathan replied and gave the man a hearty handshake. “It is nice to see you and your lovely betrothed out and about. Are you leaving or entering?”
“I am entering,” Harland said. “If you are eating alone then you can join us. Russell was supposed to be here but I think he was caught up with that Speckled Fever thing. Horrible stuff it is, I hope they find a cure. I think I heard that you caught it.”
“Fought it right off,” Jonathan said. “But yes, it is killing people. His Royal Highness himself wants to lead this charge and I am going to let him. I will of course help out in any way that I can.”
“You would just be in the way Jon,” Farrah said.
“I would just be in the way,” Jonathan admitted.
“Is that your carriage?” Harland asked as he looked down the street. “Maybe you are being summoned just that quickly.”
“I am going to have to decline your dinner invitation Your Lordship,” Jonathan said. “My date has arrived.”
Crystal climbed out of the carriage and walked over. Jonathan was about to say hello and already had his hand stuck out in greeting. Crystal slapped it out of the way and used her hands to grab and hold the sides on Jonathan’s face. Before Jonathan could say anything, Crystal leaned in and gave him a kiss. It was the kind of kiss that young lovers gave each other after they hadn't seen each other in a while. It was the kind of kiss that two people eager for each other’s bodies would have. Jonathan was in shock and amazement. Unfortunately his body started reacting to a drop dead gorgeous woman rubbing herself up on him and kissing him full on the lips. Jonathan felt himself stiffen and tried to pull away. All that did was make her pull him in closer and contour her body along his. When Crystal finally released him, he was breathing heavily. Jonathan was sure that his face was bright red and that his mouth was smeared with her lip covering. Crystal just used the sleeve of her Mage robe to wipe the rest of the covering off her own face. Jonathan was too stunned to say anything, as were the people he was talking to. Crystal decided to break the silence and speak up first, Jonathan was happy she did.
“Hi Jon,” Crystal said. “Thanks for the flower and the other gifts. I am absolutely famished, unless you don't want to be for dinner, I suggest we go inside to eat. Nice seeing you, Your Lordship.”
“Well, uh,” Jonathan stumbled as Crystal tugged him along until they were inside of the building and walking over to an empty table. “Wow.”
“That is all you have to say?” Crystal teased.
“Well I am guessing Russell was Russell and really mucked it up,” Jonathan began. “Not that I am complaining one bit. Does this truly mean I am getting my chance?”
“That kiss is exactly what it means,” Crystal said. “It should be clear to you now who I am going after. I am sure many men will be thrown into my face once it becomes clear that I am not with Lord Russell.”
“The man is a Duke,” Jonathan said. “Or at least he will be. I don't want you looking back on this time like you have made some great mistake.”
“It has always been you, even our parents saw it,” Crystal replied as she found a table and the pair sat down. “Those letters you let me read are one of my very best memories. You will never be a mistake, Jon Thunder. I am right where I need to be and who I need to be with.”
“Well then this ought to be good,” Jonathan said as Mage Monica sat down.
“I am not after your man and I cannot make it any clearer than I just did,” Crystal replied. “If you insult me again by calling me a whore or whatever, we can go right back and finish our duel.”
“You two dueled?” Jonathan said, feigning surprise. “I think that is something I would have liked to see.”
“You want the Archmage,” Mage Monica said as a smile crossed her face. “I think you are a lovely couple and you will never get any grief from me.”
“You just want Russell all to yourself,” Jonathan said.
“I do,” Mage Monica said. “Russell can be hard to love sometimes, you are the second girl he has chased away with his stupidity. But it looks like I won again.”
“If Monica has taken a seat, so will we,” Harland said as he pulled out a chair for Farrah and then took a seat. “Jonathan, you didn't let me know things were this serious. To be sucking face in public. Sometimes I wish I was a commoner or at least a braver man to do the same. Well done Sir.”
“Thank you, Your Lordship,” Jonathan beamed. “I guess I have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. This feels like a dream, if I wake up I am going to be in a pit of a mood.”
“Well it is nice to see you with such a lovely lady,” Harland said. “I don't know much about Mage culture, but I know your pairing is bound to anger some people. I am so happy I am not a part of Mage culture either. I couldn't imagine being angry at a relationship that has nothing to do with me. By the way Jonathan, my wedding date is set for six months from now but it could be rushed up depending on Duke Golad.”
“It is?” Mage Monica said surprised. “That means Russell is going to have to make his choice soon.”
“Well I came to Dyson only to pick up my Farrah,” Harland said. “She has been here long enough and the people of the Barony cannot wait to see her again. I will leave you to your dinner Jonathan.”
“I am leaving as well,” Mage Monica said. “I think I will go back to the Tower.”
“Well this is fun,” Jonathan said as he looked at Crystal.
“Mage Monica was as happy as I ever saw her,” Crystal said.
“How was your duel?” Jonathan asked. “I have never fought Monica before but I think my lightning magic would take her down easily. Without it, I think I am too fast for her to set up on. I can put a lot of weight behind my spells and fill the air with them. I am curious as to how you did?”
“I kept her on the run,” Crystal replied. “It was liberating finally facing her down. I wasn't stupid enough to run up on her. I just picked my shots and I landed enough of them and managed to evade all of her attacks.”
“Really?” Jonathan said. “Good on you. Your speed is something I think many people look past. I know you are a step faster than I am, I respect it and I know Monica didn't until she was up against you.”
“I am not faster than that lightning,” Crystal said. “It hit me so fast that I wasn't even sure I was struck.”
“I'm talking about other spells,” Jonathan said. “I think your speed is an underrated part of your game. Just like my shield magic is something no one respects or talks about. Well until they are in there with me and have to figure out how to get to me.”
“I think if I fight Mage Monica again I could beat her outright,” Crystal said. “I would like to spar against Mage Farrah next. I know Danica did and handled herself well before she lost.”
“I would like to see it,” Jonathan said. “So how have you been?”
“Well, I think I am the only person who has healed the Speckled Fever,” Crystal replied.
“You have?” Jonathan asked.
“It involves holding a spell far longer than what is normally possible,” Crystal said. “It took me a while but we healed a girl within hours. Have you caught the Fever yet?”
“I have,” Jonathan replied. “I don't think it liked my lightning magic too much. I sizzled and crackled but I didn't think it was that bad. But people are dying so I have to respect that. Especially the stronger Mages, have you caught it?”
“I have caught it and fought it off by myself. I just used the same technique I used on my first patient.”
“Patients, look at you Miss Healer Lady.”
“I like it. I like helping people out and there is a lot of money involved in it. It is better than roasting men alive or facing down Dragonknights.”
“How have you been with all of that?” Jonathan asked as he grabbed her hand. “It was rough for me, believe it or not, every battle is. I know I have the reputation of being some kind of murderer but it still hurts. Losing friends hurts.”
“I just needed to get away from it all. During break, that is the main reason I didn't answer anyone back. Sorry if I made you feel unwanted.”
“Not going to lie, I thought you and Russell had something going on and you just didn't know how to break it to me.”
“Not even,” Crystal smiled. “So what does the big bad Archmage have going on?”
“Currently he is at dinner with a beautiful woman. I say the Archmage is doing real good for himself. After dinner, how long do I have you for?”
“I'm not sure, I don't have anything planned.”
“I want to take you out to a play. Nothing too fancy, I just want to prolong this night as long as I can.”
“A play sounds nice.
CHAPTER 4
We have to find out some way to get that girl back into our clinic. I’ll have your father talk to her instructor. We need someone like her that could heal things that we can't do or that would take us too long. She just has all of these Mages with money flying all around her. One of you could still get her, just be on your best behavior. She doesn't seem like she likes that Duke, only that Commoner that I keep hearing about. Luminous something, what an odd name for someone to give their child.
-Prissy Medens talking to her grandsons.
Jonathan awoke and smiled, he had a great night. Crystal seemed like she just couldn't keep her hands off of him. Jonathan was certain that if they were married that the night would have gotten even more entertaining. Now Jonathan was back in the real world and had real world problems. The Speckled Fever, The Queen and whatever this bandit thing was. Jonathan almost forgot about his big news with Poppy and Red. Poppy said that she could guarantee Mage babies. That was something that the Queen would need to know eventually. No, Jonathan said that he wouldn't say anything so he wouldn't. What he would need to do is find Poppy a way to make money secretly and under the table. Maybe Grace Story, she would know something and be smart enough to keep her mouth shut. Maybe Jonathan could talk to couples composed of Mage and mundane. Jonathan was sure that they would love to up their chances of having a Mage in the family. Jonathan got himself together and then went over to his office. Poppy gave him an excited look and practically dragged him inside before shutting the door behind them.
“Jon I have news that if you say anything about how you came across it, I would never forgive you,” Poppy said.
“I’ll bite,” Jonathan replied. “What are you on about?”
“I know you were on a date with that little blondie you have been pining over,” Poppy said. “I heard from Tabitha that the girl you are trying for is untouched.”
“How would you know something like that?” Jonathan asked. “Not that it matters, she could have been the most immoral whore in all of Kirby. She is going to be mine one day.”
“I know because she had a female exam.”
“Why would she allow you to give her an exam?” Jonathan asked confused.
“Not me,” Poppy said. “You remember Monica sent her off to that mundane family, the one with a lot of money?”
“Never understood that,” Jonathan admitted. “You Mage girls are made of gold, why would Monica send Crystal off to a Healers? Especially a mundane healer.”
“Well they mucked it up,” Poppy said. “Tabitha knows this Prissy woman. One of Tabitha’s former classmates married into the family. You remember Fawsett, he is the Father of one of the boys Monica hoped Crystal would go for.”
“Noble boys tend to muck everything up when they are talking to commoner girls. It is probably the biggest reason why I have had a shot at plenty of commoner girls over the years. But what does this have to do with that earlier bit?”
“Your blondie is the only Mage who has successfully beaten the Speckled Fever. There was a big meeting between her, Prince Xalen, Lord Russell, the Mage Commander and the mundane nobles that your blondie was staying with. I have no idea how the talk of her exam or her flower came up. I only know that she begged Russell to end the conversation and Russell ordered her silent until he got the entire result of her exam.”
