Jonathan Thunder, page 8
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“Which is why you would be sent traveling,” Jonathan said. “I suspect many of them will insult you before they try and make their move. But not all of them will, some will be everything you are looking for without my drama.”
“And they want to send you away to do this?” Crystal scoffed. “I would be angry just to be spiteful.”
“I am being sent off to introduce myself to Mages,” Jonathan said. “In reality, every girl many powerful people think I would be better with will be tossed my way. All of this because people just cannot mind their own business and don't want to see me happy.”
“So what are we going to do?” Crystal said.
“I have no intention of finding some girl,” Jonathan said. “Just like I hope you are happy with me. However, things happen. I want you to know that even if you find someone else, I cherish the time you have allowed me to spend with you and dream of what if.”
“Smooth,” Crystal said as she gave Jonathan a small smile. “I want you to know I appreciate the time I am spending with you as well and wish a pox on your male parts if you find someone else.”
“What?” Jonathan said surprised.
“I am joking,” Crystal said. “I will not hate you either. We have nine months to make it. After that I will be out of the Tower as an initiate and it would be tough for someone to break us up. Who is behind all of this?”
“Russell, Xalen and Prince Jeffrey mostly,” Jonathan said. “But other nobles would soon find out and be outraged. Not outraged enough to come at me about it, but outraged enough that they would gang up on the Queen.”
“Her Majesty is always truthful with you,” Crystal said.
“I am her Champion,” Jonathan said. “And it is in her nature.”
“Well can we enjoy what we have right now?” Crystal asked. “No one can take that away.”
“No they can't,” Jonathan replied.
“Maybe I can even get my match,” Crystal said.
“I don't know if I would like that,” Jonathan said. “But it would help you if you had to fight Monica or Xalen’s girl.”
“Danica has actually started acting a bit nice,” Crystal replied. “She even admitted that she was so caught up in hating me and Alonna, that she forgot to see if she could find her brother a match. When he saw both of us he was more than interested but she had been such a tw- such a meanie that she wouldn't lower herself to ask us.”
“Nobles,” Jonathan laughed. “Well I am glad she did.”
“The new instructors Lord Russell hired have ended most of the fighting,” Crystal said. “There is still some nastiness but I think the two commoner girls are being treated okay.”
“No one wants to see the next Jonathan Thunder come through,” Jonathan laughed. “Now that I think about it, you would cause an even bigger stir. Us being together is angering a lot of powerful people. Now what is up with that Prissy lady?”
“She called me a bunch of nasty things and thought I was after her grandsons,” Crystal said. “I think she never realized how many suitors Mage girls actually have. Her grandsons have also been horrible, enough to the point that we cannot even talk unless it is about healing. Lady Prissy and her horrid family now realize that they have nothing to offer me and she desperately wants me to be a part of her family. She is even angry at Lord Russell because he has a lot more to offer than she does.”
“What does she think about me?” Jonathan asked.
“I don't know,” Crystal replied. “All of her hatred has been directed at Lord Russell.”
“Well good on him,” Jonathan said. “I am going to have to leave soon. Can I fly you back to your Healers?”
“That would be a good idea,” Crystal said as she stood up.
Jonathan flew back with her and went to give her a hug goodbye. There was a huge window in the Healers’ building that anyone could look out of and see him. Jonathan was a little embarrassed to even give her the hug. Crystal had no such qualms as she grabbed the front of his robes with both hands and pulled him in close. When she tilted her head up, Jonathan knew she was expecting a kiss and gave her one. Jonathan was breathless as she broke the kiss. Crystal walked into the healer and Jonathan could see a well dressed young man look at him annoyed. Jonathan shrugged it off and then took towards the air. He wished he could tell Red about everything that was going on. Maybe his friend would have an answer about Crystal or about Prince Jeffrey. Jonathan ultimately didn't want to get Red involved. Maybe finding Poppy someone to sell her power to would be enough to get them on their feet and keep them on their feet.
CHAPTER 5
This will work. You just have to know how commoners think. If they can't hit it, then they don't know how to solve a problem. Just don't smile too much when Thunder comes in here bragging about his latest prize. I might even apply pressure to make whoever it is get married right away. A thousand gold would work.
-Jeffrey, Prince of Kirby talking to Xalen and Russell
“Jon wake up,” Red said as he shook Jonathan awake. Jonathan was a little confused to have people in his small apartment at first. He saw two figures which he eventually made out to be Red and Poppy. Jon sat up in his bed as Poppy cast Mage light.
“What is going on?” Jonathan said as he wiped his eyes.
“It’s the Queen Johnny, she has the Fever,” Red said.
“What?” Jonathan said as he jumped out of bed. “Crystal, we have to go get Crystal.”
“She is already here,” Poppy said. “This has been going on since last night. No one woke you.”
“Probably because I am pit at healing,” Jonathan said as he grabbed a robe and slipped it on.
“That you are,” Red said. “Crystal has been here since last night healing her. You know if the old bird kicks we are going to be in a fight.”
“No we are not,” Jonathan said. “If I am stripped of being the Archmage, the new Archmage won't last long. I will publicly challenge whoever it is to a fight to the death. They will either back away like a coward or die in the Arena.”
“Even if it is Russell, Farrah or Monica?” Red asked.
“I would definitely challenge and kill Monica on the spot,” Jonathan said. “I don't trust the girl and she would think it is funny sending commoners to die. Farrah and Russell wouldn't but they have their own reasons as to why they could not accept the title.”
“What about some of the kids coming through right now?” Red asked. “You don't hate any of them, at least I don't think so.”
“I wouldn't challenge any of them,” Jonathan admitted. “But everyone’s fantasy of sticking me with Mage Commander will not happen. I don't care how much money anyone throws at me. And that includes the Mage Corps., it would be simple for someone to spread a rumor that I plan on throwing nothing but noble Mages at any enemy we may have. I would be stuck with nothing but commoner Mages. I would give up being Champion out of spite.”
“Well I hope she makes it,” Red said. “Poppy and I need the money.”
“And it is nice working for friends,” Poppy said. “Regardless of what happens, I have a plan that can get you in Crystal’s good graces.”
“What is that?” Jon asked.
“She has been at it all night and now it is morning,” Poppy began as she started searching through Jonatahn’s wardrobe. “She is going to be given a room to sleep in but she has no sleep clothes or shoes fit for lounging. You have both right here and you are going to give them to her. It will give you another reason to see her without being overbearing.”
“I need you both to lay low,” Jonathan replied. “I am going to find Prince Jordan and inquire as to Her Majesty’s status.”
Jonathan slipped on a robe and threw some water on his face. Jonathan was about to leave until Poppy produced some mint leaf for him to chew. Jonathan smiled as he took it along with some sleeping clothes and a soft pair of shoes. Jonathan walked to the infirmary, it would be the best place to work on the Queen at. Jonathan found it quickly and didn't have to search for Jordan. Jordan was looking tired right outside of the room.
“How is she?” Jonathan asked.
“Better,” Jordan said. “Crystal really is as amazing as Ashley told me she was. I don't know what we would have done if she wasn't here. I do not think my mother would have survived if Crystal was elsewhere.”
“The worst of it has passed?”Jonathan asked.
“It has,” Jordan said. “Sorry for not waking you Jon. Xalen said you would just get in the way and I remember you telling me that you were horrible at healing.”
“I am and I probably would have been in the way,” Jonathan replied. “Where is Crystal now?”
“She just went off to one of the guest rooms,” Jordan said and pointed. “The same one visiting healers stay in when they visit.”
Jonathan gave Jordan a small smile and then went to the room indicated. Dalton, one of the Royal Guard was outside of the room that Jonathan thought Crystal was in. Jonathan gave Dalton a smile and went to knock on the door. Dalton grabbed his wrist forcefully and yanked Jonathan’s hand away. Before Dalton could break contact, Jonathan let lightning surge throughout his body. Dalton went stiff and would have fallen to the floor if Jonathan didn't use a bit of air magic to set him down a few feet away. Jonathan knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Crystal said.
“A bit forward of me,” Jonathan said as he entered, holding a thin white gown. “It is one of my sleeping garments. It is clean and will be a bit baggy but I know you do not have sleeping clothes with you. I also brought you some soft slippers to wear instead of boots.”
“You are really piling on the charm, Jon Thunder,” Crystal said as she took the sleeping clothes along with the slippers that were wrapped up in it.
“I will leave you to rest,” Jonathan said as he left the room.
Jonathan shut the door behind him and saw Dalton as he was coming to his senses. Jonathan waited on the man to stand up. Jonathan knew he was in a threatening pose and wanted the Royal Guardsman to know he was in a fight. “I will make my will known that we will meet in the arena. I am the Archmage and you have just made your last mistake.”
“I am the Captain of Prince Jeffrey’s guard,” Dalton growled as Jonathan closed the distance.
“And you are also a dead man,” Jonathan replied. “You make sure you say that spill when we see each other. I have killed dragons and more people that can fit into this hallway. I am giving my petition to Prince Jordan immediately. I heard what you wanted to do with the Flowers I was given. I am guessing if you are so bold to be a knobber to me, that you have to him as well. Prince Jordan will agree to the match. I don't need to go through Prince Xalen or Prince Jeffrey. A coward has no place serving in the palace. You will accept and die or run and find a new job. While you are running, I will find you and will bury you. Either way, killing you in the Arena or on the street like a dog, it doesn't matter to me.”
“Wait!” Dalton said. “I was told that no one should bother the young lady, especially you.”
“By who?”
“Prince Jeffrey,” Dalton said.
“You should have led with that,” Jonathan replied. “Trying to pretend to be a tough guy to a man who has shown no qualms in killing his enemies is not wise. I am not like these fancy pants around here who just stick their noses in the air. I aim to right any wrong given to me in thrice. I will just call this a misunderstanding.”
“Thunder, why are you out here bothering the Guard?” Xalen said from down the hall. “Come to me, I have need of you anyway.”
Jonathan followed Xalen and wasn't surprised to find Prince Jeffrey was already seated in the room they both entered. Jonathan didn't like either man and knew the feeling was mutual. Xalen walked in and took a seat, Jonathan had been inside this room before. This was the room Xalen had his more intimate meetings in. On the table, Jonathan could see a map of the kingdom along with certain cities or places circled. Xalen gestured for Jonathan to take a seat. Jonathan kept his emotions off of his face as he took a seat.
“Alright Thunder, you are the Archmage,” Prince Xalen said. “But are you the Archmage just for commoners or are you the Archmage of Kirby?”
“Of Kirby, Your Highness,” Jonathan replied.
“Then as the Archmage of Kirby, you have to visit all of Kirby at least once,” Xalen said. “Either that or renounce the titles you have been given.”
“I earned these, Your Highness, I wasn't given anything,” Jonathan corrected.
“Whatever, you still need to visit the Kingdom,” Xalen said. “There are many powerful Mages and Mage families that you should meet.”
“I am the Archmage, they should come to me,” Jonathan countered. “Are they so full of themselves that they think they can just snap their fingers and I will come running?”
“You are going and that's it!” Prince Jeffrey snapped.
“Who are these people who think that I am their slave?” Jonathan asked. “I’m going alright. I can't wait to shut them the pit up. Maybe I will get one of them to ask for their day in the Arena.”
“They don't think you are their slave,” Prince Xalen responded, annoyed.
“Are you telling me that these people don't think they are above me?” Jonathan asked. “Yet they haven't come to meet me but I am supposed to run over like a good little boy to meet them? I can't wait for the encounter. I am sure they will soon find out that I am not their servant and I will slap the piss out of their mouth if they have anything to say about it.”
“What is wrong with you Thunder?” Prince Jeffrey asked. “You are being sent to meet powerful Mage families. You should be happy that they agreed to place you under their roof.”
“I will meet them but I do not live under the roof of cowards and cowards must be what they are,” Jonathan said as he started enjoying the game. Xalen and Jeffrey were on their best behavior and Jonathan was being a perfect ass. Anything they said Jonathan would twist it around like these people were challenging him. Jonathan knew from the Queen that these people all had daughters that Jeffrey wanted Jonathan to meet. Jonathan was shutting down any friendly talk before he even started the journey.
“You will stay there and be on your best behavior as the Archmage!” Xalen snapped.
“I am the Archmage, as in the Head of Mages,” Jonathan began. “I do not bow down to lesser Mages, they bow down to me.”
“You are the Champion of Kirby,” Xalen said. “Either renounce the title or show some honor, dignity and graciousness.”
“Yes Your Highness,” Jonathan said. “When I meet these cowards who think they are so high above me. I will be on my best behavior until I can get out from under their roof.”
“It wouldn't hurt you to know these people,” Xalen said.
“I know all about them from the information you have given me, Your Highness. They were not present in any battles I have been in which makes them cowards. They have not come down here to congratulate the new Archmage but instead I have to travel to them like a servant? I know all I need to know.”
“Thunder, why are you being so difficult?” Jeffrey asked. “You are going on this trip. It is being paid for out of the royal coffers and you will be staying in the best places imaginable.”
“Because I am not their servant,” Jonathan said. “It does not matter how you feel about me, Your Highness. You are a Prince. These people are not royals and I see meeting them as a big waste of time. I have a young lady that I am close to marrying. I want to be here and focus on that.”
“You shouldn't be worried about her anyway,” Xalen said. “She is far above you and if she was smart she would marry in her new station. I heard what you told Russell about her examination.”
“You should have seen it,” Jonathan grinned. “Just think, I am going to best Russell for a third time! First with Champion, then with Archmage and now with a pretty girl. One that is so strong that she was able to heal Her Majesty.”
“You should leave her alone and not ruin that girl’s future,” Jeffrey said. “Now we are trying to have a meeting of everywhere you will be visiting. The servants and guards I am sending with you know this itinerary. You even have a meeting with Earl Hinter, one that is long overdue since your grandfather as well as yourself now have estates in his lands.”
“When do I meet him?” Jonathan asked.
“After you have met a few others,” Xalen said. “And you will have at least a week with your grandfather.”
“At least that will take the bad taste out of my mouth from meeting those who think I am their servant,” Jonathan said.
“Thunder I better not hear that out of your mouth again,” Xalen said. “You are being sent to meet important people and that is that.”
“Understood, Your Highness,” Jonathan said flatly.
“Just go away Thunder,” Xalen snapped. “This is why commoners should have never been elevated like you are. You can't even meet your betters without some suspicion or some perceived insult.”
Jonathan left the room and wanted to burst out laughing. Xalen and Jeffrey were both angry instead of the other way around. Jonathan would try to hate whoever just out of spite. Any insult he would be given by his hosts he would hold on to. Jonathan was curious about who Jeffrey could possibly know that he thought would get Jonathan’s fancy. Jonathan hated Jeffrey and doubted anyone the man knew was worth two shakes, not if he liked them. Jonathan started walking away and was stopped by Dalton. Dalton didn't say anything and instead gave Jonathan a rolled piece of paper. Jonathan unrolled it and saw all of the places he was supposed to visit and how long he was supposed to stay. There were twelve places in total and they were stretched out all over the Kingdom.
Some of the names Jonathan recognized. There was a Duke on the list as well as an Earl. Other names he had heard when he was an instructor. The Delrays had to be the family that sent their son to woo Grace Story. Xalen had personally requested them when he thought Jonathan and Grace were an item. The Warringtons were surprising. Jamie Warrington at one time had been a Battlemage in the Mage Corps. He and Jonathan had fought in the same battles. Jonathan didn't hate the man but noted that Jamie Warrington had steered clear of him. His younger brother Lucius was sent to romance Cara Underwood and had apparently been successful. Jonathan figured he might as well make himself useful wherever he visited.
