“Father I owe you” John replied. “Dawn will just have to ride one of my creations until I can find her a horse. How far out is everyone?”
“They should be arriving at any minute” Jonathan replied. “They needed to gather the watchmen but they should be here”.
John looked outside the window as he heard a knock at the door, him and his father looked at each other wide eyed as John wrapped all of his armor up in a shield and left through the window.
~
“How can you stand this slow mode of travel” Knight Samuel said riding next to John.
“I cannot” John replied. “But I haven't really been on my horse so this gives us time to know each other. Have you picked a squire yet?”
“I know of a couple of good men” Samuel replied. “Not here though, old friends I grew up with. I want to ask one of them, this Knight thing is something they would love”.
“I don’t know anyone like that” John replied. “Maybe a guy I was in training with for the army, but the law part would turn him off. I was thinking about picking one of these men depending on how this mission goes”.
“You were thrown right into the shit weren’t you?” Thomas said as he pulled up on the other side of John. “I ran off a few bandits, a three man team but they weren’t a real fight. They only had sticks as weapons and fled at the sight of me. I think I am you are the only person who has had to use legitimate force”.
“Well get prepared to do just that” John replied. “We are supposed to tear the entire town down then move on to other outlying towns looking for crime”.
“We are all itching for action” Samuel said. “We were sent after little fish while you were thrown into an ocean of sharks. I saw your dragon, we all did. I am going to buy me a good lance just in case I ever have to meet one of them in a charge”.
“I am buying a heavy crossbow” Thomas said. “I want to bag my own dragon, I can't let John have all the fun”.
“It is nice riding like this” John said looking around at the two men.
“Well of course it is” Thomas replied. “Although I hear you may be more partial to your mage than we are to ours”.
“She kissed me” John replied. “Nothing to get excited about”.
“I hear you are supposed to be getting married” Thomas said.
“If you don’t want me to toss your ass off that pony you should watch your ass” John said looking at a smirking Thomas.
“I heard Thomas isn’t the ass you have been watching” Samuel replied. “I will say you mages are bold. Mine let me know I was lower than filth and how rich she and her husband were. Of course at night I keep her toes curled so tight her feet are sore the next morning. She pretends nothing happened and berates me when the morning comes. It is an odd relationship, once I slept with a tavern wench and she showed her displeasure by blasting me clear across the road. I should have never slept with a woman that old but the mage caught me at a bad time. We have come to an understanding, if I need some companionship she is willing. If I search for something younger or better looking I can expect a fight”.
“How old is this woman?” John asked.
“42” Samuel replied. “Her husband is in his seventies and she apparently doesn’t like servicing him despite all of his money”.
“I would never do that with the princess I have been saddled with” Thomas replied. “Everything is such an inconvenience to her, she is about as helpful as a two legged horse. The only time I haven't heard her complain about something is right now, of course she is probably up with the other mages complaining about something”.
“Many of them don’t really know each other” John replied. “The Queen just picked people that had decent power and she thought could use the experience. Some of them I know and some I have never seen or heard of. They all know me though and have been shooting me all kinds of looks”.
“Maybe they want to see what kind of weaponry you are wielding?” Samuel said laughing.
“I doubt that” John replied. “Well maybe some but most of them see me as a traitor for even becoming a knight. They won't say as much though, it was well known my father threatened to splat the current Archmage and the Defiler simultaneously. Well that and I am sure they believe I can take care of myself”.
“Your fan club has to help as well” Thomas replied.
“I had no idea about that banner” John replied looking at the man who rode 50 feet ahead of him. “The Queen heard my story and wanted to make sure there was no doubt we represent her after the man I fought didn’t even bother to read her scroll. All he is, is someone else I have to carry around”.
“Well you should have expected that” Samuel replied. “I wouldn’t be surprised if traveling with a retinue of Watchmen is commonplace by next year. We may be the vanguard of justice but even we need back up. Right now I have myself, the mage, my pack horse, her pack horses and her servant who just has to come along with her own horse”.
“A servant?” Thomas asked surprised.
“Now you see why I leave her at every town” Samuel replied. “She knows when I am ready to go and if she isn’t I just leave. The problem is that the woman she has helping her is competent and always wakes up early to pack everything and has the mage up as well”.
“Looks like a mage is coming over right now” Thomas said as he looked back and saw Dawn approaching.
“Good afternoon gentlemen” Dawn said smiling. “I know I am intruding on boy talk but might I borrow my partner for a moment?”
“Oh he is all yours” Samuel said barely holding his smile in.
“What is so funny?” Dawn asked.
“Oh nothing at all” Thomas replied.
“They are laughing because everyone here knows about my last day at the tower” John replied.
“Well they all should” Dawn replied. “Everyone should know, especially all of those girls that give you dreamy eyes in every inn we have stopped in. They need to know you have a tall busty woman who doesn’t mind throwing hands”.
“Throwing hands?” Thomas said shocked. “You are a mage”.
“I am a mage that can throw hands with the best of them” Dawn replied. “When you grow up being teased for your height or the fact you are filling your shirt quicker than the other girls you learn to fight. Noble boys and girls can be just as cruel if not crueler than other children”.
“I’ll trade you right now” Samuel replied. “You can take whatever her name is as your new partner and I’ll take her”.
“I hear Mr. Eagleton that you would miss your partner if she ever left” Dawn replied with a smile. “The poor dear has made sure every woman on this trip knows she better not find herself in your bed. The other mages here are a lot more powerful than I am, I wouldn’t want to intrude”.
“Ha Ha Ha!” Thomas bellowed. “You and that mage are a regular couple Samuel. She has already staked her claim and you are an official piece of side ass. Go on then, run back to mommy and let her know you been a bad boy and need a proper spanking”.
“Fuck you, you twat” Samuel said as he tried to swipe at a retreating Thomas. “Maybe I’ll tell your mage that you have been pining for her and sent me to fix you up”.
“You better not dare” Thomas said seriously as Samuel turned his horse around and went galloping away with Thomas right behind him.
“Finally” Dawn replied. “You can't hide from me forever. You called be a friend and I proved I could be a lot more. I am not listening to whatever your mouth is about to say because the rest of you enjoyed that kiss”.
“What do you want Dawn?” John replied. “You know I am going to have to deal with Sara and my mother because of that? I am sure when I get back the story will be that I tried to take you right on the practice field instead of what happened”.
“You could have stayed and set the story straight” Dawn replied. “My lip covering was smeared so my mother found out right away what happened. I was too embarrassed to say anything but Sara was
not”.
“What did she say?” John asked.
“She said I was being kissed by someone with the last name Thunder” Dawn replied shaking her head and smiling. “My mother berated me for being seen in such a state but it was all an act. When your mother came, mine pointed at my mouth and told her to tell you to have a bit more modesty next time you go trying to suck my face off. Your mother stumbled for a moment but your father took off and left Shadow there where he started pushing people out of his way”.
“My father went to warn me and give me an escape route” John replied. “One of the many reasons I respect the man”.
“John can we at least try to make this work?” Dawn asked. “I have been trying not to speak down on anyone to show that I am serious”.
“I don’t guarantee anything” John replied. “But we can try. I would be a liar if I said I didn’t enjoy your kiss but we look a bit weird together. You are the same height I am and probably the same weight. I don’t think we will look as striking together as you might want”.
“Doesn’t matter” Dawn replied. “I bet plenty of girls wish they could switch with me, which leads me to my next problem”.
“Problem?” John asked.
“I am not going to be your partner forever and from what I have been hearing you Knights stick it in any wet hole you can find” Dawn said as John looked shocked.
“You sound like a proper tavern wench” John replied.
“You did call someone a twat” Dawn retorted. “And stop trying to change the subject, I have heard at least four stories about women here enjoying the company of their Knights. While none of them would think of anything romantic, all of them would take a chance to sleep with someone who keeps their body looking nice. Especially since they know with their magic they wouldn’t get pregnant and any dalliances would never get back to their social circle”.
“So you think I am going to do this as well?” John asked. “Even though I never made a move on you?”
“Would you try?” Dawn replied. “No you wouldn’t, but if a little kiss has you red faced then I hate to think what other things would do to you”.
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about” John replied.
“I better not” Dawn replied. “How much longer until we reach the border?”
“Not too long” John replied. “Maybe another two days or so”.
“This trip has been dragging on not being able to talk to you” Dawn replied. “I am glad you came to terms with what happened”.
“Sir up ahead!” the banner man screamed out as he started falling back with his horse.
John looked up ahead and could see a horde of men coming towards them. John rode out front and the other Knights must have sense something and joined him. They blocked the road with their big warhorses and drew steel, they were only eleven men but they were backed by ten mages and a mess of watchmen who also began drawing steel and forming up behind the knights. John and the knights began a slow trot towards the men who kept coming their way. As they came into view John recognized the uniform, they were soldiers led by John’s former lieutenant Tenkay who now had on Senior Commander rank.
“What is the meaning of this” John said as he leveled his royal steel blade at Tenkay.
“Move out of our way” Senior Commander Tenkay said with a wild look in his eyes. “They are coming”.
“Answer my question or I’ll run you through right now” John snapped. “We are the Knights of Justice and speak with the Queen’s authority. You look like deserters and there is only one way you will be dealt with”.
“Is that you Thunder?” Tenkay asked. “Dragons have attacked, we can't go back there”.
“Dragons?” Knight Wallace asked.
“Yes Dragons” Tenkay said. “We were ready for battle and their beasts dropped out of the sky and killed many of us. The rest of the army is hiding in the forests, now move out of our way”.
“I have to see if I can help” John said looking over at Thomas. “Take care of Shadow for me”.
“What can you do about it?” Thomas asked. “We already have a mission”.
“I am the Queen’s champion” John replied. “I cannot run from a battle. This man wearing Senior Commander rank is a coward, he would never fight the enemy and instead prefers sending his men to die. If he is running instead of grandstanding then things must be getting bad. You will have to go on without me and hopefully I can meet you later. Bannerman, hand me that garish thing, I will hold it”.
“Where do you think you are going?” Dawn asked.
“The Dragon Knights have attacked” John replied. “I need you to lead our forces to the town that tried to kill you”.
“I am going with you, we are partners” Dawn said.
“No you are not” John replied. “You ceased being my partner when you said you wanted to become a couple. You are too important for me to go into battle with”.
“Well that’s not fair” Dawn replied.
“Neither is life” John replied. “I will see you in a while Dawn and I won't do anything to get myself killed”.
“You better not John Thunder” Dawn replied.
~
John rode his conjured horse for a few hours before he could see dragons in the air. His banner flapped in the breeze and he held his breath as he could see at least twenty of them and they were circling just as the sun was going down. The largest of the dragons, a green one went into a dive and spewed fire, even as far away as John was he could tell the attack was devastating. John got closer and could see the Kirby army was in disarray, they were in a large open area and were fleeing and dragons breathed fire on them and the Downey army chased them. A small dragon came down and prepared to breathe fire when John saw something that made his blood run cold. A large lightning bolt met the dragon head on, the large crack sounded as the bolt split the air and slammed into the dragon. The fire the dragon was about to spew sparked out as the dragon fell to the earth. Behind that dragon was the large green one who John had first seen spew fire, it bathed the area that John had seen the lightning come from with fire. Only one person could have cast that spell and he was now in the middle of an inferno. John could see other spells being cast upward and dove towards the closest of them. It was Rusty Golad trying to fight off a small blue dragon.
“You want a fucking dragon?” John screamed as he turned his horse into a black dragon and followed the small blue dragon. The dragon spewed its fire and tried to rise as John collided with it. John’s construct grabbed at the wings of the blue dragon and it was just enough to send the dragon crashing into the ground. Unlike a real dragon John could stop his creation in mid flight and have it fly whatever way he wanted it to.
“Get on Rusty” John said as Rusty looked shocked at seeing John. “Time for some payback”. John watched Rusty get on his creation and flew towards the Downey army who were intent on killing any fallen Kirby soldiers.
“Where did you get a dragon from?” Rusty asked.
“It’s not real” John replied. “The Downey wants dragon fire and I am going to give it to them”. John said as he remade his dragon so Rusty was now sitting in its mouth and John was on its back. The dragon was the biggest construct John had ever made and was taxing his magic, the visual effect would be worth it though John thought.
“What the fuck!” Rusty screamed out as the sudden change caught him by surprise.
“Get your fire ready” John screamed. “Fry those Twats!”
John pulled up an was happy to see a huge spout of flame spew from the dragon’s mouth and bathe the front of the Downey line in flame. John flew his creation to the back of the army and smiled as he could see a group of men surrounded by all kinds of banners.
“That has to be the leadership” John said as Rusty spewed fire all over the group. John looked behind him and could see he was now being followed by five dragons and had an idea. “Things might get tight”.
John turned his mount around and flew low
over the now scrambling Downey army. Rusty continued with his fire attack just as the dragon above John opened its mouth. Flame shot out as John abruptly moved his creation sideways, instead of him, the enemy dragon bathed its own men in flame. John continued outmaneuvering the dragons and had them attacking their own men. It took them longer than John would have thought but the Dragon Knights finally stopped attacking him with fire and tried more physical attacks. John was about to swoop upwards when he saw the big green dragon, it had its mouth open and was about to snap. John tried moving sideways but the dragon had dug its claws into his fake dragon and its jaws were descending. John thought this was it as the jaws began to close, suddenly a bright light flashed by his eyes followed by a loud crack. The heat from the lightning bolt passing by John set his hair and eyebrows on fire as the lightning hit the big green dragon right in its open mouth. The shock made John forget about his creation and it winked out of existence as John fell. John hit the ground hard and looked up to see the falling dragon, it was by luck the animal didn’t crush both him and Rusty. John got up slowly and could see Rusty laying near him unconscious, Rusty probably expended his magic during the attack and slamming into the ground couldn’t have helped. John grabbed Rusty and surrounded them both in a simple round sphere and took off. The majority of the people that surrounded him were Downey and he flew towards the figure floating in the air.
Jonathan the lightning looked terrible, his face was severely burned and he was naked. John enveloped him in the shield and did not break stride. His father collapsed inside of the structure and John continued on, there were still dragons in the air but they were someone else’s fight now. John had done what he could to even the score and had caught the Downey unaware with his attack.
“May the Gods help them” John said as he took off towards the rear of the army.
The Knight Mage Page 16