“Not that crazy but it will not end up well,” Jonathan replied. “Bradley trained with us for a good bit while we were students and he has his own thoughts about how commoners should act.”
“That idiot Tobin has no idea how to perform magic,” Red replied. “And we aint getting involved. You want me to have those birds from next door involved?”
“They wouldn’t be able to get away from Madame Hawking,” Jonathan replied. “Maybe a few of them would.”
“That is on them,” Red said. “I am going to let it leak. I will tell Julian and he will get it around everywhere. Now back to Cara, something about your story aint adding up. I think you are interested in more than just this trick you have going on.”
“I could do better,” Jonathan replied.
“You also could do a lot worse,” Red said. “If a bird like that wanted to have a go with me, I would take it. Pit, I would take any noble mage girl that wanted to make me hers. Just think about how far I could go. I am already making decent coin, just think about how much more I could grab.”
“Well you have tutoring you need to get to,” Jonathan replied. “I think in order to keep up appearances, I shouldn’t be involved with Madame Hawking and her people tonight.”
~
Jonathan got out of his bed and stretched, he wondered how the fight went. Jonathan was a little surprised that he slept right through the midnight duel, he planned on spying on it from afar. Tobin probably was taught a valuable lesson and wouldn’t pick on anyone else. Jonathan just hoped he wasn’t hurt too bad. Jonathan grabbed items so he could wash off and walked through the barracks, the initiates were all sleeping and Jonathan thought Tobin looked okay. Bradley must did not want to hurt him Jonathan thought as he walked into the Tower and into one of the baths on the lower level. The soak felt good, Jonathan had to warm the water up himself but enjoyed his time. Jonathan took his time in getting dressed and made his way to the dining hall. Waking up before the sun definitely had its benefits. Jonathan walked inside of the dining hall and instead of finding only cooks hard at work, he found a sleepy looking Blaine Gillespie talking to Monica.
“Thunder,” Monica said as she stood up. “Your disrespect knows no bounds.”
“What are you talking about Monica?” Jonathan replied. “It is too early to play whatever game this is.”
“You are teaching all of those idiots to disrespect nobles,” Monica snapped. “If that idiot comes at me, I am going to make his insides, outside.”
“What idiot? What are you talking about?” Jonathan was confused by her words. What he wasn’t confused about was her anger, Monica was as angry as Jonathan had ever seen her before.
“That big idiot who cheated to win,” Monica said. “Don’t pretend that you didn’t know about the midnight fights starting back up.”
“I heard about that,” Jonathan admitted. “And I stayed out of it for the most part. I just told the new class that they better not be involved in any of it. I gave them two weeks, it should be enough time for them to learn the basics. All of them are as stupid and angry as all of you nobles. They would charge right into a butt kicking if they ever took on the senior class.”
“You taught that ox how to cheat!” Blaine said then grabbed his head.
“What is wrong with him?” Jonathan asked Monica.
“He was up all-night healing Bradley,” Monica said. “Until he went to get me to finish everything off.”
“Healing Bradley?” Jonathan said confused. “Why would Bradley need healing?”
“Because your commoner cheated,” Monica replied.
“Bradley had him staggered and sent him down,” Blaine said. “Bradley walked over to see if he had enough and had dirt thrown in his eyes. That commoner then stayed on him. He is more than twice Bradley’s size. Bradley was trying to be nice by using spells that wouldn’t leave a mark. That idiot broke Bradley’s face in two even after he quit.”
“He did?” Jonathan asked. “I had nothing to do with it.”
“Sure you didn’t,” Monica replied. “I was playing it by your rules Thunder. You think just because Russell is gone that you are going to put the commoners in charge? That is not going to happen, everyone else may be scared of you, I am not.”
“I am not trying to take over this Tower,” Jonathan replied. “Bradley was too much of a gentleman to give that idiot what he deserved. Either way I do not care. I have never been scared of you or anyone else Monica. I remember your face when you thought that idiot was going to kill my father back in Vashing. Whenever you want to have a go with me, I am ready. I don’t care whose favor you have or how strong you think you are.”
“What happened in Vashing?” Blaine asked.
“Not worth bringing up,” Monica said. “This commoner is still angry because his father picked a fight when he should have just walked away.”
“We are Thunders, we do not walk away from anything,” Jonathan said. “The coward responsible for my father’s death is afraid to face me til this day. If you have a problem with Tobin then you should handle it.”
“I am an instructor,” Monica said. “I cannot be involved in things like this. I am sure you would twist it for your own amusement.”
“Your commoner has people scared,” Blaine said.
“That idiot?” Jonathan asked. “For what?”
“The last loud mouth commoner to come through the Tower with no fear and many threats was you,” Blaine said. “You were seen as a joke and a wannabe until you starched everyone put before you. No one knows how strong he is.”
“You have Mage Vision,” Jonathan replied.
“And it turned up a weak commoner,” Blaine said. “Weaker than the others you have. I think the only reason he would act like that is if he has his own spell, like your lightning.”
“That idiot is doing it,” Jonathan said and let an involuntary smile spread across his face.
“What is so funny?” Monica said. “Angry your little plan has been found out?”
“He has you all cowered,” Jonathan said. “He is bigger than everyone here and is not scared to use his fists.”
“It is the same way you beat Morningstar,” Monica said. “It is disgraceful in a mage duel.”
“His physical fighting has you all worried as well,” Jonathan said. “I thought he would be taught a lesson.”
“You need to stop this,” Monica said. “Xalen and the rest has already given this Tower a black eye from the way they went after you.”
“I am not stopping shit,” I replied. “I am going to teach my initiates how to defend against idiots like that though.”
“You are scared of him?” Blaine asked. “You are the Queen’s Champion.”
“I am scared of no one,” Jonathan replied. “I also do not jump because you said so. Right now Tobin is riding high on a bit of luck.”
“The same thing that was said about you,” Blaine said.
“Johnny Thunder!” Red said as he came into the dining hall. “You would never believe what happened last night.”
“I just heard,” Jonathan replied.
“That pit of an idiot did it!” Red said. “I thought Bradley would walk him around the dueling area like a Dalian Stepper but I was wrong.”
“You better curb your enthusiasm commoner,” Monica snapped.
“You can get stuffed,” Red replied. “Bradley was a right idiot for letting a tosser like that get a breather. Last time I saw nobles silenced like that was when I beat the pit out of Gerald Morningstar.”
“You, you think this is funny?” Blaine asked.
“I think Bradley or the rest of you will never take an opponent for granted,” Red replied. “Which is a lesson that is better you learn here instead of off in the street somewhere.”
“You commoners have began to overstep your boundaries,” Blaine said looking at Jonathan. “Why are you trying to make a play for Cara Underwood.”
“Why shouldn’t I?” Jonathan replied. “She can open d
oors for me that I would have to kick down otherwise.”
“Those women out there are for people like you Jonathan,” Blaine replied. “They come from good homes as well.”
“And yet I have not seen you out there,” Jonathan replied.
“I heard you were having fun,” Blaine replied.
“And all I got from it was a slap across the face,” Jonathan replied.
“Cara would never,” Monica began as Red cut her off.
“Is that what that was about?” Red said laughing. “I was wondering who smacked the pit out of you. I thought you had gotten fresh with Grace.”
“Do not say that name around me,” Monica replied. “She and the rest of her family think they are more important than they actually are.”
“Grace?” Blaine asked.
“Grace Story,” Monica replied.
“Just great,” Blaine said.
“Who the pit are the Storys,” Red said. “And why do they have all of your small clothes in a bunch?”
“The Storys are a they,” Monica replied. “A bunch of mundanes that have far more money than they know what to do with. One of the richest families in the kingdom and they have been dying to get mage blood.”
“Explains a lot,” Jonathan replied.
“What does that mean?” Monica snapped.
“It explains why she talks to everyone like she is above it all,” Red replied. “Good for her then, no doubt she will snag a mage. I think she is a bit of a knobber but at least I know why. If Tobin ends up with her it would be sweet justice.”
“How is that commoner marrying someone rich, sweet justice?” Blaine snapped.
“Because Tobin is a total tosser,” Red replied. “Him being around Grace and her people is bound to tick him off. Her getting a lout that will probably hit on anything in a dress will cool her off. You know he told us all that he is going to go after four of those mundane birds and threatened the lot of us if he sees us making a play for them.”
“So he is in charge over there then,” Monica said. “You are all scared of him.”
“Pit no,” Red said. “Johnny was ready to smear his ass all across our barracks before I stopped him. Johnny and me are both commoners who got lucky with this spot. We are not going to mess this up over an idiot like that.”
“Jonathan you know your activities with Cara will not be taken well,” Blaine said. “My brother will be upset and so will many influential people.”
“I don’t think Cara minds,” Jonathan replied. “And if anyone feels so strongly about getting into my business, I have never been a hard person to find.”
“Look lively Red,” Jonathan whispered. “Here comes Poppy.”
“Pit,” Red said.
“Hello,” Poppy said as she sat down. “Hello Red, hello Jonathan.”
“Hello Poppy,” Red said. “So that is what’s what Jon. I bet your class today is going to be filled with wide eyes and a willingness to learn.”
“Good stuff,” Jonathan said as he stood up. “I should go work on it.”
“You haven’t eaten yet,” Red said.
“I can take it in my office,” Jonathan said. “Come with.”
“This isn’t over Jonathan,” Blaine said.
“Well then we can figure this out together,” Red said as he got up.
Jonathan and Red both were not comfortable being around Poppy and Jonathan was sure she knew it. While neither said anything hateful, they vacated the area whenever she was around. Jonathan smiled thinking about Blaine, maybe he would make a go for Cara and end the charade. As is, Blaine was angry and other nobles would be as well. Those at the top level would just be happy Jonathan was with a noble and not a commoner. As Jonathan got to his office, he was surprised to see the Tower Mage, Winchell Rebelle was there waiting on him.
“Looks like the big boss is here,” Red said. “We in trouble?”
“About that shit last night?” Winchell said. “Pit no, I could end all of that in a heartbeat. That type of fighting is good for the soul. About time the commoners got one in. I don’t give a pit about that sham of a romance between Thunder and Underwood either. I am here to talk about Kevin Wilson.”
“What does that tosser have to do with anything?” Jonathan asked. “Isn’t he happy with that position he was given by Prince Jeffrey?”
“He is going to come here to teach mage tactics,” Winchell said. “The Queen wants to make things official and have three junior Mage Commanders. I do not know what they will be called exactly but they would answer to Wilson if all four had to fight together. She wants them spread throughout the kingdom on our borders. We have the Downey who are the biggest threat. The Raelinians who have proven to be a handful if they all march across the border. Then we have the untamed lands filled with various barbarian tribes and finally we have the Donalians.”
“No one in these classes is fit to do anything like that,” Jonathan replied. “I had practically every commoner mage in Kirby helping me out against the Blood Priests. Almost everything we did was based on the majority voting without anyone trying to garner votes.”
“They are going to become their own little force,” Winchell said. “They are looking for underlings. Anyone who takes the call would be getting paid double what a normal mage in service to Her Majesty makes.”
“The seniors would be the best,” Red said. “They have already seen battle with dragons before.”
“You are Her Majesty’s Champion Thunder,” Winchell said looking at him. “Me and Wilson hate each other but I can work with the man. Do not let him entice you to do something stupid. If you are locked away in a prison somewhere then if he survives he could do what he wanted. If he is dead then you would still be locked away and your vision would be gone along with all of the things you have worked for.”
“I can hold my tongue,” Jonathan said.
“I know you can boy,” Winchell said. “That is why I like you other than your mudbrained actions that put me in this position.”
“You are always on about hating your position,” Red said. “I am happy you have it or I wouldn’t be here.”
“Well you have your place in this as well Red,” Winchell said. “Have you picked another family name yet? I know you went by Harrington for awhile but I haven’t seen you sign with it in more than a year.”
“Just Red for now,” Red replied. “And I have been doing my part. All of the commoner mages have been interested in spending time with the mundanes. It hasn’t been a full week and I am sure of at least one couple. Griffin has been spending his time with two of them although I know he is with Natalie. The other girl Chloe just hangs around.”
“You think we could have all coupled by the midterms in Vashing?” Winchell said. “Erlanger has already written me twice and has demanded I write him every other day with progress.”
“That old fart wouldn’t give two squirts about romance,” Red said.
“Your manners Red,” Winchell snapped. “That is the Archmage you are talking about. And he wouldn’t care. Someone or someones must be leaning on him. Many of those girls down there come from families that are anxious for mage blood.”
“I don’t get it,” Jonathan said. “If they are as rich and powerful as you claim, they should have already had mage blood in their families.”
“A lot of them do,” Winchell said. “Some of them down there have either mage fathers, grandfathers or great grandfathers. They just didn’t get lucky enough to have the gift.”
“I never knew that,” Red said.
“It was kept secret so the girls down there that do not have that pedigree, like Grace Story and Wendy Jonnelsson do not get pushed to the back,” Winchell said. “Grace is from probably the most influential mundane family in the kingdom and Wendy was sponsored by Duchess Golad.”
“Well that would change a lot,” Red replied. “Can I know who is who? We both know I have no shot at that Grace girl and the big mountain girl has eyes for Johnny but doesn’t want Farrah to
clobber her.”
“No,” Winchell said. “I gave my word that I would not let anyone know who is who unless a high ranking noble asks while we are in Vashing. I am sure the girls themselves will let it out eventually anyway. You are going to have to be satisfied with that answer, I will never tell you about the list in my unlocked office in the bottom drawer on the left bound with a red ribbon.”
“I uh,” Red began. “I have to drop a stinky and uh, help with the dishes.”
“He was a good addition to this place,” Winchell said as Red left the room. “Your friend is making my gamble seem like the right one. Now back to Wilson.”
“I already told you that I will play your game,” Jonathan said.
“That includes bad mouthing the position of Mage Commander which you have done in the past,” Winchell said. “As the Queen’s Champion, you are expected to be the hero this kingdom needs.”
“And I will be,” Jonathan said. “No real wars are starting up so I will not run off and kill someone.”
“About that,” Winchell said.
“The Dragonknights are coming back?” Jonathan said with more fear in his voice than he intended.”
“Not them,” Winchell said. “Luckily our fight is on the other side of the kingdom. The Queen wants to push the Kingdom further into the untamed lands. The Barbarian tribes are locked in conflict with the Donalians. We cannot let one group overtake the other.”
“I don’t know much about either but I would be willing to go down there,” Jonathan replied.
“That is where the trap is at,” Winchell said. “Only mages under the leadership of the Mage Commander will be able to fight in any war unless the Archmage declares an emergency, something that he cannot do lightly and has to go through the Queen.”
“What about the Tower?” Jonathan asked.
“The border is on the other side of the kingdom,” Winchell replied. “They would have to be getting the pit kicked out of them for us to be called in. It is not like in Downey where we were the biggest force that was easily available.”
The Archmage Page 8