“And you think he does not?” Jonathan asked. “I told you that Charles can lock down other mages potential for a few moments. Can you imagine what would happen if he were good with a bow or a sword? You are a smart man Lord Russell, is being across from an archer while you have no magic a good fight?”
“Perhaps there could be a place,” Russell said thinking.
“A place?” Charles Sr. asked.
“Mr. Fitzwilliam this is Lord Russell Golad, heir to the mountain duchy and the strongest mage in the Kingdom.”
“My Lord,” Charles and Gynthia said simultaneously as they stood up and gave a bow.
“Or maybe there isn’t a place Thunder,” Russell said. “You spent your time in the Tower angering your betters and now you need a favor.”
“Charles is going to be great with or without your help Russell,” Jonathan said. “Do you want me shaping his mind and opinions about mage culture or you?”
“We will talk later,” Russell said as he looked at Charles. “Make yourself available after you test so you can meet my parents. As for you Thunder, we need to talk, outside.”
“Did you just get me a job with the Duke of Golad?” Charles said excitedly as Russell walked towards the door.
“And all that it entails,” Jonathan replied. “I know Duke Golad, he likes competent people and do not care what their power level is. The Duchess is a handful but accept her insults as criticism and move on with your day. They have more money than they know what to do with and if they take a liking to you I doubt your parents will ever have to worry about finances.”
Jonathan followed Russell to the door and saw that Russell was not alone. Kevin Wilson was there along with Monica and Gerald. Kevin gave him a sneer but Jonathan ignored it as he walked towards Russell. Russell cleared his throat, Jonathan knew he was a little worried. Jonathan stood there waiting for Russell to say whatever he was going to say but Russell did not speak. Jonathan decided to break the silence and speak first.
“Good morning,” Jonathan said as he nodded to everyone present. “So what is this about Russell?”
“I heard you went begging to fight against the Donalians,” Kevin said snobbily. “But you can’t do anything without my permission.”
“You are the Mage Commander,” Jonathan replied. “If you do not want me that is your business.”
“As if I would allow you to run freely over my battlefield,” Kevin said angrily. “You just want to be there to destroy my chain of command.”
“The kingdom wants you to end your anger with the Mage Commander,” Russell said. “We all know your history and that you hate each other.”
“Never,” Kevin snapped. “I just came to see him beg.”
“Thunder,” Gerald began. “If the Mage Commander even entertained such an idea as you coming to the field of battle it would be under one of his Battlemage’s leadership. You wouldn’t even be second in charge or in charge of anything.”
“That sound sufficient for a month,” Jonathan replied.
“It does?” Russell said confused. “What game are you playing Thunder? You are an attention seeker, no way you would be happy serving as a regular commoner mage.”
“Believe what you want,” Jonathan said as he turned to leave.
Jonathan made it in the door and left them outside. The Fitzwilliams were finishing up as Jonathan came back to sit down and finish his meal. A short while later Jonathan started to see the rest of the students come pouring in. Most of these were rich nobles mages, no way anyone would stand for the rich mundanes to take up all the rooms. The rich mundanes would most likely be with him in his inn, the others would be in the slums but Jonathan did not expect them to get there until late that night since they had to walk instead of take a carriage. Jonathan saw Davin make a face at him and keep going, Rebecca looked at him oddly and looked like she wanted to say something but did not.
“It starts,” Charles said.
“What starts?” Gynthia asked.
“The little games that mages play,” Jonathan said then looked at Charles. “You buy that cudgel like I asked?”
“Yes but what am I going to use it for?” Charles asked.
“Any mage gives you stress you lock his magic down, maybe soften him up with a couple of mage bolts and bash em with it. Even that idiot Tobin would back away from that.”
“Is the Tower really that dangerous?” Gynthia asked.
“It can be but Charles can handle himself,” Jonathan replied. “And if he is looked at by the Golads then he has it made. They would take care of any expense and see to all of his future education. Golad doesn’t have many official mages and that is because the Duchess would not let a commoner work for her.”
“Is that one of the Storys?” Charles Sr. said as Jonathan looked up to see Grace.
“Yeah,” Charles said. “Nothing but trouble. If this school had a ruler, it would be her and that is including the mages.”
“She doesn’t have any magic,” Charles Sr. said.
“But she is pretty and talented,” Jonathan began. “She of course knows this and she controls the girls at the mundane school. Mess with her and it is unlikely any one of them will talk to you.”
“And young men like young women,” Gynthia said with a smile.
“Mages would prefer to be with mages,” Jonathan began. “But female mages are rare so most of the time a male marries a well-off female.”
“Well she is coming this way,” Charles Sr. said.
“Mage Thunder,” Grace said looking down at Jonathan as he finished his meal. “Follow me.”
“And who the pit do you think you are?” Jonathan snapped.
“Are we playing it like that?” Grace asked. “My family is beyond rich, you will need me for something one day.”
“Doubtful,” Jonathan said. “What do you want?”
“I am not one of your students to order about,” Grace said. “Now follow me or I will make a scene. Maybe I will yell about you kissing me while you had a girlfriend or how you rubbed my bottom. I can be loud, I wonder what everyone would think of the great Jonathan the Lightning then?”
“You are a liar,” Jonathan said. “None of those things happened.”
“So it’s a dare then?” Grace asked.
“Fine,” Jonathan said as he stood up.
“My parents are here,” Grace said as Jonathan followed her. “I know your people hate the non-magical but this inn keeper knows not to get on the bad side of a Story. They are expecting to see mages that are trying to woo me.”
“What does that have to do with me?” Jonathan asked.
“Wendy’s parents are also going to be here,” Grace said. “We both know that she likes you and now that you and that Cara girl are done she is going to flip that blonde hair all over the place to get your attention.”
“What does any of this have to do with me?” Jonathan asked.
“Do not fall for whatever she is planning,” Grace said.
“You are insane,” Jonathan said as he heard someone clear their throat behind him. Jonathan turned around to see two people who looked to be in their mid thirties. Jonathan thought he had seen them somewhere before but was unsure of why they looked familiar. They were both mages and wore frowns.
“You want me or her?” Jonathan asked.
“Aren’t you supposed to be dating my daughter?” the woman asked. “Then why are you over here with this mundane?”
“You are Cara’s parents?” Jonathan asked.
“Of course we are and where is she?” Cara’s father asked.
“I am not sure if she made the trip,” Jonathan said truthfully. “And I am just talking to Ms. Story about mutual acquaintances.”
“You may think you are something special,” Cara’s father began then took a breath. “But if you hurt my Cara commoner...”
“I would never dream of it,” Jonathan said. “But I think she has moved on.”
“What do mean by moved on?” Cara’s father
snapped as Kevin Wilson walked into the inn.
“Thunder,” Kevin Wilson said as he then looked over Cara’s parents. “I know why you are in such a hurry to leave. Your little girlfriend left you for another commoner and now you are trying to hide in embarrassment.”
“What are you talking about Mage Commander?” Cara’s father asked. “This man is with my little girl.”
“Your little girl is embarrassing herself by being seen with commoners,” Kevin said. “It was bad enough I have heard that she was with this one. Now there are rumors that she has found another commoner, one more insolent than Thunder ever was.”
“You take that back,” Cara’s father said. “Mage Commander or not, you will not insult my family’s honor.”
“Or you will do what?” Kevin Wilson asked. “Your daughter has a penchant for commoners and before you embarrass your family even more than she has, I suggest you use your own contacts and ask around. As for you Thunder, I should just let you stay here and enjoy the bed you have made.”
“His and Her Grace approaches,” Gerald said as he stuck his head inside of the door.
Jonathan turned around to see Duke and Duchess Golad walk through the door. Jonathan gave them a bow followed by a warm smile for Duke Golad. Jonathan didn’t like Duchess Golad and he was sure the feeling was mutual. The Duchess was everything Jonathan hated in noble mages, pompous, self absorbed and looked down on commoners and mundanes alike. Duchess Golad wanted to control Jonathan, she saw him as someone that was trying to change things and wanted to put him back in his place. It did not help at all that her daughter Farrah once sort of had something with Jonathan which made the woman hate him even more.
“Look who it is,” Duke Golad boomed as he leaned on his cane. “Jon Thunder, slayer of dragons and silencer of Blood Priests. I hear life has been taking a shit on you lately.”
“It has?” Jonathan said trying to hold back a smile.
“I don’t think you really want me to talk about the things I know,” Duke Golad said. “You have to realize I have many eyes all over the Tower.”
“At least it should show you that you should stop trying to reach above your station,” Duchess Golad said. “You are supposed to be having lunch with us Thunder and before you ask my daughter is not here.”
Jonathan wondered if they had all gone mad. He didn’t care who Cara was out and about with and he had gotten over Farrah as well. In fact, the only thing that dominated Jonathan’s mind was about what he could do to further his chances of becoming Archmage or what could be done to train his initiates better. Compared to the last few years, a disagreement about some women was barely a bump in the road.
“Your Grace, have you met the Underwoods and Ms. Grace Story?” Jonathan said as he gestured to the group he was talking with.
“You both need to get that girl of yours under control,” Duchess Golad said as she looked at Cara’s parents. “It was bad enough that she let Jonathan sweet talk her, it is something entirely different that she let some penniless commoner woo her.”
“Who is this commoner that you all keep talking about,” Mr. Underwood said looking at Jonathan. “I thought you and her had something going on.”
“Some commoner who has been beating up noble mages for fun,” Kevin Wilson said. “He is just as disrespectful as Thunder.”
“Another alpha wolf in the school eh?” Duke Golad laughed. “I don’t see you taking that too well Jon.”
“Jonathan has already dealt with Big Tobin,” Grace said. “That is why he went after that girl.”
“What exactly is going on in that Tower?” Duchess Golad said and grabbed her chest. “This is what happens when we do not have a proper Tower Mage and commoners for instructors.”
“I don’t spread Cara’s business,” Jonathan replied. “And the Gods haven’t built the man that I am scared of. But that is neither here nor there, this weekend is supposed to be about the initiates.”
“If you see my daughter you send her to my wife,” Mr. Underwood said. “I am going to the Tower.”
Jonathan watched the man leave with his wife not far behind him. Jonathan would of course tell Cara everything that happened but she had been avoiding him, probably out of shame. Duchess Golad still looked angry but her glare had softened once she heard Jonathan was not trying to be with a mage girl. Duke Golad thought the entire thing was hilarious, Jonathan could tell that he was fighting a laugh. Kevin Wilson had a satisfied sneer on his face and Grace looked annoyed. That was his out, Jonathan thought. All of the nobles with any pull hated the Storys.
“Are your parents about Grace?” Jonathan asked. “I may have to cancel lunch, I am supposed to be dining with His and Her Grace and I am not sure if I can invite anyone else.”
“You can’t,” Duchess Golad said quickly. “You need to leave this girl alone. Honestly boy, it is like you never want to get ahead. I do not know why I have put so much time into you.”
“Grace I will see you later,” Jonathan said and grasped Grace’s hand, startling the girl briefly but angering Duchess Golad until she practically started shouting.
“That is enough of that in my presence!” Duchess Golad screamed. “You will follow me now Jonathan.”
Jonathan followed Duchess Golad over to a table. She sat down and gestured for Jonathan to do the same. The woman was foaming at the mouth angry, Jonathan thought if the vein that popped out of her forehead got any bigger that she would die of a heart attack. Duchess Golad just looked at Jonathan as Duke Golad leaned on his cane. Duke Golad finally sat down when Russell joined them. Jonathan did not see where Kevin Wilson had run off to.
“Why are you talking to that girl?” Duchess Golad asked.
“You mean other than the fact that she is pretty and insanely rich?” Jonathan asked. “Russell himself told me that I should pick one of the mundanes living next to me and all my dreams could come true. I would be accepted, make Mage Commander and something else I wasn’t paying attention to.”
“That girl belongs to a family who has nothing better but stick their noses where it doesn’t belong,” Duchess Golad said. “The Storys have done many underhanded things over the years to get mage blood in their line. All they would do is seek to use you to their own ends. You would be the strongest mage they have been able to get their hands on by far.”
“Why would that be a bad thing for me, Your Grace?” Jonathan asked. “It sounds like I would have a strong family backing me.”
“Russell say something,” Duchess Golad said.
“Thunder is angry Farrah left him, Cara Underwood humiliated him and he could not get another mage girl,” Russell began. “I didn’t know he attached himself to the Storys, I didn’t even realize one was there until I left the Tower at the start of classes. Thunder is just trying to sew the most discord.”
“What about Wendy?” Duchess Golad said. “She is a pretty girl and she comes from a good family. She has my favor, if you were with her then you would have my favor as well.”
“I really don’t want to talk about my love life Your Grace,” Jonathan replied. “Wendy is a nice girl but there is a hierarchy at the Tower independent of what the mages are doing.”
“That Story girl has already gotten her hooks into everyone,” Duchess Golad said as she looked at her husband.
“She has awkwardly tried flirting with me before I knew who she was,” Russell said.
“You would lower yourself to being with a mundane?” Duchess Golad said looking at Russell.
“Never,” Russell replied. “I want the strongest or nothing for a wife. I would not belittle my standing by being with a mundane no matter who she is or what she represents.”
“Just so we are clear,” Jonathan began. “I am supposed to marry some mundane but not just any mundane. She is supposed to be poor with no influence. That is not going to happen.”
“No one is telling you to marry some poor girl Thunder,” Russell said. “You have stuck your nose in the Kingdom’s business so
far it is difficult for you to pull it out. You have the Queen looking after you which has put a big target on your back. You have the chance to gain relationships that would benefit your children and your children’s children for generations.”
“And that wouldn't happen with Grace Story?” Jonathan asked. “You know, the girl from the rich and powerful mundane family. While all of my hypothetical children with her wouldn’t be mages, enough of them will and they could shoot lightning. I don’t get along with you Russell and I doubt our rivalry will ever be squashed since you stood by and watched my best friend get tortured and then pulled me off of the man who did it. Why should I tie myself to you? His and Her Grace are not going to be here forever and I don’t trust you to do right by me at all. I believe I was attacked in your home and nothing happened to my attacker. I am a commoner, not an idiot.”
“Looks like he has you both there!” Duke Golad said laughing. “Jon here is pissed about his girl running off with some other lad and wants to watch the world burn. No Farrah, no other little mage girl and he wants nothing to do with the lass Wendy no matter how pretty she is. That Story girl would piss off the maximum number of people while playing by everyone’s rules. That lad said he is going to be Archmage and I think he has it.”
“Russell is going to be Archmage,” Duchess Golad said.
“Not if he wants to be Duke,” Duke Golad said. “The mountain comes first. You both have ran Farrah off to be a Baroness so that is not happening either. That lass Monica is going to get her man in the end, she would rather be Duchess instead of Archmage or Tower Mage and she would have to be content with being Duchess. The mountain is coming in second to no one. That leaves Jon backed by all the money of the Storys to become Archmage and shape mage life for generations. Who knows how many Storys will get magic in their blood after that happens.”
“Stop being so happy about it,” the Duchess snapped. “You are ruining things just to be difficult Thunder.”
“At least we are all clear,” Jonathan said. “I was just being a pain at first when I brought up Grace. But the more I think about it, the more this could happen. Some of my children will get my lightning no matter what. The only thing that is going to stop me is if Grace finds herself another mage. If you both don’t mind Your Graces, I have responsibilities as an instructor and the Queen’s Champion to uphold.”
The Archmage Page 14