“Let me show you how much of my favor you have gained,” Gertie said as she bent over and gave him a kiss.
Jonathan enjoyed kissing Gertie and having her in his arms. She was fun to be around and he thought their personalities also meshed. Maybe he would end up with a noble mage girl. He could definitely see the appeal in coming home to her every night. He knew dating someone who was a known friend of a countess would get many people in his business but he didn’t care. Jonathan broke the kiss and looked into Gertie’s eyes. She laughed at him and booped him on his nose with her finger and went back at it. Jonathan wasn’t sure how long they had been kissing but knew he was ready for his first time right the and there if someone didn’t knock on the carriage door. They were pulling over for the night.
Jonathan made sure he was decent but Elijah kept giving him funny looks and laughing as he got out of the carriage. Jonathan ignored him and helped prepare a place for all of them to sleep. The carriage was brought into the wood line and all markers of their passing was gone. Jonathan had walked a little over a mile and used his earth magic to erase any horse or carriage prints of their passing. Jonathan couldn’t tell from the road if someone was camping out in the trees and decided to forgo a campfire. If anyone were looking for them it would be taught to locate them. Gurtis put out sentries before it was time to go to sleep. Gertie surprised Jonathan by placing her bedroll so close to his that he could reach out and grab her.
Fox had them up and moving before light. Jonathan thought they were through Tahajilee just as the sun rose but knew there would be trouble. Fox had spotted three sleepy eyed men who ran at the sight of them. Jonathan didn’t remember them from anywhere but Gurtis told him that they were lookouts. Jonathan marveled at Gurtis’s plan to leave Coe behind. The man was a half an hour behind him and would be able to warn if any trouble was coming up behind them. Jonathan had just gotten out of Tahajilee when a horseman sped past him, the man didn’t attempt to look their way and was obviously racing somewhere.
“There is your guy,” Gurtis said. “Probably going to set up a roadblock or something. You are going to have men coming from behind us as well.”
“What plan do you have?” Jonathan asked.
“Soon as we get around the next bend,” Gurtis said and pointed. “Move this carriage back into the wood line. Let them wonder where we went off to. We could even spend the night there since we know what the plan is. There is a camp somewhere ahead that we can get by easily enough in the dark. We know there are men in the town who have been up all night looking for us. Let them scour this place trying to find us. Even if they do find us, it will be on the battleground of our choosing. We can build the place up a bit and make them attack a fortified area.”
Jonathan had to admit that it was a good plan. He had started erasing horse and carriage tracks as soon as the conversation ended. Anyone looking for him would have to be on it. The plan was given to everyone and Jonathan thought it took no time at all to get the carriage moved and the horses secured. As they were building up their defenses, Fox pointed out ten men armed with bows trotting out along the road. They looked like they were in a hurry. Behind them was Coe, Fox was able to get his attention and bring him into the campsite.
“You saw the men?” Coe asked.
“We did,” Gurtis replied. “I am expecting at least that many blocking the road somewhere.”
“Maybe send one of the mages to investigate?” Fox asked.
“Not now,” Gurtis said. “Night time they can. They wouldn’t be spotted in the air and moving would be easier. We are going to have to tough it out on the ground if something happens. The mages should be in the air where they can do the most damage.”
“Looks like rain tonight,” Fox said.
“Even better,” Gurtis replied. “It will mask any sounds.”
“We need some supplies then,” Jonathan said. “I have my tent but I would really like some fresh meat and I am sure the women would as well. They are looking for a mage woman. I can pass as a guard. I just need a sword, which I already have and a dagger, which I also got.”
“It could work but not worth the risk,” Gurtis said. “We hunker down, and wait for things to come to us. It is only one night.”
Jonathan couldn’t see any fault and went with Fox. The man found him a good spot to watch the road from. A few hours later Jonathan could see men walking along the road. They were all armed and were looking at the ground. Jonathan knew they were looking for them and stayed quiet. The men walked buy and an hour later went back the other way. A few men started trying to look in the brush but only went so far before he gave up. Jonathan’s ability to lift the carriage had come in handy. The day had passed slowly, Jonathan thought he had seen the groups of men at least six times which let him know that their roadblock couldn’t be that far ahead. It was late afternoon when Jonathan decided to do something. A group of fifteen or so men passed him by, this entire group was on horseback and Jonathan recognized the father son mage duo. They had just went towards town when Jonathan crawled out of his spot and went to find Gurtis.
“The two mages just went towards town,” Jonathan said. “Now is the time to leave. I can be a roadblock all by myself. With three mages out front along with your men, you should be able to punch through whatever they have.”
“Are you sure you can hold them off?” Gurtis asked.
“Positive,” Jonathan replied. “Because I plan on attacking instead of waiting to be attacked. I will have them running for cover after I take the first couple out. I don’t plan on killing anyone but my point will be proven. I can meet you all in the Gills after this.”
“I don’t like this Jon,” Gertie said.
“Well you can stay with me if you want,” Jonathan replied. “But I think that would defeat the purpose. This is the best chance we have right now. If they never come out of Tahajilee then your trip will be easy.”
“The plan is sound,” Gurtis said. “Let’s get moving while we have our window.”
The group got everything together and Jonathan had them back out on the road. Jonathan walked behind them, if someone was coming up from behind, he would hear them. Jonathan thought he was walking for about an hour when he heard the sounds of combat. It didn’t last long and Jonathan saw two men on horseback speeding towards him. Jonathan let them pass. When Jonathan came upon the ambush site he could see that two men were dead, one with an arrow and one looked like he had met the business end of Coe’s blade. Served them right, Jonathan thought. Jonathan went flying around the area and found a few horses and the sign of a camp. Jonathan waited for less than an hour before he saw a mage flying furiously overhead. Jonathan caught him with a weak blast of lightning and the mage crashed through the trees. Jonathan was not sure who it was but knew the man was still alive from the moaning he heard. Soon Jonathan saw at least twenty riders come thundering up to him.
Jonathan didn’t wait as he started taking men off their horses with his lightning. He knew his enemies were not prepared for such an attack and tried to turn around. Jonathan saw the elder mage and sent a few mage bolts his way. The man had his shield on but Jonathan caught the horse he was riding flush. The animal tossed him hard on the ground and started bucking. The archers attempted to get set up when Jonathan started using fireballs. Their mounts didn’t like flaming men on their backs and soon the area was in chaos. Jonathan stayed where he was and just pumped spell after spell into the crowd. The first mage he shot down had recovered enough to grab his father and go speeding into the air. Jonathan smiled as he saw the men slowly start withdrawing. Jonathan was not going to make it that easy.
Jonathan went after them, he wanted his attackers to stumble over each other they were in such a hurry. He walked and fired at them for about half an hour before he broke it off and went flying to catch up with the others. The mundanes really didn’t want to fight anymore after the mages fled anyway. Jonathan relayed his story to the group when he caught up. Gurtis saw his mission as completed as soon as they stepp
ed into the Gills and the two groups went their separate ways. Now all Jonathan had to do was deliver the weapon and his errand would be done.
CHAPTER 11
Birthday For a Prince
John could see the palace was busy. There were many people out in front and they all seemed to have on a different uniform. Prince Jordan was a mundane but he was still a prince, many people had probably come to kiss his behind. Jonathan climbed out of the carriage and held the blade. He had no idea why a sword was so important or why Earl Gillespie and Sig Hunnel thought people were willing to throw their lives away because of it but hoped it was worth it.
“This is all you Jon,” Elijah said. “You are insane if you think I am going in there. We are late as it is, Earl Gillespie wanted this two days ago.”
“I’m with him,” Lucius said. “More fun in here anyway.”
“Ugh,” Gertie said.
“Yep,” Jonathan said smiling. “Everyone else can tell me to sod off. You on the other hand have been flirting nonstop since Tahajilee.”
“I look a mess,” Gertie said. “I don’t look nice enough to meet the Queen.”
“You may not meet her at all,” Jonathan said. “All we are doing is delivering a gift.”
“We aren't invited,” Gertie said. “They will throw us out.”
“I am Her Majesty’s Champion,” Jonathan said. “Now stop prolonging this.”
Jonathan helped a nervous looking Gertie out of the carriage and walked right up to the front of Bissell Palace. A guard stood in front to block him but relented when he recognized Jonathan. Jonathan was well known as the Archmage’s apprentice so John was sure he wouldn’t get anyone in trouble. Once John entered the building, he knew whatever celebration would be in the ball room. Jonathan entered it and saw it was as busy as he guessed it would be. Earl Gillespie was propped in a corner talking to Duke Golad and another man Jonathan hadn’t met before. Jonathan grabbed a nervous looking Gertie’s hand and tugged her over towards the trio. Earl Gillespie caught sight of him as Jonathan stuck out the weapon.
“Nice sword,” Earl Gillespie said as he eyed the blade. “His Highness will be beside himself when he receives it.”
“I hope so Your Lordship,” Jonathan said. “It was brutal getting it here. A fight on the way there, a fight with the Barbarians, fought with Soldiers and another fight on the way back. It seems like all I did is get into it with one idiot after another.”
“Well Prince Jordan has been waiting for this,” Earl Gillespie said. “All of the other gifts have already been given but it is better late than never.”
“I heard you got into it with some of those Barbarian lads,” Duke Golad said.
“And they were not anything to play around with,” Jonathan said. “As sneaky as they come and they prefer to get down in the dead of night Your Grace.”
“Well you stirred it up on this side,” Duke Golad said. “Many of those army folk want mages in the army. They are not happy with the Mage Corps which of course has the Mage Commander in a tiffy.”
“That is a tough mission they have out there, Your Grace,” Jonathan said. “I think they are going to need a few more places out there and even then I don’t think it will be enough.”
“The Barbarians are not seen as a tough fight,” the other man said.
“Jonathan Thunder, Milord,” Jonathan said as he gave a slight bow.
“You don’t know Duke Raley?” Duke Golad asked. “Well then, Raley this is the lad who has caused all kinds of drama for daring to make eyes at my Farrah.”
“It looks like he is over it,” Duke Raley said as he looked behind Jonathan and at Gertie.
“Forgive me,” Jonathan said. “Your Graces this is Gertie Walsh.”
“Walsh,” Duke Raley said and rubbed his chin. “I don’t think I have heard of your family name before.”
“I am one of the only mages in it, Your Grace,” Gertie blushed as she replied.
“How did you meet Thunder?” Duke Golad asked.
“He has been my protector while I handle some of the affairs His Lordship is too busy to do himself,” Gertie said.
“You sly dog,” Duke Golad said as he turned to Earl Gillespie. “This is the girl that some people have been after?”
“You know about that?” Earl Gillespie asked.
“How could I not know?” Duke Golad laughed. “You know I love a good bit of gossip. Hearing about Dannel Hewton getting his arse handed to him is a secret too good to keep. It is no wonder that he is nowhere to be found. I want to see his face when he finds out the lass he was after for his son is here with Johnny Thunder. You watch yourself lass, you might as well brought a keg of lamp oil around a bunch of jittery lads holding torches.”
“What do you think about the current class in the Tower?” Duke Raley asked. “My daughter is one of them and I think in almost any other class she could have been the top graduate.”
“Just like I told His Lordship Your Grace,” Jonathan said gesturing towards Earl Gillespie. “That is a tough bunch of mages in there and their powers do not tell the full story.”
“I have heard that you dueled a few of them,” Duke Raley said. “From what I hear they have been positioned to be challengers for the mage positions in the Kingdom.”
“Good luck to them,” Jonathan scoffed. “They are a tough bunch and they may be better mages than I am in that class but no one is a better fighter than I am.”
“So you are a braggart,” Duke Raley said.
“Your Grace I may be many things, but I am not a braggart,” Jonathan replied. “I challenge anyone to come up with a name of a mage that has fought in more battles and did more violence on the behalf of the Kingdom than I have. I have a goal and many people are depending on me to achieve it. I don’t think there is a man or woman alive with more motivation than I have.”
“So who do you think is a better mage than you are?” Duke Golad asked.
“Russell for one,” Jonathan said. “Farrah is as well and I might even toss Monica in there. In the new class there is a big one that I am sure will be able to beat me in most things once he has the training. Maybe that girl His Royal Highness is after could have me beat.”
“But you are a scrapper,” Duke Golad said. “I want to be there when they make you Archmage. I think the lowest you could go lad is Tower Mage.”
“And your infamy grows,” Earl Gillespie said. “Speaking of His Royal Highness.”
Jonathan turned around to see Xalen walking over with the little female Jonathan had beaten the last time he was at the Tower. Xalen had a sour look on his face that turned to confusion and then interest as he made his way over. The girl Danica rolled her eyes a bit when she saw Jonathan but Jonathan was certain she gave him the once over. Cara had already told him that many girls use anger and indifference when dealing with him since falling for him would be political suicide for most. Xalen stood in front of Jonathan and then glanced over at Gertie. Before Jonathan could speak he saw Jordan rushing over along with another young girl.
“Jonathan you made it!” Jordan said as Jonathan bowed. “His Lordship said he had a special present for me but wasn’t sure if you would bring it today.”
“And here it is,” Earl Gillespie said handing over a sword and scabbard.
“A sword!” Jordan said excitedly as he pulled the sword from its scabbard and went white.
“Do you like it?” Earl Gillespie asked.
“Is this royal steel?” Jordan asked in a hushed and awed voice.
“It is,” Earl Gillespie said. “And the crossguard and pommel are also something I think you would like.”
“They look like teeth,” Xalen said irritated.
“They are teeth, Your Highness,” Earl Gillespie said. “I wonder what animal has teeth that long and sharp?”
“Are they dragon teeth?!?” Jordan said loudly. “They are dragon teeth aren’t they!”
“Happy Birthday Your Highness,” Earl Gillespie said. “I am happy you like
d your gift.”
“Like it?” Jordan said staring at the sword. “I love it!”
“What did you bring Thunder?” Xalen said. “It is just like a commoner to show up to something he wasn’t invited to and bring nothing.”
“I do have something,” Jonathan said as he reached into the folds of his robe.
“Garbage,” Xalen said. “A beat-up old dagger or knife or whatever that is. What did you, do find it?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Jonathan said. “It used to belong to a Barbarian. We had a fight and he lost. I know Prince Jordan likes to collect things and thought an actual trophy from the field of battle was something he would like.”
“You see the edge Xalen?” Jordan said as he held up the dagger. “The barbarians make weapons by hammer and force. This is an iron weapon, they do not know how to make steel yet.”
“You know your metal,” Duke Golad said as he took the dagger and sniffed it. “This has cut open a man before. I can smell it on it.”
“Thank you, Jonathan,” Jordan said. “Jonathan the Lightning, I would like for you to meet Ashley Raley, Duke Raley’s daughter and my future wife.”
“A pleasure,” Jonathan said as he took a small bow. “Your Highness I would like for you to meet my date, Mage Gertie Walsh.”
“This is your date Thunder?” Xalen said as he looked Gertie over. “Who are you? I have never seen you here before?”
“I am the only Mage in my family Your Highness,” Gertie said and did a curtsy. “I am a friend of Countess Gillespie and I work for His Lordship.”
“And you came here with Thunder of all people?” Xalen said.
“Jonathan saved my life, twice,” Gertie said. “I consider myself lucky to be on his arm.”
“Well it is nice to meet you Gertie,” Jordan said. “Jonathan, are you going to spar anymore of the students at the Tower?”
“I think my point has been proven,” Jonathan said with a laugh then looked at Danica. “You are a lot faster and stronger than I took you for. You could have had a chance if I didn’t fight that other boy first.”
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