“You could offer such a position?” Gertie said as her face lit up.
“She is not a Baroness,” Jonathan replied. “She cannot spend money that doesn’t belong to her.”
“I will be Baroness one day,” Farrah said.
“Then one day is when you should make the offer,” Jonathan replied.
Breakfast came soon after that and the topic turned to how Gertie and Jonathan met as well as the situations they were involved in. Duke Golad was angry to hear about the army and didn’t blame Jonathan one bit for the people he maimed and killed. After breakfast was over, Jonathan said his goodbyes and was happy he wasn’t invited to lunch. They went back to their inn and picked up the rest, everyone was excited about going into the Tower. When they pulled up to the Tower it was quiet, that all changed when Jonathan walked inside.
“Jon,” Mage Lehman said and looked behind Jonathan to the others. “You have bought friends.”
“Lehman,” Jonathan replied. “Everyone this is Mage Lehman, he is the head instructor for the senior years along with Mage Tabitha. Lehman this pretty young lady is Miss…”
“Gertie Walsh?” Lehman said. “I know you.”
“Hello Lehman,” Gertie replied.
“Sorry to hear about your husband,” Lehman replied. “But I am happy you found this troublemaker. It is about time Jon decided to find a young lady. I don’t know what you were thinking about settling down with someone as ugly as he is though.”
“Get stuffed,” Jonathan said laughing. “Why aren't you teaching class?”
“The Seniors are angry at the chatter surrounding the junior class and one of them challenged one of the juniors to a midnight duel,” Mage Lehman said.
“That is a rough fight depending on who they went for,” Jonathan replied. “That little one Prince Xalen has his eye on can win with raw strength instead of speed. I think Emma Gillespie may be too much for them to take on as well.”
“They went after all of the commoners and a few of the less notable juniors,” Lehman said. “Beat the pit out of all of them. It is a matter of time before one of them gets bold enough to challenge the cream of the crop.”
“Good luck to them,” Jonathan replied. “I doubt any initiate here wants real smoke with me. That senior class of yours is going to set themselves up for failure. The juniors are nothing to play with.”
“Speaking of the juniors,” Lehman said. “Ashley Raley said she wants to have a go with you.”
“Well then go get her,” Jonathan replied. “She seemed like a sweet enough girl, maybe I can show her some pointers or something.”
“You are going to spar Jon?” Elijah said. “Against a girl?”
“Say,” Jonathan began. “Do any of you know if Ronica, made the trip? I didn’t see Blaine at the party so I am unsure.”
“She would be back at the Gillespie estate if she did,” Gertie replied. “She is young but not that much younger than Prince Jordan and you know her sister would have dragged her to be a part of this atmosphere. Even while she is with child I am surprised I didn’t see Rebecca at the party.
“I know the place,” Jonathan said. “I can kill three birds with one stone. I was supposed to bring her out here to see the Tower, spar one of the students and let her read a book I am working on. I can do all of that right now. Gertie would you mind if I dip out for a bit?”
“You are going to get her?” Gertie asked.
“I said I would and I think Blaine, if he is about, would love to come here as well,” Jonathan replied.
“You are good sort Jon Thunder,” Gertie said. “Keeping your word to a little girl like that.”
“It was the least I could do,” Jonathan replied.
“Well then I am glad I let it drop that we were going to the Tower of Magic,” Alicia said. “I saw Countess Gillespie and let her know about my secret love.”
“She is coming here, isn't she?” Albie asked.
“Of course she is,” Alicia replied. “You have kept me in the corner for far too long. After you started sorting out those soldiers on my behalf it makes it all the more clear your feelings for me. Her Ladyship was impressed when she found out and said I am going to need a change of work but that she would find me something.”
“You got to get it over with sometime,” Elijah said.
“I don’t know why you are so happy,” Jonathan said. “If Lucius and Albie have found love, that only leaves one person for Hey Ladyship to focus her attention on.”
“Pit,” Elijah said.
“Well I am going to grab Ronica anyway,” Jonathan replied. “Lehman would you mind giving my guests a tour? I will be right back.”
“Can do,” Lehman said as Jonathan left.
Jonathan had taken to the air and was making pretty good time. He landed at the Gillespie Estate and wasn’t surprised to see Ronica out and about yelling for her older sister to hurry up. Jonathan landed behind the girl, she hadn’t noticed him in her fervor to get her pregnant sister to fly or do something to get into the awaiting carriage quicker. Jonathan laughed to himself at her eagerness, he liked Ronica and thought everyone had better watch out when she made it into the Tower.
“You in a hurry?” Jonathan asked as Ronica squeaked in surprised.
“Jon!” Ronica said and caught Jonathan by surprised when she gave him a big hug. “I heard there were all kinds of people trying to kill you, but you killed them and gave Prince Jordan a dagger. I got to see it, I got to touch it. Duke Golad said it smelled like it had been used to kill people before.”
“It probably was,” Jonathan replied. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“To go to the Tower,” Rebecca said. “She has been wanting to see it and uh.”
“So Her Ladyship and all of you just had to go as well?” Jonathan asked.
“Why are you here Jonathan?” Earl Gillespie asked.
“I came to get Lady Ronica,” Jonathan replied. “I made her a promise Your Lordship.”
“What is with your smirk?” Earl Gillespie asked.
“The Man Code,” Jonathan replied.
“What is a man code?” Ronica asked.
“It is when something should stay just between the lads,” Jonathan replied. “Just like there are things that ladies like yourself keep between them, there are also things men keep between themselves. To force another man to spill would be a gross infraction on the code the person that did it would no longer be privy to confidential information.”
“I haven't heard of any Man Code,” Earl Gillespie said.
“Because you are an Earl, Your Lordship and I am one of the lads,” Jonathan replied. “But you know of it now. I am guessing all of you are going to the Tower. I think I know why.”
“I will play your game Jonathan,” Earl Gillespie said. “We were going to take two carriages but I think I will fly.”
“I will meet you there Lady Ronica,” Jonathan replied.
“No fair,” Ronica said. “I want to go too!”
“You should be focusing on your match,” Jonathan replied.
“What match?” Ronica asked.
“The one you will be having with an initiate,” Jonathan replied.
“You are gonna make one of them spar with me?” Ronica said as her face lit up. “Rebecca says I can't spar and it’s not ladylike and who will ever want me.”
“That is your sister just being your sister,” Jonathan replied.
“You shouldn’t encourage her,” Rebecca said.
“Alright Jonathan,” Earl Gillespie said as soon as he and Jonathan were in the air.
“Her Grace knows about Albie and Lady Alicia?” Jonathan said as he put shields in front of them to cut out the wind.
“She does,” Earl Gillespie said.
“They have been a couple for a while,” Jonathan asked. “Albie is loathing everyone knowing because he doesn’t want anyone in his business, even the well-wishers.”
“Elizabeth talked about it all night,” Earl Gi
llespie said. “She wants to observe them firsthand.”
“Her Ladyship is bound for a double surprise then,” Jonathan laughed. “More than Alicia has found a man.”
“You mean Gertie?” Earl Gillespie said. “That was quite the row you started by bringing her inside. Many people were angry at you but once they learned more about her, they were not sure what to think.”
“Oh?” Jonathan said.
“If she was from a known mage family, it would be difficult to see her with a commoner,” Earl Gillespie said. “But it would have been a relief that your dreams of becoming Archmage would have been over. You would be a noble and have other duties to think about, not to mention your future children would be expected to behave in a certain way and your sacrifice at giving up Archmage could place one of your children in line for a title down the road. But Gertie is not from an established mage family and is still a newcomer to mage affairs. The only hold anyone has on you is that they know Gertie works for me and is the best friend of my wife. Many people were interested in hearing about her after you left, especially Farrah Golad.”
“Done and over with Your Lordship,” Jonathan replied. “You are married but you had to have noticed that Gertie is not exactly hard on the eyes and only a fool would care about if she was a maiden or not. But I am talking about Lucius and Tricia.”
“Lucius?” Earl Gillespie said.
“You are about to find out one way or another,” Jonathan replied. “I just thought that if I could talk to you first, that you can lessen their embarrassment. I do not really know Her Ladyship but from the stories I was told, she would want to be right in the middle of their relationships.”
“She would,” Earl Gillespie said. “And she is going to insert herself in yours as well.”
“Gertie doesn’t want my life or my enemies,” Jonathan said. “She said as much. We had some flirting but I still have my dreams and she let me know that wasn’t a road she wanted to walk with me. That bit of news is bound to get someone angry.”
“You seemed close and I know there is more to the story of your travels than what you have told me,” Earl Gillespie said. “Many people were remarking that seeing you with her was the first time you have ever seemed happy.”
“She makes me happy,” Jonathan replied. “Still ready to throw it all away if it means I will be Archmage. If the Downians attack, I think I will quickly prove myself and give the Queen no other choice. I plan on taking the position in under ten years.”
“Still focused,” Earl Gillespie said as the Tower came into view. “I think Elizabeth is not going to be able to let go of your budding romance as quickly as you seem able to.”
“I will not be disrespectful, Your Lordship,” Jonathan replied. “Why are all of these initiates outside?”
“Only one way to find out,” Earl Gillespie said. “And I wanted to see my sister anyway.”
Jonathan landed in the fighting area and could see Lehman was talking with two other instructors, Alissa and Tabitha. Lehman recognized Earl Gillespie and gave him a slight bow and went back to talking. The women never noticed him and were so animated that Jonathan could grasp what they were talking about. Jonathan knew Alissa was happy about something and that the rest failed to join in with her level of happiness and that Lehman seemed worried while Tabitha was down right angry.
“What is this about then?” Jonathan said. “I just flew in with an Earl and none of you except Lehman looked like he noticed.”
“Your Lordship,” the women said simultaneously and gave a little curtsy.
“Well I know it is none of my business,” Earl Gillespie said. “But you have gotten me excited as well.”
“The senior class,” Lehman said and rolled his eyes. “They want a team sparring match and have called out a few of the junior class. In return the junior class has decided to call out some members of the senior class. To be honest, I am much happier to have you around for this and I am sure I speak for the Tower Mage as well.”
“They are going to start killing each other!” Tabitha snapped. “We shouldn’t let this continue.”
“What is so bad about initiates sparring?” Earl Gillespie asked.
“Members of the new Big Four or Big Five or whoever they will be known as are doing the sparring, Your Lordship,” Tabitha said. “No offense to your sister, but you have met her before. One of my senior initiates called her a fat commoner kissing sow.”
“Emma is with a commoner?” Earl Gillespie asked shocked.
“No Your Lordship,” Tabitha said. “At least not that I have heard of. It was an insult that quickly became a rumor. Today your sister said she is going to end that rumor for all time.”
“Everyone has been dying to see what this class can do,” Alissa said. “Many people think the next Archmage is going to come from the junior class. We could be witnessing history, right here and right now instead of hearing about it. Like when Jon beat Gerald Morningstar or had to battle five other initiates without any help. I would have killed to view such a feat. This could be the day that something special happens.”
“This could be the day that we witness someone die pointlessly while possible war with the Downians is looming,” Tabitha said.
“I am worried about how we are going to stop it all once things get out of control,” Lehman said and wiped his forehead.
“Pit,” Jonathan said. “Where are my guests?”
“Right there,” Lehman said as he pointed to an area normally assigned to visiting landed nobles.
“Well I wouldn’t worry too much about anything,” Jonathan said as he floated into the center of the sparring area.
“I am Jonathan the Lightning,” Jonathan said after he boosted his voice magically. Jonathan was surprised when most of the area quieted down. “I know there are some matches and some grievances to be aired and I will let you air them. However I am only going to tell you to stop once, I will judge when I fight is over. Fail to do so and you will not have to worry about anyone pulling you off your victim. You will not have to worry about anything. You will be dead, I will kill you right here and right then with the full authority of Her Majesty, His Luminance and the Tower Mage. Anyone who has an issue with this can meet me out here right now in a fight to the death. I have His Lordship, Earl Gillespie here with me so the fight can happen right here and right now. Any takers?”
Jonathan looked around and could see the new Big Four or whatever they were going to be called with five members. They seemed ready, only little Russell and Ashley didn’t seem angry. Correction Jonathan thought, they were angry, the others were livid. Around them were five scared looking noble initiates, Jonathan thought he could see them shaking from where he was. None of that group had anything to say about his statement, Jonathan looked over and could see another group of initiates and they all seemed focused on the fight and not wanting to try him. Jonathan thought he should break the tension.
“Initiates,” Jonathan said. “Before this begins, I want to give a few of you an opportunity to take on me and my partner in a friendly sparring match. It will be a two on two.”
“Are you serious?” Jonathan could hear the boosted voice of Ashley Raley say.
“I am serious,” Jonathan replied. “I know I still owe you a match.”
“I want to take that fight,” a hooked nose boy from the sparrers on the junior side said.
“I want the match commoner,” Wallace Vandergift said. “You were lucky I was foolish enough to get too close to you. This will not happen again. I can sort these fools out at a later date.”
“Well then initiates,” Jonathan said. “I need it written down on paper about who is sparring who. This is going to be a bit formal. If anyone wants a friendly match then put your name into a pool and your opponent will be picked randomly. Go see Mage Lehman and he will write everything down.”
Jonathan saw Earl Gillespie had joined Gertie and the rest of people Jonathan wanted to show around. Jonathan could see amusement in the man’
s face as he noticed Albie was nervous but holding hands with Alicia while Lucius was doing the same with Tricia. Jonathan landed just as the Tower Mage walked over, leaning heavily on his cane. Jonathan looked at the man and smiled, the Tower Mage gave him a nod and then pulled out a flask from his robe and took a sip.
“Good on you Thunder,” Winchell said. “I thought I would have to go out here and beat the pit out of every one of these upstarts. They waited until Red was gone to start up this garbage.”
“I know you could take them,” Jonathan smiled. “But I got this. No one out there doubts my words. They shouldn’t either, I would kill whoever is down there if they take a life. Most of it was bravado though, I can hit whoever with my lightning from here.”
“Who are you going to be fighting with?” Winchell asked. “You have the junior class wanting to get another piece of you. You with a friend is not as scary as a one on one, you versus them.”
“Veronica Goodhaire,” Jonathan said.
“Goodhaire?” Winchell asked confused.
“My younger brother’s wife’s little sister,” Earl Gillespie said. “She is perhaps the best pure healer I have ever seen. Feel free to toss any of the Big Four or this current class into the conversation. I have been practicing with my Mage Vision spell. I think I have figured out which part of it to look at to determine a mage’s ability to heal.”
“You have?” Jonathan asked.
“Your ability to heal is very small,” Earl Gillespie said. “Where everyone’s potential to heal is, yours is taken up by a strange glow that I believe to be the source of your lightning. You only have a very small ability and that is barely noticeable on the edges of your lightning magic. You must have to pump an insane amount of magic to heal even small wounds.”
“I do,” Jonathan admitted.
“How are you going to fight with a healer?” Winchell asked.
“She had a unique set of abilities,” Jonathan replied. “She also knows earth magic. I think her ability to do that may be on par or greater than mine. This combines with healing to make a rather unique situation, I want to surprise you with it.”
The Archmage Page 36