“I am here to see Duke Golad,” Jonathan said.
“You the lad that killed the dragon?” one of the burly men said.
“That I am,” Jonathan replied. “I have only been more frightened once in my life.”
“What can be scarier than facing down one of those toothy beasts?” the guard said. “I saw one take a bite out of the Duke. Killed my older brothers when they tried to free him. I owe you an ale for avenging them.”
“I will take that ale,” Jonathan replied. “I only wish I could have gotten both of them.”
“They say another war may be starting,” the other guard said.
“I think so,” Jonathan replied. “I was at the border not even a month ago and saw a Dragonknight.”
“Will you go to fight?” the first guard said. “You and Lord Russell are the best we have from everything I have heard.”
“I will be there,” Jonathan began. “I can’t speak on Lord Russell but the common man can count on me to even up the odds.”
“Then I owe you an ale as well,” the second guard said. “My wife’s second cousin was killed by a dragon. Don’t know if you knew the lad, his name was Calder.”
“He was a friend,” Jonathan replied. “I am still scared of dragons but I will never back down from one either. I am a Thunder we don’t run.”
“Then make that two ales,” the second guard said. “The name is Sigur, next to me is Gunnar.”
“Nice to meet you both,” Jonathan said as he shook hands. “I go by Jon. I am a commoner and I don’t need any fancy titles. I also enjoy a good ale and hanging with the lads.”
“You sure?” Gunnar asked. “You got hit pretty good the last time you were here.”
“And the one that did it,” Jonathan began. “How did it end for him?”
“I heard about that too,” Gunnar laughed. “Your little redheaded friend blasted me in the stones and bit Sigur’s nipple. Of course that was after he took out the mage with nothing but a tankard.”
“That sounds like Red,” Jonathan laughed. “He is my best friend and is always willing to have an ale or throw down with anyone, anytime and anywhere.”
“He was talked about with pride,” Gunnar said. “The new mages we have in the Mountain, I am not sure about.”
“The bigger one is a tosser,” Jonathan said. “I am sure he has gotten the pit beat out of him at least once and has pushed others around with his magic. He has probably grown up now. The other one doesn’t start any trouble and tries to talk his way out of a fight.”
“Mage Tobin wanted it with me when we first met,” Gunnar laughed. “I did beat the pit out of him but he can take a good punch and he can throw one back as well. With his magic though he is something else, hard to beat.”
“Has he calmed down any?” Jonathan asked. “Wendy is a sweet girl and doesn’t deserve a tosser.”
“He has,” Gunnar admitted. “At least he is not wenching like the rest of us but I think that is because he is scared of Lord Russell.”
“He should be,” Jonathan laughed.
“Jonathan Thunder, as I live and breathe,” said Bradley.
“What in the pit are you doing here fancy man?” Jonathan asked. “Don’t you have some noble to suck up to?”
“Still the same brash troublemaker,” Bradley said. “And I now live in the Mountain. I serve as Her Grace’s personal assistant. The money is unbelievable and the job is rewarding. She even likes my wife.”
“She does?” Jonathan said, then shook his head. “Of course she does, she probably picked her for you.”
“There are worst ways to spend the rest of your life than with a voluptuous blond,” Bradley said. “I am supposed to help you with your itinerary while you are here. If you were not so full of yourself, you could be making the same money I am.”
“And be forced to be under Russell?” Jonathan asked. “I would rather jab myself in the eye with a horse’s love organ. Only reason I am here is because I think the Princes are trying to keep me away from the pretty commoners now in the Tower.”
“I heard they were from sordid backgrounds,” Bradley said. “Either way, you are here now and here is important. Her Grace has many things for you to do and many people for you to meet.”
“Well then let’s get this over with,” Jonathan said. “The lads out here said they owe me an ale and I want to collect.”
Jonathan followed Bradley inside of the keep and was surprised to see both Tobin and Charles. Jonathan gave Charles a hearty handshake followed by a hug. He knew he surprised Tobin by doing the same thing, Tobin unlike Charles didn’t hug him back and just stood there stunned. Jonathan stepped back and looked at Bradley who had a confused look on his face.
“What?” Jonathan asked.
“You didn’t greet me like that,” Bradley said. “Not that I would enjoy it.”
“Well Charles is still my favorite student,” Jonathan began. “He ended up the best fighter out of his class. Tobin is a perfect tosser but he kept all of the nobles in line. No more midnight fights, no more snobby attitudes. I wish I was angry and brash enough to sort people out the way he did. He ran the school with an iron fist despite losing a few fights to Charles. I thought he was a perfect tosser and a bully but I have always admired him.”
“You did?” Tobin asked.
“Of course,” Jonathan replied. “You took the act too far at times but you kept others safe.”
“You aren't angry about Cara?” Tobin asked.
“Not in the slightest,” Jonathan said. “She had fun and you did as well. Besides, what would my life be like right now if we would have become a couple? She did try to kill me.”
“That was a lesson, not an execution,” Bradley said. “And a poorly conceived lesson but not one meant to cause everlasting harm.”
“Is that why my scalp is burned?” Jonathan replied. “Or why hair still doesn’t grow in some places?”
“It was a mistake and you were paid handsomely for it,” Bradley replied. “You could have used that experience to end the feuds between you all.”
“As infuriating as ever,” Jonathan said. “What are all of you doing here?”
“We spend most days here,” Charles said. “Her Grace likes having us around and we have been personally tutored since we left the Tower by Lord Russell.”
“Is that so?” Jonathan replied.
“We are better mages,” Tobin said. “And I am learning how to fight for real.”
“I admit I don’t know how to fight,” Jonathan replied. “I still have a good right hand though. I probably should learn how to really fight or handle a sword. All I have done is practice my magic.”
“Well I think I can give you a better match,” Charles said. “Me and Tobin have brought down many rogue mages, none of them even gave me a proper fight.”
“What happened to them?” Jonathan asked.
“You will meet them later,” Charles said. “We took down six mages, two were executed. The other four decided to forgo their evil ways and help out the mountain as part of their penance. Their movements are watched and they have to report here every night before they go to their own dwellings. Think a more humane form of prison with a work release.”
“Not a bad gig,” Tobin said. “I done much worse before I was found to have magic. They get to eat good food and have a place to lay their heads even if they are not getting paid. Can’t dip their wick though, strict rules on mages getting it on. Only if you are married, anyone else is getting the business. I will get fired and it was made clear no one would hire me. If those poor sots are found having some fun, they will get the sentence any mundane would have gotten for their crimes, effective immediately.”
“Good thing that I am not part of the mountain then,” Jonathan said. “Not that I would do anything that stupid. A few dollars in the right pocket and women would claim I ravished them to discredit me.”
“This is the mountain, Jonathan,” Charles said. “The people here are much s
impler and trustworthy. You can finally meet my wife Piper.”
“That sounds fun,” Jonathan said. “I am going to use this time to just relax and avoid Russell.”
“Lord Russell is a better man that I expected,” Charles replied. “He really is loved here in the mountain and working with him has been a pleasure. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
“From the mouth of your friend,” Bradley said.
“You here already Thunder?” Russell said as he walked in.
“His Royal Highness put me here,” Jonathan said. “But I plan on getting from under your roof as soon as possible Lord Russell.”
“You are supposed to be a guest of my parents for at least a month Thunder,” Russell said. “At least show some gratitude. It is not often a Duke and Duchess invites a commoner to dine with them.”
“This is going to be easier than I thought,” Jonathan said with a smile. “I am here Lord Russell, what are my duties? Prince Xalen didn’t give me any specifics other than go away and meet the people of the mountain.”
“You really don’t want to be here,” Russell said. “There are many commoners that would consider this a great gift, your grandfather included.”
“Doubtful,” Jonathan replied. “He knows about your reaction to his daughter dying.”
“Thunder I was wrong,” Russell said. “I know that and you know that. We are out of the Tower now and have been for a few years. Initiate Russell and Lord Russell are two different people, just like first day Initiate Jonathan is a different person from Jonathan the Lightning.”
“A sound argument backed by facts,” Bradley replied. “Do you dispute any of this coming from a position of logic and objectivity?”
“No,” Jonathan said and rolled his eyes.
“Then your feelings aside,” Bradley began. “You are two people with no reason to hate other. You will no doubt have a rivalry, as much as a future Duke can rival with a commoner. You are two of the strongest mages in the Kingdom but my point still stands.”
“You are infuriating,” Jonathan said and looked at Bradley. “I have no idea how I haven’t punched you in the face.”
“Because you and Lord Redford both know my position is sound and backed by facts,” Bradley said.
“If you call him Lord Redford he will punch you in the face,” Jonathan said as he gave a wince a rubbed his jaw. “I speak from experience.”
“If that is settled,” Russell said. “I will show you to your room.”
“I have to live here?” Jonathan asked.
“Why do you say it like that?” Russell asked.
“Last time things didn’t go so well and your sister is about,” Jonathan replied. “The less I see of her the better.”
“I am sure you know how far above you Farrah is,” Russell began. “Even if you hate her, being a noble means being cordial around those you who rather not be around.”
“I am a commoner,” Jonathan began. “Something you have reminded me of many times.”
“If you can be cordial around Kevin Wilson with your history, you can be cordial around a girl who you says means nothing to you,” Russell replied. “Now follow me to where you will be staying.”
Jonathan followed Russell throughout the keep and went down a corridor he had never been down before. It was on the far side of the keep and Jonathan was sure it was nowhere near where the Golads slept. The room was simple, a big stone bed with a big soft mattress. The table inside was heavy stone and so was the tub that was attached to the wall and the hearth. Jonathan walked over to inspect it and could see there was a hole in the tub that was corked up. Jonathan pulled on it and could feel a draft, it must have led to outside. The wardrobe he was given was the only wooden item in the room, overall Jonathan thought he liked the big stone room.
“This is a nice room,” Jonathan said as he looked around. “Thank you.”
“Gratitude from Jonathan Thunder?” Russell said and raised an eyebrow.
“You all are angry because I refuse to kiss your noble backsides or be some bootlicker,” Jonathan replied. “I show my gratitude to Her Majesty, His Luminance and the Tower Mage all the time and they are all nobles.”
“You could have it much easier,” Russell said.
“And yet I would rather walk the tougher path,” Jonathan replied. “It will lead to me becoming Archmage. I am like a hound, I already have the scent. I aim to become the first commoner to do so. Like yours, my children will be strong and maybe they can have a more even rivalry.”
“What do you mean by that?” Russell asked.
“You are going to be a Duke,” Jonathan replied. “It is a grand title that you would be a fool to give up. It effectively means that either Archmage or Tower Mage will be mine. If you have more than one child and that child is not in line for a title, then a real rivalry will begin. Your child would be able to face mine and be in line for the exact same position.”
“You really like kicking the hornet’s nest,” Russell replied.
“A couple of things I plan to do on my first day of being His Luminance,” Jonathan said. “Is get rid of the stupid stripe commoners have to wear on our robes.”
“All you have to do is get married if you hate it so much,” Russell said. “There are plenty of people who see it as a service to match you commoners correctly. It is not much different than being a noble. We are usually matched up from birth, I just lucked out that my father thinks differently. My mother still has hope that I will marry the girl even if she likes Monica.”
“You are matched up with a lady?” Jonathan said with a huge grin.
“Of course,” Russell said. “My mother has mountain blood but she is not from the mountain. I am related to Xalen through her side of the family. The Queen’s brother, Duke Wellin has a daughter who has the gift.”
“The Queen has a brother?” Jonathan asked perplexed.
“Had a brother,” Russell corrected. “His daughter had two children and both have magic, nothing close to Xalen. It is the secret shame of the family, the twins were born from a mundane. It is a miracle they both received the gift. Their mother died having them and their father has wanted nothing to do with mage culture based on his treatment. His twins, despite my mother and the Queen’s best effort are virtually unknown. Maybe it is more correct to say that they are known, just not known for being mages. Both rarely wear robes unless it is an official function given by Her Majesty.”
“Never knew that about you,” Jonathan replied. “Everything there is to me is common knowledge. I don’t have some secret love, any hobbies or any other quirk. My work is my life right now, I strive to be better the next day than I am today. I just want this war to hurry up and start so I can get in it.”
“You are a simple man with a one view mind,” Russell said. “In your wardrobe there are different clothes, all tailored for you based off of measurements from your robes in the Tower. After you are finished putting your things away, find your way back to my father’s big room, I doubt you have forgotten it and it is easy to locate.”
Jonathan dropped off his clothes and could see he had his own set of furs, similar to what the guards outside wore. Jonathan decided he needed a quick rinse and filled his tub with water using magic. It was simple to heat a stone tub, fire magic did the job easily and soon Jonathan was washing off the grime from the road and washing his hair. Jonathan was only in for a moment and quickly dried off and then grabbed his favorite black outfit. It fit his persona and soon he was walking back to find the big room. It didn’t take long to find it. Russell was there along with his father, Bradley, Tobin, Charles and four other mages he did not know. They all wore a weird black and white striped robe and looked to be older. Jonathan thought the oldest was closer to forty than he was to thirty.
“Johnny Thunder!” Duke Golad bellowed. “Never thought I would see you back here after what went down the last time. Come on over and grab a pint. You can meet the boys and tell me some of your war stories.”
“Hello Your Grace,” Jonathan smiled. “As Red can say, I hear you have my favorite ale.”
“The free one!” Duke Golad said and laughed. “So what is this business about the barbarians?”
“Horrible stuff,” Jonathan replied. “I ended up killing a few soldiers and almost a noble. He tried to force himself on my date to Jordan’s party.”
“From what I hear, that is exactly the sort of thing you would have killed someone for,” Duke Golad said.
“Didn’t want to embarrass the military,” Jonathan replied. “I have a lot of good friends there that I would rather keep. That and it made Gertie grateful to me. A man could do a lot worse than having the attention a beautiful woman.”
“I hear you are not seeing each other anymore,” Duke Golad said.
“She was ready to settle down and a quiet little life is not for me,” Jonathan admitted. “Maybe when I am a little more sheepdog and a lot less wolf but I doubt she will stay on the market for that long. Oh well, my loss is another man’s gain.”
“You had a girlfriend?” Charles asked. “A real one, not like your charade with Cara.”
“I knew it!” Duke Golad bellowed. “Something about that just never sit right with me. The Johnny Thunder I know would have killed my man Tobin.”
“He tried,” Tobin replied. “I still don’t think it was a fake no matter what he says. I caught them kissing more than once.”
“You did,” Jonathan replied. “Who would turn down the opportunity to kiss a pretty girl? Kissed more than her while I was there, you know yourself that many of those noble misses that belittle you in public are quite different away from their peers. Never went your route though, just a few snuck kisses here and there. You went and caused scene after scene. The only one there with more infamy than you was Charles.”
The Archmage Page 40