“Angry people?” Jonathan asked.
“The Queen is using this as a big meet and greet,” Erlanger said. “Many see it as a travesty that you were not matched up suitably in the Tower. During your first year there was a chance. Her Majesty is not going to make that mistake and have invited many prominent and single mages to be at this thing. Five young women are in the Superb Seven, can you imagine the anger it would cause if any of them married a rich mundane commoner? Her Majesty has only invited single strong mages or those in line for a title. Their parents have been invited as well but not any siblings or cousins or whatever. No commoners have been invited; this has rankled many people.”
“This sounds like it will cause a ruckus,” Jonathan said.
“It already has,” Erlanger replied. “It is going to be four days of events. Event one is going to be the Initiate Tournament. Invitation only, no exceptions. After the tournament, whoever was invited can eat with the initiates in either the dining hall or outside where more tables will be placed. Day two is going to be the fight with the Big Four, still invitation only. Afterwards is an official meet and greet here at the palace. All single mages in the Kingdom were sent an invitation from Her Majesty to attend but she is making exceptions for the wealthy. Big money scores you entrance, I expect to see everyone angry they didn’t see the tournaments to be here. Third day, anyone who wants a piece of the Superb Seven can battle it out with them. If your feelings are hurt after your battle, then is the time to take them one on one. Later on that night is an intimate dinner with Her Majesty. Only the initiates who fought in the tournament are invited and they can only bring one guest. Fourth day is open to everyone. Anyone will have access to the Tower and there is a free lunch set up in the Mage Quarter for all initiates. Big money will be there trying to woo and set up couples. Then I have to get everything ready and it is off to war.”
“What do I have to show up to?” Jonathan asked. “I don’t care if I lose a bout unless the victors are being overly obnoxious. I have Dragonknights to prepare for.”
“Well you don’t have an invitation to the first day but I expect you to use your position in the Tower and watch from one of the many windows,” Erlanger said. “I know you are excited about two strong commoner girls going through the Tower. Day two you have to be at both your fight and the meet and greet afterwards. You are still a single mage so you will be expected to be there. You don’t have anything after day two. Winchell wants to set up you up with a couple of friendly matches like the Superb Seven but he is unsure. If it happens I don’t expect many people to go tangle with you.”
“Well then I have to get a schedule in order,” Jonathan said.
“Well I am about to spar with those two I told you about,” Erlanger said. “You coming boy?”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Jonathan replied.
“Probably the best time to pick out the best window to watch the matches from,” Erlanger said.
“Not a bad idea,” Jonathan replied.
Jonathan rode in a carriage with the Archmage and went to find the best window. He had a few in mind and would place a chair with his robe over it to save the spot once he found one. Jonathan went to the first spot he thought of, the Archmage was already in the sparring area and was faced off against Crystal Ward. The Archmage nodded for the fight to begin and Jonathan wondered how his mentor would do. Erlanger Telfarin was nothing special when it came to either power or speed. He got the job of Archmage by being old and commanding the respect of the Big Four.
Crystal went with a mage bolt, then flew in the air and tossed another one before landing and casting another bolt. The move was fast and Jonathan thought it was a good way to start the match. She was probably wondering if the Archmage was faster than she was and didn’t want to give him an easy target. The Archmage pulled a small wooden shield from his robe and blocked the first bolt with it and tossed a fireball high in the air. Jonathan could see Crystal’s mistake, she thought since the fireball missed that she could now go blow for blow. Fireballs could be controlled, Crystal was on the ground and tossing all of the mage bolts she could as fast as she could. The Archmage primarily protected his face and neck with his shield from the barrage. Crystal probably thought she had him until the fireball barely missed landing directly on her head.
It hit her in the chest and staggered her while catching her robe on fire. Crystal cast a mage shield and a water spell. The Archmage used mage spike, it was a little used spell that could break through a shield by focusing all the energy into an area the size of a quill tip. It took a bit to set up and require intense concentration. Crystal flew in the air with the Archmage right behind her. The Archmage tossed another fireball then continued with his mage bolts. Crystal stayed flying in an erratic pattern. Jonathan thought she was panicking since she was on fire again from the second fireball. The Archmage doused her in water and then went into an icy wind spell to add to the Initiate’s misery. Jonathan thought he could see the resolve in Crystal’s face as she landed.
Crystal turned around and caught the Archmage with a wind spell, the water spell the Archmage was casting was tossed to the side. Crystal was on him now casting mage bolts, flame and an ice ball spell she had learned. The Archmage had thrown up his shield and Crystal was working on shattering it. Finally with a strong mage bolt the Archmage’s shield gave way and part of the spell hit him. Crystal flew after him and had another strong mage bolt ready as he crashed into the ground. Just as Crystal was about to end the entire fight, the Archmage cast a spell Jonathan doubted she was ready for.
Mage light spewed from the Archmage’s hands and Crystal went temporarily blind. Crystal took off straight up in the air hovered in place. The Archmage was right behind her and took out something and rubbed it across her neck. Jonathan thought it was a wooden dagger, the match was over and he was sure the Initiate felt horrible about the match. She could have had it won so many times but was out of her league when it came to thinking on the fly. Jonathan wondered if that was how he was perceived and if so, were they correct? The Archmage was outclassed in both power, speed and most likely the Initiate had more endurance as well. She still lost, it made Jonathan pause. In a fight without his lightning, he already had no doubt that Russell would win a battle between the two of them but maybe that gulf was wider than he thought. Farrah would win as well and Jonathan thought that maybe some of the Initiates in the Superb Seven would best him as well. They would have to figure out his lightning magic to do so. Jonathan didn’t think anyone other than a dragon could do it. He would get the first strike, Jonathan thought that was a given and the lightning was so quick that his aim would always be true.
Jonathan saw Initiate Crystal head off the field with her head down and was going to talk to her. By the time he found her, she was with Mage Monica and was having a conversation.
“It won't matter,” Monica said. “No matter how hard the Queen tries to train you, you are still a commoner. I would have bashed my way through the Archmage and ended that fight before it began if he gave me openings like he gave you. Danica would have as well.”
“Maybe,” Crystal replied. “But I don't care if either one of you are stronger than I am Mage Monica. You can do your thing and I can do mine.”
“You are not as pathetic as most of the commoners I have seen,” Monica said. “If you are smart you will raise your station by finding someone suitable. Someone that isn't already taken.”
“I just thought the man looked handsome, nothing more,” Crystal said as she put her hands up.
“You just make sure it stays that way,” Monica said. “I have seen him here watching you practice, it is the only reason I came out to see you today. There was another who once tried to get in my way, to take what is mine. It did not end well for her, it did not end well for her at all.”
Jonathan knew a threat when he heard one. Monica had beaten up a friend of his because Russell was sweet on her. It seemed Russell had struck again and that Initiate Crystal was pro
bably the reason he left the Keep so quickly. The Initiate was pretty and if Russell got her then good for him. It wouldn’t matter in the long run, Jonathan would still be Archmage and that was that. What he wouldn’t do though it let Monica get away with threatening and beating up young girls.
“Save your threats,” Jonathan said as he walked up.
“Are you her protector now?” Monica asked.
“Why don't you attack her and find out?” Jonathan said. “I am not some young first year, I hit fast and I hit hard.”
“Is that a threat?” Monica asked.
“Like I said before, attack her and find out,” Jonathan replied.
“I don't need protection,” Crystal replied. “I can fight my own battles.”
“I know you can,” Jonathan replied. “But she doesn't play fair and neither do the people around her. Just like she knows that when I play the game, I play it for keeps.”
“You don't scare me commoner,” Monica said, looking at Jonathan.
“Then we can be next,” Jonathan said. “I am not just some commoner you insult and look down on. Back your talk up.”
“So, you have eyes for this one,” Monica said laughing. “She is only a girl and has you so riled up that the mighty Champion, Jonathan the Lightning is willing to get beaten to prove his love?”
“What?!?” Jonathan said, stuttering. Jonathan knew his face went bright red and that Monica had noticed. She would go for the kill and Jonathan was unsure of how to get out of the argument with his dignity. If Russell really was with this girl, she would run back and tell him and then Jonathan would never hear the end of it. Jonathan was happy he never had to reply, Red came walking up with his wife Poppy.
“What is this then?” Red asked. “You over here causing trouble?”
“Stay out of it, Redford!” Monica said never keeping her eyes off Jonathan.
“Just who the pit you think you are talking to?” Red snapped. “I ain't scared of you.”
“Of course not,” Monica said looking at Red in disgust. “You are a cheater and would never dare to face me without Poppy helping you.”
“But I will help him,” Poppy said.
“I don't have time for this,” Monica said then looked at Jonathan. “I am going to take your little girlfriend apart if she is even good enough to make it to face me. I want you there front and center when I do Thunder.”
“Girlfriend?” Poppy said as Monica walked away. “You and this one are a couple?”
“Just Monica trying to get under my skin,” Jonathan replied as he calmed down.
“Initiate Crystal,” Mage Poppy began. “Sorry about my nastiness, if Alissa was here she would apologize as well. Neither of us really have anything against commoners, we were just under orders to try and shake you up a bit.”
“You have been awful to me,” Crystal replied.
“We have been,” Poppy said. “But like I said, I don't have anything against commoners. I ended up marrying one myself.”
“You did?” Crystal said surprised.
“It was the biggest scandal in Kirby,” Poppy said with a smile. “Especially since I was once betrothed to Prince Xalen.”
“You were?” Crystal said full of shock.
“I was an idiot and left my one true love for the man,” Poppy said. “Things happened and we did not work out, he ended it, not me. I am just happy my Redford took me back. His only stipulation was that I marry him right on the spot to show I was serious.”
“Stop calling me Redford,” Red said annoyed. “My name is Red. But enough of all that, why was that twat having a go at you?”
“She thinks I am after her man,” Crystal replied.
“Well are you?” Red asked. “Lord Golad is a great big idiot with great big powers and a great big body.”
“No,” Crystal said and blushed. “I mean I wouldn't be against being with him, but I am not. I only go after men who are strong enough to beat me.”
“Russell could beat you,” Jonathan said. “Maybe not in a few years but he could now.”
“Then he would have to prove it,” Crystal replied. “I find that demanding someone is able to best me cuts down on undesirables trying for me.”
“A bit cocky are we?” Jonathan asked.
“No she is not,” Poppy said. “You have no idea what girls put up with. Here at the Tower I am sure she has to fight off all of the other students advances. Then she has to avoid the instructors, everyone has a brother, friend or cousin they would love for you to meet. Going out in public could never happen, every mundane noble would invite himself to be your friend. I just wish I thought of her idea when I was in the Tower.”
“Well I am glad you didn't,” Red laughed. “But if this one says she will only date those that can best her then she had better watch out. There are many crafty mages out there like the Archmage.”
“Maybe I should change it to being for a first date,” Crystal said. “Any additional dates need to have a match attached to them.”
“Well good luck to you then,” Jonathan said. “I look forward to seeing you show what you are capable of.”
Jonathan walked away and was disappointed he missed the second match. The Archmage had won it already but looked haggard. Jonathan flew down as Initiate Alonna was walking off. Jonathan could tell his mentor looked more relieved than anything. Had to feel good to know he still had it and had just taken down two of the Superb Seven in back to back matches.
“That was tough,” Erlanger said. “Both of them could have beaten me.”
“I saw it myself,” Winchell said as he landed. “Those girls still need some seasoning. The first had the speed and power to put you away but not the brains. The second had the brains but not the power she needed. They will both figure you eventually. I am too old to be out here playing around with a couple of commoners and getting my hide kicked.”
“Can you just shut up and heal me old man,” Erlanger said.
“Who you calling old?” Winchell said as he pumped some healing into Erlanger. “I may be on a cane but your hair is as white as mountain snow.”
“Well I don’t think either of you should be down here facing off against this class next year,” Jonathan replied. “Those Initiates have Mage Monica worried enough that she wants a fight.”
“She has already beaten Alonna,” Erlanger said. “Twice. First fight Alonna was able to get some spells off but was crushed by the power Monica could bring. Second fight was more of the same but Alonna got in twice as many hits. She doesn’t have the power needed to put Monica on her backside but I think by next year their fights will be tougher for Monica. Still have Monica beating the majority of the Superb Seven no matter how much training they receive. There is a ceiling, Initiate Alonna knows this which is why she has taken to carrying a weapon with her to break down mage shields.”
“So Initiate Alonna is the worst of the Superb Seven?” Jonathan asked.
“She has beaten Initiate Wallace before,” Winchell said. “In my office is how the tournament is going to go. Who is fighting who and when. I even have my predictions for the whole thing.”
“I want you to go and help this girl,” Erlanger said. “She has learned all she can from me right now. Maybe a new set of eyes is exactly what she needs. Might go a long way to letting your commoners in the Tower know that you are not some assassin.”
“Is that my reputation now?” Jonathan asked.
“I have had Initiates asking me why I haven't called the watch on you,” Winchell said. “Even some dumb parents have came here to yell about you being around their kids and what was my plan when you decide to start killing nobles again.”
“It was one tosser who deserved it!” Jonathan said rolling his eyes. “Doesn’t matter. I will go see this girl and start training after I get something to eat and find out who she is fighting.”
CHAPTER 19
A Winning Plan
“Hello,” Alonna said as opened her door. “M-M-Mage Jonathan.”
“Um, how can I help you?” Alonna asked. Jonathan could still tell that her big brown eyes was filled with fear.
“I am actually here to help you,” Jonathan replied. “I heard you are a thinker and I have seen the brackets before they come out tomorrow.”
“You have?” Alonna said as some of her fear was melting away.
“I have,” Jonathan replied. “I figured that maybe you wanted to get some practice in before your match.”
“With you?” Alonna asked.
“Of course with me,” Jonathan replied. “I can be your sparring partner and attempt to duplicate your likely opponent.”
“Who is it?” Alonna asked.
“A senior named Alexa,” Jonathan replied.
“Fireballs,” Alonna said and sighed.
“There are ways around them,” Jonathan replied. “It takes some boldness and a bit of luck.”
“I will meet you in the sparring area,” Alonna said.
Jonathan left her door and went down to the sparring area, he was happy it was clear. Jonathan stretched a bit and Alonna landed soon after. Jonathan could see she was scared and offered her his hand. Maybe if she could see that he was not the blood thirsty mage others thought he was she would relax.
“Jon Thunder,” Jonathan said as Alonna gingerly took his hand. “Not many initiates get this chance. Ask me whatever you want before we start, maybe I can put rumors at rest.”
“Why do you beat up on the students?” Alonna asked.
“You have been in the Tower for months now,” Jonathan said. “You have heard the way they talk down to people. I am just shutting a fat mouth and I rather enjoy it. You wouldn’t enjoy it if you could defeat some of your meaner classmates?”
“They call me whore to my face and behind my back,” Alonna said.
“Just like everyone calls me a murderer,” Jonathan replied. “Any more questions?”
The Archmage Page 44