“I need to write a letter to Earl Gillespie,” Jonathan said.
“Already done,” Erlanger said. “I lost forty-three mages today Jonathan. I don’t know the number of mundanes killed on each side, I know the enemy only lost three dragons and that was because of you.”
“They will lose more,” Jonathan replied. “I have their number now.”
“Your lightning doesn’t work on all of them,” Erlanger said.
“It does something to paralyze them for a moment,” Jonathan said. “All it takes is timing and repeated strikes. It was how I was able to keep the purple one down while the men killed it.”
“Then the next time those bastards come teach them what it means to face our Champion,” Erlanger said. “After the dragons fled, Russell and the rest of the Big Four made them pay. We have the majority of losses but the enemy felt the sting as well. General Goodnight thinks they will use tomorrow to reconsolidate but we will not give them the chance. I am striking tonight and I need you as a scout. You are the one who has the best chance of escaping if a dragon comes for you.”
“I will do my best,” Jonathan replied.
“I don’t know how many more would have died if you had not been here,” Erlanger said. “Taking out two dragons before the battle really started really changed things. Their bodies have been hacked up and the army is eating dragon meat tonight.”
“I aim to get me a piece,” Jonathan replied. “I saw Lehman and Alissa go down.”
“I did as well,” Erlanger said. “I got involved into the fight and rallied a group of soldiers to press forward. Initially I wanted their bodies but I ended up just wanting to kill people. I don’t know how you do it Jonathan. I can still hear men screaming as they burned to death. All of the bodies, including your friends that can be identified has been identified and have been wrapped and is on the way to their families.”
“I am glad Russell did what I couldn’t,” Jonathan replied. “I burst my own eardrums trying to kill a dragon.”
“Everyone is singing the praises of all mages,” Erlanger began. “Do not cut yourself short. These men know you took out those dragons. Now get yourself some food and get ready.”
Jonathan kept on the sleeping clothes and walked barefoot. As he found one of the numerous cooks in camp, a loud cheer went up. The first soldier slapped Jonathan hard on the back and started moving people out of the way. Once everyone saw what the commotion was about they parted to let Jonathan through and the cook already had a bowl out for him. Jonathan talked with men and ate his food. When he was finished, he went to get himself dressed and was briefed by the Archmage on what he should be doing. Jonathan left camp at a walk, he was low on energy and needed every last bit in case he got into a fight.
The walk to the Downian camp was longer than Jonathan expected but he soon found them. Jonathan thought it would be an hour but it turned out to be a little over three. He had to float and pulled out a paper and some ink and quill. It was difficult to manage to hover and write but Jonathan thought he had gotten most of the details correct. He had seen a few dragons but didn’t want to risk the beasts noticing him. When Jonathan was finished he traveled back to see the Archmage who was angrily waiting for him. Jonathan could tell his mentor was taking the losses hard and Jonathan decided not to push him.
“This is what I have,” Jonathan replied.
“Any sentries?” Erlanger asked.
“Not really,” Jonathan replied. “They do have dragons on the ground. I spotted a few but didn’t dare to get closer.”
“These places you marked with an S are where you think they are keeping supplies?” Erlanger asked.
“Yes,” Jonathan replied. “And I think this place I marked with an L is where the some of their leaders are.”
“Then that is where I will be,” Erlanger replied. “I hate to do this to you Jon, I know you are tired and lacking energy. While I get everyone up and moving I just want you to confirm the targets and stay on site until I get there. After that you can take a well-deserved rest.”
“Of course,” Jonathan replied then grabbed his mentor’s shoulder. “The camp is over three hours walking. But before you run off I want you to know that nothing that has happened is your fault. You have given it your best and are continuing to do so. It is why I follow you. It is why Russell follows you and why Farrah and Monica follows you. Her Majesty picked the right man for the job. Now let’s go get even.”
Jonathan went back out and thought he was at less than twenty percent when he hovered around to make sure all of the targets were still there. The only thing that worried Jonathan were the three dragons he saw, one yellow and two silver ones. Neither dragon looked out of it and the silver dragons seemed to have many special handlers while only one person was watching the yellow. Jonathan flew slowly back towards camp and thought he could make out shapes walking. Jonathan slowly lowered himself until he was sure it was the Archmage.
“I don't have a lot of energy left,” Jonathan said. “But I was able to scout a little more. There are three dragons lying around and none of them look out of it.”
“We should go after the big red one first,” the Archmage said.
“It is not there,” Mage Jonathan said. “Two silver dragons and a yellow one. All of them are up and walking around and it looks like they have special handlers.”
“You saw Dragonknights?” the Archmage asked.
“I don't know,” Mage Jonathan said. “I know the dragons seemed to like those men above all.”
“Why didn't you just kill those men then?” Russell asked. “You would have saved us all the trouble.”
“How about you carry your blond ass in alone in the middle of an enemy army and start fighting?” Jonathan snapped. “We can all go home and you can end this war by yourself. Of course you are still fresh while I have made two trips here and back.”
“Enough,” the Archmage said. “I have a map, we can all look over it together.”
“Wilson I want your people keeping these dragons busy,” the Archmage said. “You will not get a better chance to kill a dragon than you will here. I am only taking a small group with me to focus on their leadership and supplies, everyone else is yours.”
“Why do you get to go for the leadership?” Russell asked.
“Because I know it chaps your and Wilson’s ass that Thunder is the only one to kill a dragon,” the Archmage said. “And a student disabled a dragon so a Dragonknight can be killed and chased away the scariest dragon any of us have ever seen. If you want to join my group then do so, make your choice.”
“We will get our kill,” Kevin Wilson said.
“What are you doing here Red?” Jonathan snapped.
“You know I couldn’t sit something like this out while my best mate is here fighting for his life,” Red replied. “I would never live with myself.”
“You have a wife Red,” Jonathan said angrily.
“Don't take it too hard on him,” Poppy replied.
“I can’t leave you to go in there,” Jonathan said.
“You are almost out of energy Jon and I have his Luminance with me,” Red replied. “Besides, I know these bastards took out Lehman and Alissa. No way I am letting that slide, eye for and eye.”
“I cannot let that go as well,” Tabitha said. “Alissa was my best friend.”
“Just get walking,” Erlanger said. “I will keep them safe or die trying.”
Jonathan took a breath and started walking. He was out of magic practically and didn’t know what good he would be. Jonathan thought he was walking for about an hour when he could hear the sounding of yelling. He looked backwards and could see distant fire being sprayed and smiled as he thought about the mages getting some payback. Jonathan couldn’t see much but saw mage bolts aiming for something. It was a lot of them and Jonathan thought it had to be a dragon since the mage bolts were now aimed skyward.
Jonathan turned around and continued walking. He wanted his bed. Jonathan had been walking
for another thirty minutes when he heard a grunting noise and looked up to see some mages drop out of the air. Jonathan was puzzled for a moment until he realized that they were supposed to be killing a dragon.
“Battlemage Warrington is that you?” Jonathan asked.
“Of course it is me,” the man said out of breath.
“What has happened?” Jonathan asked.
“A dragon broke free and is headed straight for our camp,” Warrington said between deep breaths. Too fast for me to capture it.”
Jonathan took off running then. Whenever he felt the need to walk he would fly for a little bit. Jonathan thanked Russell silently for the workouts he received while in the mountain. Jonathan could see a mage fly over him, it was too dark to make them out and Jonathan hoped they could keep the beast busy until he got there. Then Jonathan heard the screams and could see bright yellow red flames pouring down from the sky. Jonathan took to the air at that and pushed himself hard. By the time he got anywhere close the dragon had done five passes and was about to do one more when Jonathan saw it was locked into battle with some mages.
The dragon bathed three mages in fire quickly, Jonathan could see their burning forms crash on the ground. Another mage rose up to fight the beast and Jonathan recognized her. The mage was Crystal and she had the dragon wrapped with her mage rope and was pouring her cold water spell on it. The yellow dragon was still as angry as ever and almost bit Crystal in half. The dragon did another pass and ignored the mage rope and started to pull up again. The initiate dropped her hold on the dragon and went for the Dragonknight. The Initiate had wrapped the mage rope around his neck and started send fire at the Dragonknight. Jonathan cheered when he saw the man was on fire and was most likely getting choked since the dragon didn’t seem to notice the tugging Crystal was doing. The dragon spun around and bashed its head into Crystal and sent her falling. Jonathan could see she landed in a large tub or something, probably used to wash clothing. Crystal climbed out as the dragon fell to the ground. The animal reared up as Crystal started launching fireballs and controlled them to impact the Dragonknight. The yellow dragon went into a big spin and caught Crystal flush with its tail and sent her flying backwards.
Crystal was unmoving on the ground when the dragon started snarling and smashing anything in its way. Wagons were broken and Jonathan wanted to help but knew he had maybe one lightning bolt left in him. The yellow dragon stalked over the Crystal and was about to bite into her. Jonathan saw the tail of the beast raise and thought he knew of a tender area. Jonathan thrust both hand towards the beast’s anus and used the rest of his magic. The beast reared up at the attack and Jonathan was too slow to get out of its way as it landed on him. Jonathan cursed loudly as some soldiers had to form a team to pull him out. Medics were already working on Crystal and Jonathan thought she had to be alive if they did that.
CHAPTER 26
The Lightning Mage
“Alright you, hold still,” Red said as he started pumping healing magic into Jonathan. Jonathan could see his friend sweating but Jonathan was feeling better and better.
“What time is it?” Jonathan asked.
“Midday and we have already fought off the Downian attack,” Red said.
“They came in the morning, did one pass and got the pit out of here,” Red replied. “Well two of them did. The little white one toyed with the Superb Seven and that is not even the best part.”
“What is?” Jonathan asked.
“It bit Kevin Wilson’s hand off!” Red laughed. “Now he is a one handed scarred knobber. The outside is matching the inside.”
“Well don’t stop your healing, keep it coming,” Jonathan said as more healing poured through him. “That is the stuff, I feel like a new man.”
“Well most of the magic Poppy has been feeding me over the years is gone from the fight last night and healing you,” Red said. “I saw that yellow you took down. You are a bad man Johnny Thunder. That is four dragons that you have killed. I am including the purple one.”
“How many mages did we lose?” Jonathan asked.
“Three more this morning,” Red replied. “Window lickers who wanted to say they faced down a dragon. One of them was Zander something, I think he is related to your favorite Prince.”
“How is His Luminance doing?” Jonathan asked.
“He is waiting for tonight to get his revenge,” Red replied. “You are not invited to the show. Your job will be to remain here if a dragon breeches our defenses again. Russell wasn’t able to bag a dragon last night, the thing ignored the cold water and flew off. Today the attack was too fast for him to get close safely enough to use whatever spell he wanted. Like I said, only the white one hung around and it was hard to hit.”
“I think staying back is a smart move,” Jonathan replied. “I can be ready to fight in the morning and will still have all of my magic with me.”
Jonathan got up and stretched his legs. He felt a little stiff but Red had helped him out tremendously. Jonathan walked over and found Russell who was talking to Segdrick and Farrah. Segdrick looked at him and gave a small smile.
“So it looks like I have missed a bit,” Jonathan said.
“You are better than advertised Mage Jonathan,” Segdrick said. “I have no doubt in my mind from now on of who would win a fight between us. I don’t want to be Archmage anyway, maybe if Tower Mage is available when I get older I will take that.”
“So did you get your dragon yet, Lord Russell?” Jonathan asked.
“I have killed more of the enemy than anyone,” Russell replied. “Between my sister, Monica and I, I am sure we have killed as many mundanes as any three legions in the army combined.”
“So that is a no then?” Jonathan replied with a smile. “I am picking on you. Good work Russell, you are making those bastards pay for every life they have taken. Now you know why I love the field of battle. I like to spill blood and have mine spilled in return if it would save even one Kirbian family from losing their brother, father, or son.”
“You were made to be Mage Commander Thunder,” Russell said. “Imagine what would happen if you actually worked with the current Mage Commander.”
“I am working with His Luminance,” Jonathan replied.
“You should be leading,” Russell replied. “I have seen the way the men here cheer your praises. They see mages the way we should be seen, as their protectors. All of it is because of you. I have killed many men and yet people ask me if I know you.”
“Because I have been here plenty of times,” Jonathan replied. “Every major conflict I have been here and I have done my duty to the Queen and the Kingdom. I am the real deal whether you want to admit it or not.”
“You are also acting Mage Commander,” the Archmage said from behind Jonathan. “We have less than thirty mages remaining. Not all died, some were injured. None of the battlemages want the job and the resigned from the Corps. In order not to have it.”
“I am already leading men,” Jonathan replied.
“And you still have them,” the Archmage said. “The rest of the Big Four and Superb Seven will fight alongside of me with the former Battlemages. Everyone else is yours.”
“Pit,” Jonathan said. “We will get the job done.”
“That is what I wanted to hear,” the Archmage replied. “Our Field Marshal was one of the casualties last night. General Goodnight is the acting Field Marshal and your friend Burns has a temporary battlefield promotion to General.”
“Then I will find Burns and come up with a way to peacefully coexist,” Jonathan replied.
“I knew you would,” the Archmage replied. “Get yourself ready, I will send your mages to you.”
Jonathan went looking and found both Field Marshall Goodnight along with General Burns and other military men that Jonathan had yet to meet. Jonathan walked into their tent and saw they had toy soldiers spread out all along the floor. Jonathan saw one that looked like it was dipped in gold and was at the front of the troops of men. Jonathan loo
ked at it for a bit and guessed that was him.
“So here we are,” Jonathan said. “I know someone in here has ideas, I am the acting Mage Commander while Kevin Wilson is healing up and I am sure I will not hold this position long. If you have any experiments that you want to try, now is the time.”
“Thunder tell me what you can about dragon fighting?” Burns asked.
“The smaller ones cannot stand up to my lightning,” Jonathan replied. “The larger ones are only temporarily paralyzed by it.”
“What about that blond girl who wrestled with one?” a man with General insignia asked.
“Don't know where she is right now,” Jonathan replied. “My guess would be out of here after the nasty bump she took. I am not worried about the dragons right now. I think I have their measure.”
“You do?” Burns asked.
“The problem is with the enemy afterwards,” Jonathan said. “I am sure you know the soft fleshy bits are their weak points. The eyes are an easy target but it puts you in contact with that toothy maw. I took one right in the rear but that was with lightning.”
“Assuming you can take out the dragons they send,” Goodnight night said. “Then it will be a force on force battle. We need mages spread throughout our front ranks to keep the charging enemy at bay.”
“Maybe put a mage with every legion on the front?” Jonathan asked.
“Kevin Wilson never would have done that,” Goodnight said.
“But I ain’t him,” Jonathan replied. “You think that would stop the enemy from charging dead at you. What if I am only able to bring down a dragon but not kill it? Having mage help could go far.”
“What about His Luminance?” Burns asked.
“He can be my backup,” Jonathan said as he nodded his head. “Say everything goes according to plan. I take out some dragons and my mages are ready to fight. Then what?”
“We are worried about defense right now,” Burns replied. “We want them out of our borders as much as you do.”
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