Jonathan and his grandfather walked through the arena and found their seats. The entire place was filled with noble mages but Jonathan thought he could see a few commoners as well. Queen Mildred and her family was easy to find. They were in some kind of argument about something, Jonathan guessed they were angry Queen Mildred didn’t let them know who would be picked. Queen Mildred stood up, almost as if on cue, the crowd around her hushed.
“Mages of Kirby,” Queen Mildred said in a magically amplified voice. “Today I am going to pick the successors for Archmage, Tower Mage and possibly Mage Commander depending on if my current one steps down. I have my top three choices for all of these positions here in the arena. If anyone, and I mean anyone does not like my picks, I will sanction any match to the death. You versus my pick and I will not allow for any opponent to be spared. Likewise, if you successfully challenge and kill my pick, then you are now in that position. The change will not happen overnight. I think half a year is more than enough time for my picks to get accommodated with their new roles. They will use this time to hire their own advisors and staff. The first position I want filled is Archmage. Erlanger Telfarin, walk to the center of the arena and be recognized.
Jonathan almost laughed when he saw how fast the Archmage flew. The man was ready to give up the job and Jonathan knew it. Loud whispers could be heard as the Archmage took his place. Jonathan could hear the people around him wondering who his replacement would be. One even openly thought Kevin Wilson should take the role back. The Archmage fixed his robes and then stood straight up.”
“Erlanger Telfarin,” Queen Mildred began. “You have served this Kingdom for fifty years. You have been a triple threat, an instructor at the Tower, the Tower Mage and then the Archmage. You have seen Kirby through many wars with four different enemies. Your leadership has seen this Kingdom grow and we are forever grateful. You have been asking for your release for a while now. I am going to call my choices up one by one. If they decline they have to do it in front of everyone. My first pick for Archmage fought a dragon while a student in the Tower. While still an Initiate, he went to fight the Blood Priests and killed more of the enemy than anyone so far in our way with Downey. Russell Golad, heir to the Golad Duchy, please make your way to stand by the Archmage.”
Jonathan saw Russell walk out of the entrance. He must have known he would get called since he wasn’t in the stands with everyone else. Russell slowly walked to stand next to the Archmage. Jonathan thought the man was massive but looked even more so while standing next to the Archmage. Jonathan smiled when he looked at Russell, the noble had an irritated look on his face that he was trying hard to hide.
“Give me your answer,” Queen Mildred asked.
“I decline, Your Majesty,” Russell said as the arena exploded. Some were whispering but many were loud in shouting their objections.
“Quiet!” Queen Mildred screamed as her subjects hushed down.
“I have your answer, you may stay and see my next choice,” Queen Mildred said. “Farrah Golad has fought in every battle her brother has been in and performed almost on par. She is the strongest female mage in Kirby and has the second most impressive kill count for an enemy to date. Farrah Golad, come stand next to the Archmage.”
Jonathan could hear sighs of relief as Farrah walked out. Farrah kept her body language neutral, this was the moment of truth. If Farrah accepted then she would lose Baron Nettleton. Jonathan thought even if their romance was gone that he would not try and woo her. Farrah stood next to the Archmage as Queen Mildred asked her the same question she asked Russell.”
“I decline,” Farrah hesitated.
“I have asked our two strongest mages to take the job and they declined,” Queen Mildred said. ”My final choice needs no introduction. In his short life he has become the greatest hero our Kingdom has ever seen. He has brought down Blood Priest, Donalians, Barbarians and Dragonknights themselves. He is the Champion of our Kingdom, Jonathan the Lightning. Jonathan come stand next to the Archmage.”
Jonathan raised his hands as he floated down, the arena exploded. The noble mages were a mixed lot, some of them hated the idea and others seemed meh. The commoners all exploded and started singing a song about his exploits. Jonathan proudly stood next to his mentor. Jonathan could see his grandfather was cheering and could see the tears in the old man’s eyes. The Archmage grabbed one of his hands, Jonathan could see the man was openly crying and Jonathan joined him after giving him a hug. The walls started falling, Jonathan was openly weeping when he felt someone else hugging him. It was the Tower Mage who refused to wait his turn. The crowd noise didn’t bother Jonathan at all, he had done it.
“Jonathan Thunder,” Queen Mildred said smiling. Jonathan could see her husband moving to get out of the arena. Queen Mildred reached out and grabbed Xalen to stop him from moving. “Do you accept the position of Archmage?”
“I do!” Jonathan said as the majority of the crowd cheered while a very vocal few jeered. “And starting right now, if there is anyone who wants to come take the crown from me, I will never back down from any fight in the arena. Mages, look at your neighbor. If that mage is angry at my selection, yet refuses to take me on, know them as the cowards they are.”
“Then as Queen of Kirby, I grant you the title of Archmage,” Queen Mildred said as Jonathan could hear the crowd quieting. “I can still remember a few years back when an angry young man told me that he is going to become the Archmage. I didn’t know what to think like a lot of other people. I can remember the circumstances of your parents’ death. I can remember a lot of the people here today calling you an abomination and were happy that they died for making a strong commoner. Those same people sit in fear of you now. I grant you permission to challenge anyone that ignores your orders. I want all to know that if he challenges you and I deem the offense worthy, you will fight. I will not let you turn it down. Now on to my next business. Tower Mage Winchell Rebelle, since I see you are already down there, are you sure you are ready to retire?”
“Yes!” Winchell practically screamed.
“Well then,” Queen Mildred began. “My pick for Tower Mage was always Jonathan Thunder. Since he plans on becoming the Archmage, it has made things a bit strange. Farrah Golad, will you accept the position of Tower Mage?”
“I decline,” Farrah said as she screwed up her face.
“Well then,” Queen Mildred said. “Mage Monica Manchin, come front and center.”
Jonathan watched Monica step forward, indecision playing out all over her face. Would Russell be happy with a wife as Tower Mage while he has nothing? Russell couldn’t be the Archmage or even the Mage Commander. He could possibly have the position of Tower Mage if he was a part timer. Winchell had left plenty of times to take a better look at the war and the Tower ran decently by itself. Quevin Wilson wasn’t involved at all, Jonathan only remembered the man sneering and embarrassing himself. If Monica took the position, she could forget her dreams about being some Duchess. She would be the Tower Mage and would most likely have to look elsewhere.
“I decline Your Majesty,” Monica said as Russell grabbed her hand.
“Well then,” Queen Mildred said. “Russell Golad do you accept the position?”
“I decline as well, Your Majesty,” Russell said and hung his head.
“He accepts!” came the booming voice of Ryan Golad, Duke of Golad as he came flying out of the entrance. “He accepts and thanks you for picking him.”
“I do?” Russell whispered to his father.
“I am not having you directly involved with every war this Kingdom gets itself into,” Duke Golad said. “Leave that to your rival, Tower Mage is something you can do.”
“I accept!” Russell said as the crowd broke out into cheer.
Jonathan ignored the differences in cheering and barely heard what the Queen had to say afterwards. All he knew is that there was only one man who would become the next Archmage and he was it. Russell was congratulated by the outgoing pair of Mage rul
ers and Jonathan received a big hearty hug from a surprisingly frail feeling Duke Golad. Afterwards Jonathan grabbed his grandfather, he would show him the palace and knew the man would enjoy the building. Jonathan was just about to leave the arena when he was stopped by Russell.
“Go ahead Gramps,” Jonathan said.
“Come on,” Erlanger said looking at Brigham. “Those two are going to have plenty to discuss in the future. Let’s go be old men somewhere and Jon can meet us at the palace.”
Jonathan looked at them go. He could just feel the pride washing off his grandfather and wished his parents were there to see it. They thought he could become Archmage and now he has achieved the shared dream. Jonathan turned to look back at Russell who practically snarled at him.
“Thunder!” Russell said angrily.
“We are still in the arena Russell,” Jonathan said. “I have taken your measure just like I know you have taken mine. You have no defense against my lightning magic. It breaks down shields much stronger than the energy I expend. I have taken out dragons rather easily while you struggled. You may be better in every other category out there. Your fire is hotter, your wind is better, you are just better. You can kill hundreds more mundanes than I can. But in single combat I like my chances. I love my chances. If you want to have a go, then just say something and we can get this over with. In fact, I am sure I can just bring you down without actually killing you. It would close a lot of mouths who think you are a better fighter than I am.”
Jonathan looked at the emotions play over Russell’s face. Anger was the first one and was quickly replaced by annoyance. Jonathan knew his rival was used to being considered the strongest mage who had ever lived. Russell had been praised since birth but Russell had plenty of chances to prove himself as a dragon slayer. He had gotten off big spells and had made the beasts land when he and others were up on it, but the proof was out there. Jonathan had killed many dragons, by himself and within seconds. Would Russell chance his life because of pride? What happens when Jonathan beats him in the arena and leaves him alive? What would others say about the match? Russell had come to the same conclusion and took a deep breath.
“You may be a better fighter,” Russell began. “That still remains to be seen. If I beat you then I am expected to fill the role, something that would remove me as heir. You have nothing to lose and I have everything.”
“Always got a way out,” Jonathan said.
“You knew this before you challenged me,” Russell said as he stuck his nose in the air.
“We both know that is not the reason,” Jonathan said. “But your argument does have a point. You would be an idiot for even stepping in the arena. You would either be embarrassed or stripped. I know you hate my selection, you hate it with all of your heart and soul but here we are. I said I would become Archmage and you laughed at me. I do not hear you laughing at me anymore.”
“You are only the Archmage because I, along with my sister declined the role,” Russell said.
“And you are the Tower Mage because I was already busy,” Jonathan replied. “I expect that coward Kevin Wilson to quit soon. He can fade into obscurity while I live my dream. Full disclosure, I knew you would be offered the position of Archmage. I was even ready to become the Mage Commander provided you kept the position.”
“You were?” Russell said and narrowed his eyes.
“I still think you are a tremendous ass but that seems to only apply to commoner mages,” Jonathan said. “Your mundanes love you and I doubt you would do anything that anyone could take as cowardly. That business with Kevin Wilson would have never happened with you in charge. Sometimes you are like the others in the reasoning that you think noble mages are infallible. There has only been a few commoner mages of note that you would worry about and unlike the people before you, you would just marry them off. Just think, Jonathan the Lightning may have never existed if you and Xalen would have just befriended me instead of the sloppiness you showed. Just think of what would have happened if you would have just been a friend to all commoner mages.”
“Things would be different,” Russell said. “You still would not be with my sister.”
“Who needs her?” Jonathan replied. “There are two pretty commoner mage girls in the Tower. Crystal Ward would be my first pick but only because I know her better. She is pretty and has accolades all her own. Farrah is the furthest thing from my mind. Baron Nettleton is a good man and I like him. I cannot feel bad when he is the man I lost to.”
“I am making a play for Crystal Ward,” Russell said.
“Are you ever going to stop being as ass and let Monica know?” Jonathan asked. “She has been your biggest supporter.”
“Monica wants to be Duchess more than anything,” Russell replied. “She would leave me today if anyone offered her a title as a landed noble. That man could even be a mundane and she would lower herself to be a great noble somewhere. She knows this, and I know this. Crystal Ward has something about her that makes me think she would be good to rule alongside of.”
“And she is as hot as dragonfire,” Jonathan laughed. “Well then, let the best man win. I don’t plan on backing away, even if my chance is small.”
“You think you have a chance?” Russell said laughing.
“She is not the kind of girl you think she is,” Jonathan replied. “I am sure she could picture herself on your arm and ruling over the Mountain. You are both rich and handsome. With you, her kids would be strong mages who would likely grow up and become Archmage. You are the safe, smart bet. But you are not Jonathan Thunder.”
“So what you grabbed some fancy title,” Russell scoffed. “She will know it is only because I turned it down.”
“Crystal is easy going but loves adventure,” Jonathan said. “She hates that you are stringing Monica along and will not give her an answer. We both know why that is. If you pick one, then the other will be closed off to you. You refuse to choose while I will. You have been seen smilingly with Kevin Wilson. The man is a better mage than I took him for and has willingly put himself in harms way to defend this kingdom but he is a knobber. People like him are the reason why I wanted to become Archmage in the first place. Kevin sent her father to die, you were hanging out with her greatest enemy. Doesn’t matter how you spin it, it is one of the big reasons why I now see Farrah how I do. She could become single today and be named your father’s heir and while I would think about it, I would never be with her. You have all of that going against you and I saved her lie. I like my chances.”
“Kevin Wilson just leads according to his morals,” Russell said. “None of this would have happened if commoners just married in their stations.”
“What changes do you plan on making at the Tower?” Jonathan asked.
“The next Jonathan Thunder will never exist,” Russell said. “My mistakes with you will never be repeated again.”
“I am eliminating the pay gap between noble and commoner mages,” Jonathan said. “That is my very first act as Archmage followed by the robes. I am mandating that all robes be a solid color, doesn’t matter the blood line. If we see each other as mages instead of noble and commoner, it would go a long way to healing.”
“You really are trying to ruin our culture,” Russell said.
“The culture is trash,” Jonathan replied. “How many of your people, correction. How many of our people do you think would actually voice that opinion at me?”
“Because you threaten to kill people,” Russell said. “That does not make you strong, it makes you a bully. You always talk about how you were mistreated. You refused to fall in line and got brought back to your station. Aren’t you trying to do the same thing?”
“You got me,” Jonathan replied. “But none will come at me. I plan on publicly humiliating and challenging anyone of them who insults me. I think many will die in the arena, Initiates included. My rule over mages will change the culture we have now. Now off to celebrate with all of the commoner mages. They have reasons to cheer and so do I.
Right after I show my grandfather the palace.”
“Thunder!” Prince Xalen said before Jonathan could walk away.
“Your Highness,” Jonathan smiled. “It is a lovely day, is it not?”
“You think you are really something, don’t you?” Xalen snapped.
“Started from the bottom and now I am here,” Jonathan replied. “I am the bravest Archmage this Kingdom has ever known. I know it, Russell knows it, and you know it.”
“Just because you killed a dragon doesn’t mean anything,” Prince Xalen snapped.
“Then I will wait while you tell me what mage has done more for this Kingdom than I have,” Jonathan replied.
“You are good at killing things, so what?” Prince Xalen said.
“And I did so with both you and your father allied firmly against me,” Jonathan replied. “I still haven’t forgotten about assassins or how you tried to have me beaten to prove a point. I guess I should thank you, it is what brought us here to this moment Your Highness.”
“You only have the job because Russell or Farrah didn’t want it,” Prince Xalen said.
“Then that makes me the third choice out of thousands,” Jonathan said. “Thank you for the compliment Your Highness. However if you know someone better, I would be happy to meet them out in the arena. There are not many people we both know that want the job and that I respect enough to just walk away.”
“You would never just walk away,” Prince Xalen said. “All you want in glory.”
“I would have walked away a long time ago if someone would have called Kevin Wilson out and vowed the circumstances surrounding my parents’ death would never be repeated. Instead you laughed at me and thought the entire thing was funny. You were even outraged when I slugged Quevin Wilson. I started being taken seriously when I killed that idiot and stopped taking you insults. You are going to be King, Xalen and you are going to be a Duke, Russell. You both saw a commoner hurting through no fault of his own and thought the entire thing was funny.”
The Archmage Page 52