Jonathan Thunder, page 14
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“She was in love,” Jonathan said. “You make it sound unbelievable that a Noble girl could want a commoner.”
“Why would they unless the circumstances line up?” Nora said. “They have little money, little power and probably don't bathe all that often.”
“I don't know if I should take that as an insult,” Jonathan said.
“Present company excluded,” Lydia added quickly. “But you are not the normal commoner Mage. You still must find it hard to meet a woman of means if you need Prince Jeffrey to play matchmaker.”
“I don't find it hard at all,” Jonathan said. “I have had my fair share of noble girlfriends.”
“You have?” Nora asked confused. Jonathan felt a little insulted by her reaction.
“Of course I have,” Jonathan said. “I am like the Fever in a way, everyone of means want their daughters to stay far away from me, at least at first.”
“Like who?” Lydia asked.
“Duchess Golad went out of her way to make sure that her only daughter and I weren't a thing. I am sure that it would have happened anyway if she didn't have a Baron on the hook. Then there were a few girls who were going through the Tower. This was when I wasn't the Archmage. All kinds of people saw it as their duty to see that whatever girl had eyes for me met someone else and in a hurry.”
“They didn't want you to ruin her,” Lydia said.
“Those same people thrust Noble mundane girls at me and were anxious for the romance to begin. I had a Duchess trying her best to place me with the only daughter of a Lord Mayor near the mountain. She was pretty, all tall, fair haired and shapely like the rest of them. Of course I didn't go for her which gained me a lot of enemies. Then there was a Story girl which made everyone really angry.”
“The Storys were trying to get their hooks into you before you became Archmage?” Cyprian asked.
“Of course they did,” Jonathan said. “They saw talent guy and knew what I would become. You and your wife got a demonstration, they got to see me in all my glory as Jonathan the Lightning. Stories were already spreading about me killing a dragon and my exploits in war. There are plays about it, elsewhere in the Kingdom and I know a few books have been written by people who fought alongside me. Many powerful people refused to let that match happen and found her a Noble Mage from a good family.”
“Those Storys stick their noses everywhere and hide behind their money,” Lydia said. “I don't know what would have been worse, her ending up with you or her having access to real nobles and everything that details.”
“After that, let's see…,” Jonathan said as he tried to remember. “Oh yes. I had an Earl sneakily fix me up with a Noble Mage girl.”
“Why would an Earl do that to someone?” Lydia said.
“Because he knew that I was on my way to becoming Archmage. Nothing would stop me and anyone who was dumb enough to publicly want a piece met me in the arena. You have gone against me. Is mine a face that you want to see across from you in a fight to the death? Anyway, people were excited, including Her Majesty.”
“Why would they get excited over you marrying a Noble Mage girl?” Cyprian asked.
“Because I let it be known that I wanted to marry a commoner Mage girl and become the first commoner Archmage,” Jonathan said and laughed. “I am sure that you have heard of the Superb Seven. Torrenor can tell you all about them. They are the overall strongest class ever to go through the Tower. Two tough boys and five insanely talented girls. Two of them happened to be commoners so of course everyone has tried their very best to keep them along with any other commoner away from me.”
“Liar,” Nora said. “Why would you want a commoner over a noble?”
“I’m already rich, independently of being the Archmage,” Jonathan said. “I have more coin to my name than many of the nobles that I have met. I have two estates on my own and stand to inherit a third one whenever my grandfather passes on along with all of his wealth. I don't need the money. I definitely don't need the acceptance, I’m the Archmage. It’s my way and no other way. I am at the top of everything. Before I became Archmage, I had people, including all three Princes, a few Dukes, an Earl and a Baron wanting me to become Mage Commander. Prince Jeffrey offered me five thousand gold as a signing bonus if I took the position.”
“Five thousand gold?” Cyprian said. “Why wouldn't you take that money? Being Archmage has to be nice but you don't earn that much.”
“He even offered to make my pay one copper less than what the Archmage makes,” Jonathan said.
“And you walked away from it?” Lydia asked.
“Of course I walked away from it,” Jonathan said. “True it was almost double what I have in the banks but I wanted to become Archmage. What could I possibly do with that much coin? I would be under the bootheel of whatever coward became Archmage and I couldn't even challenge him. Believe it or not, the title of Mage Commander was made with me in mind. I have fought in every war and large battle since I went to the Tower and I have excelled. People who hate my name think that I should have become the Mage Commander. I wanted Archmage and people wanted to keep me from the title. They knew that I had a good chance of reaching my dream. If someone was chosen to be Archmage that I didn't agree with, I would publicly challenge them and everyone after them.”
“So you push people around because you are strong in magic?” Lydia asked.
“Of course,” Jonathan said. “That is how things are done, isn't it? I know many commoners who were beaten black and blue and given life long injuries because they didn't so-called know their place. I am sure that you have seen a few mercilessly beaten down during your time in the Tower. I just flipped that on its ear and instead of sparring, I fight to the death.”
“How many people have you killed?” Cyprian asked.
“Well over a hundred, possibly over a thousand,” Jonathan said. “If you are talking about in the Arena and not in war, then that number is ten.”
“You have killed ten Mages in combat?” Cyprian said.
“The last three were a Father and sons team,” Jonathan said. “They came to my office and attacked me after demanding satisfaction and ordering me to change some rules I had instituted. I took them all on at the same time. Battle may have lasted ten or fifteen heartbeats.”
“Three?” Lydia asked as her face went white.
“I am the Queen’s Champion for a reason,” Jonathan said. “They were foolish for trying me. I am not a man that will stand being talked down to for long. I am definitely not a man who would let someone attack me without instant retaliation. But getting back to my story as to why I would take a commoner, I don't have a big goal that I need to reach anymore, I am already here. I am the Archmage and what I says goes. No one with any common sense would jump into my face and tell me how things are going to go as it relates to Mage culture. So another way has been found, who knows if it will work or not.”
“Which way is that?” Cyprian said as a knowing look crossed his face. “So that’s how.”
“Her Majesty regrets that neither Kevin Wilson or his little brother ever had children. I was publicly given three years to find a bride or one will be chosen for me. I have my eye on someone, she is a war hero in her own right and killed a few Dragonknights after forcing their dragons to flee. She also is the only Mage on record to heal the Speckled Fever. She healed the Queen just before I left.”
“And she is a commoner?” Cyprian asked.
“A very pretty one with some mountain blood in her,” Jonathan said. “Greenest eyes that you have ever seen and we match up well together. She isn't as tall as I am but she is taller than the average man.”
“And what does she think about you?” Lydia asked.
“She turned down the advances of Russell Golad,” Jonathan said. “The man is in line for a Dukedom and I admit that he is better looking than I am and he has more overall magical power. The man is built like a stone outhouse, not too many men are brave enough to take him on. She left him high and dry and is now on my arm. At least for the foreseeable future. I suspect every single man in existence will be thrown her way while I am out and about. Anyway, that is all that there is to me.”
“You would take a commoner over a Noble girl?” Lydia said again.
“Lady Summersong, you make it sound impossible,” Jonathan said. “There are plenty of people out there who would take a commoner over a Noble. It depends on what commoner and what Noble are being compared. You have met me. Do you seriously believe that one hundred percent of Noble women would choose one hundred percent of Noble men over me to begin courtship?”
“How is it being the Archmage?” Rafaela asked.
“Dangerous,” Jonathan laughed. “If I am not in the middle of one thing then it is another. I am under the looking glass. My every move is dissected and everyone is constantly in my business.”
“And this girl likes this life?” Rafaela asked.
“Who knows,” Jonathan said. “She is under the thumb of any powerful noble around. A Duke wanted her. The two future Princesses would be beside themselves if they could fix her up with their brothers. Being with me wouldn't put her in any more of a mage light. She has dined with the Queen numerous times on her own accord.”
“You said you were rich?” Saretta said. “And you don't care about a dowry?”
“Why would I? I am already rich.”
“Marrying a commoner means that your child wouldn't have as much power than if you married a Noble,” Nora said.
“My children will have lightning magic,” Jonathan said. “It is the most devastating spell that ever existed. It doesn't matter how strong they are if they could hit someone with it. And I get to go around and proclaim myself as the commoner who became Archmage. I like tearing down old rules. It riles people up but it is for the right of all Mages. A lot of Nobles claim that commoners just don't want to do their fair share so that's why they treat them that way. Those same Nobles were scared to death when they were tossed in actual war. I was always front and center while they cowered behind me. In two generations I hope we will just be Mages, not noble and commoner.”
“You have big dreams,” Cyprian said.
“I could make it happen,” Jonathan said. “It just takes a while. I am still a young man, I am only twenty one summers’ old. I have plenty of time to enact what I want independent of whatever girl I end up with. I wouldn't even be in a hurry to find one if it wasn't for Queen Mildred’s edict.”
“Why would a poor commoner girl take you over a noble?” Nora asked.
“Because he has a lot more money, a high position in the Kingdom as Archmage and he is the Queen’s Champion,” Saretta said. “If she took someone else, all she could say is that she was some Noble with no prestige and a little money, just like I am right now.”
“Can you picture dining with the Queen while all others look at you with envy?” Rafaela asked the table. “To walk around and have every landed Noble knowing your name.”
“It's not that romantic,” Jonathan said. “At least it wouldn't be for whoever I end up with. They would have the Queen and plenty of others talking her ear off to temper my attitude. They would have to go to many parties where their appearance would be picked apart if they dared wear a dress more than once. It is a job into itself and comes with no pay and plenty of drama. And they would have to live in Bissell Palace. I have estates but the Queen wants me nearby, nearby meaning her home.”
“Enough of this,” Nora said. “So when are you going to break things off with your commoner?”
“I’m not,” Jonathan said. “She would have to break things off with me. She said that she wanted to be exclusive and I agreed. Sometimes honor is all you have left, never throw it away carelessly. Besides, I told you that the woman took down Dragons, killed Dragonknights, and just for fun conquered the Speckled Fever. She is in the top position in the Superb Seven. Does that really sound like a woman that anyone wants to get on the bad side of? She definitely isn't someone that I want to get on the bad side of. But enough about her. You all have me here. If there are any questions or anything that you wish to know about as it relates to Mage culture, now is the time to ask.”
“Is Russell Golad really that strong?” Cyprian asked. “I have heard all about him since he was a lot younger.”
“He is and is better off left alone,” Jonathan said. “He has more power than I do and even without it, the man is the size of an ox. He is big even for a mountain man. I know many people wanted him as Archmage. He has the power and the look. I know that I look like the villain in most stories. I am tall, thin, wear dark colors and I have a cruel face. He is the exact opposite and would be the Archmage if it wasn't for his Father declaring that if he took that role, that he would be disinherited and that his sister would be given the title of Duchess. I am sure that he thought about it. He saw my life as Champion with people cheering and buying me drinks everywhere I went. He ultimately made the right decision and I am happy that he did.”
“Would you had of challenged him if he became Archmage?” Cyprian asked.
“No,” Jonathan said. “Although I don't really like the man, he is not immoral. He would not send off a few commoners to face down an entire nation like Kevin Wilson did. That is the reason Kevin Wilson and I don't get on. He disliked that my parents married. My mother if she was alive would be the third or fourth strongest Mage in the Kingdom. He openly sneered at them making someone like me, a commoner with a lot of power.”
“Well he was right,” Nora said.
“So he sent my parents and one other Mage to face down an entire army and did not send help until they died,” Jonathan said as he looked at Nora. “Kevin Wilson’s little brother, the former Tower Mage was the first man that I ever killed. Like a coward, Kevin refused to come out and face me afterwards. All of the people who sing his praises and pretend that he is a great man also refuse to face me. They are cowards and had it proven to them. Fortunately, or unfortunately for Kevin Wilson and his people, can you guess who the other Mage that died alongside my parents was?”
“The girl you have been talking about, it was one of her parents?” Cyprian asked.
“Her only surviving parent,” Jonathan said. “And I let her know everyone who thought it was funny that her Father went out there and died. Most did it to mock me since they were too cowardly to take me on. When she found out, she was ice cold to them. Many times people do not look at the second and third order effects that can happen. Like praising Kevin Wilson in front of her. I actually think it is funny that some men have no understanding when it comes to talking to a woman.”
“And you do?” Lydia asked.
“Of course,” Jonathan said. “I am a commoner who just told you that I have had plenty of Noble girls after me. Established people who would toss the biscuit and ignore their families to make something work with me. That didn't happen by being strong in magic.”
“You are so confident,” Rafaela said. “And you sound so brave. Like the sort of man that puts lesser men in their place.”
“Yes and no,” Jonathan said. “I am not a bully. I don't seek out random people to show off how strong I am and I don't pick fights that do not need picking. I am the Queen’s Champion. I am expected to have a bit of decorum unless antagonized.”
“And you and this commoner girl are a solid item?” Rafaela asked.
“For now, but who knows,” Jonathan said.
“I think you are stupid for not turning away from a commoner if you had the chance to be with a Noble,” Nora said. “I think she is stupid as well. So what you have all these accolades and the Queen’s ear. She could be a noble.”
“I wouldn't have hated her if she dropped me and ended up with Russell Golad. She could have ended up a Duchess. Well she can still end up a Duchess. Russell could basically have any woman that he wanted and he chose her. He just has no idea how to talk to a woman who isn't enamored by his power, money and looks.”
“So Your Luminous,” Cyprian began. “I am getting the feeling that you didn't come over here to see if you could court my daughter.”
“Lady Nora you are fetching,” Jonathan said as he glanced at the girl and then at Cyprian. “But I live a short distance away from the Tower. Many girls there would want to be with someone like me if they could. Many people have approached me and would love for me to meet either a sister, a daughter or a cousin. I am sure that I could be married into the Story family tomorrow if I wanted. My fortune would quintuple and all that. I wouldn't travel all this way to meet a Noble Mage girl. There are plenty in Dyson.”
“Well, you aren't all that anyway,” Nora said quickly. Jonathan could tell that the girl was angry. Her face was reddening and Jonathan was sure that if the other young Mages were alone with him that they would try to flirt.
“So I hear,” Jonathan said. “But if any of you come to the Tower next year, send me a message. I’ll introduce you to the Tower Mage and take you for a trip around Bissell Palace. I’ll even introduce you to the Queen and a few Princes if they have the time. I am sure ladies like yourselves will be under siege immediately and you may want to catch a breather. I am not a bad friend to have.”
CHAPTER 10
DELRAY
Watch that one with the red hair. He looks like he would cut you just as soon as look at you. There is a reason that man ran away from him as fast as his feet could carry him.
-Carson Delray talking to his son Carlin
Jonathan looked out of the window and knew he was close to his destination. Jonathan had been preoccupied. He killed the second person on his list and probably took down a lot of innocent people as well. Mage Jefferson Lawrence and Jonathan had a bit of a history due to their family members. Jonathan’s Father Joshua had killed Jefferson’s Father Piet Lawrence during a Mage duel in Vashing when Jonathan was still in the Tower. It was the biggest reason that Kevin Wilson sent Joshua and Sara Thunder off to their deaths. Jonathan wasn't very sporting with how he dealt with Jefferson. He flew to his estate and discovered Jefferson’s bedroom. Jonathan set fire to the entire estate and made sure that it was up in flames. Jefferson tried to flee through his bedroom window and took a mage bolt. The blow sent him back into the fire and Jonathan caught him with a few icicles. The fire would melt them and hopefully the body would be too burned to recognize.
