Jonathan Thunder, page 21
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“It must have been the whore,” Cara said.
“I will not justify, correct or give attention to that comment,” Jonathan said. “Well, it was my first time seeing a naked woman before. Had me there stunned while the other one hit me with something wicked. I went down and they won. Everyone thought it was the best thing ever, seeing Jonathan Thunder beaten into the dirt.”
“I heard you lost but I didn't hear the entire story,” Jay said. “I try not to go to many events. I want to keep my Taylen away from those places until she is of age.”
“Father, I am of age,” Taylen said. “And you all act like someone is going to kill me as soon as I set foot into the Tower. I am a girl, Cara told me that we run the Tower.”
“I know you boys hate to hear it, but it is true,” Cara said.
Taylen’s face lit up at Cara’s comment. “See Father? Only thing that would happen is that I would go there and be around other Mages instead of the mundanes you have me around.”
“Mundanes?” Jay said as Jonathan could see the man let out a deep sigh. His mother looked puzzled and then shook her head.
“They are your friends Taylen,” Peaches said. “And you get along well with them.”
“All they want to do is gossip about boys that will never have a chance with me because they don't have any magic,” Taylen said. “It is exhausting and I am tired of it. I want to be around other Mages.”
“In the Tower it is filled with a bunch of people who think they are better than everyone else,” Peaches said.
“We are better than everyone else,” Taylen said. “It is not our fault that they are mundanes. We have more power and live longer.”
“I see why your parents are keeping you away,” Jonathan said.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Taylen asked.
“You have had first hand experience from the people around you that I am no one to play with. How many boys, fresh into the Tower, believe commoners are trash and that they were going to prove it to me? How do you think those fights went?”
“Horribly,” Cara laughed.
“It ended with more than their pride hurt while I rubbed it in and called them cowards for not getting back up after I put them down. Just like the young ladies currently in the Tower looking to slap down the whores. Imagine it, someone like you Taylen, thinking she is tough enough to face down women who have killed Dragonknights. It wouldn't end well for you.”
“They were just lucky,” Taylen said as her brothers fixed her with a stare. “Okay, maybe not lucky, but they are Mages. I am talking about mundanes.”
“Thinking that you are better than someone because you are born lucky is a slippery slope,” Jonathan said. “I can tell you that you are exactly what the status quo is waiting for. A stuck up Mage girl who thinks she is the best thing going. You will be married to an older man in no time. Maybe even Lord Kreacher.”
“Disgusting,” Taylen said.
“The man has power and so do many older widowers,” Jonathan replied. “Then there are men like Gerald Morningstar who is probably feeling pressure to find a bride. How many men would go after you if they knew it would get them on his bad side? That is the type of people that you will attract with this attitude. There will be a few noble boys kissing your behind during your first year but they will drop off if you have made a choice. Good luck.”
“You are saying all of this,” Taylen said. “How come you haven't found anyone?”
“Who says that I haven't?” Jonathan asked.
“Miriam,” Jay Kreacher said as he looked over at Jamie and Darrien.
“Not even, but she was sweet, if a little quiet,” Jonathan said. “I could see myself calling on her if things don't work out for me and my lady.”
“Who is she?” Cara asked and then Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “She is one of the whores! I mean, one of the commoners going through the Tower. Jon Thunder, what does everyone think about your relationship?”
“You have seen the way certain people operate,” Jonathan said.
“They sent you on a mission,” Cara said. “How many people have you seen?”
“I saw Grace and the Delrays,” Jonathan said. “Of course I am supposed to meet some of Grace’s family once I get back to Dyson.”
“Grace?” Lucius said as he looked at Cara.
“Grace Story,” Cara said. “After what went down with me and Jon, she was next up. A Story married to the Archmage? Everyone had to go insane.”
“Grace Delray?” Jay asked. “Carson has twin daughters. I was looking at them for my boys.”
“Well I visited there,” Jonathan said. “And some other young ladies in the Kingdom. Crystal has my heart though. In her free time, she heals the sick in the poorer parts of town. She also healed the Queen of Speckled Fever.”
“She is a go getter,” Cara said.
“She is a commoner whore,” Taylen said. “Why would you go for such a person?”
“I have a rule,” Jonathan said as he fixed Taylen. “You should never toss insults at anyone that you aren't willing to say to their face. I already told you what attracts me to her.”
“Is she rich?” Cerise asked.
“Jon is rich,” Cara answered. “He doesn't care if his bride has any money.”
“I don't think it matters if she is or isn't,” Darrien said. “When I was going through the Tower, there were no girls in my class and the class behind me only had four. It is hard to find a Mage girl. Lucius was just lucky. Jamie is going to have an easier time at it since he is a Battlemage. I need to do something to get my name out there.”
“Told you girls rule the Tower,” Cara said.
“Why wouldn't you want a noble girl?” Taylen asked.
“Why should I limit myself?” Jonathan asked. “That is one thing the Tower Mage and I agree on. The way he sees it, is that there is no Princess anywhere and he is already a Duke. There is no way for him to gain more power or influence through a marriage. I am already at the top. I don't need some woman to open doors for me that I kicked down long ago. If I wanted a greatly increased fortune, the Story family is still about. I am marrying for love the way Russell is marrying for power.”
“You love this girl?” Cara asked.
“Not sure,” Jonathan said. “But I can't say I don't love her either.”
“You are supposed to be here for me,” Taylen said. “I know many men are trying for me. The Royals are trying to end whatever you have going on between you by finding you a worthy bride and hope that I agree with the entire thing.”
“The Royals are trying to make sure you and this commoner girl don't get on,” Cara said. “A strong commoner family, oh the horror.”
“Enough about romance,” Jonathan said. “I want to hear some good war stories. It is also not everyday that you have the Archmage in your home. This is a good chance to speak what is on your mind, ask for favors and learn things that you may not know.”
Jonathan thought the rest of the night went well. Taylen was obviously irritated that Jonathan showed her no special attention. Jay and Peaches wanted to know about the other ladies Jonathan visited and were making their own plans for their sons. They weren't worried about Taylen, she would marry rich and become whatever it was she wanted. Jonathan even helped the family work out a plan of attack to visit these others and what the likes and dislikes of these girls were. The conversation switched to the deaths the Bandits caused. All Jonathan could say was that he was working on it. Jonathan wondered if the Warringtons were involved with the plot on the Queen and if he would have to kill one of them one day.
CHAPTER 16
“I don't know who these men are but you watch them. I want a bow placed around every window and none of my workers leave here without a dagger or something hidden on them.”
-Brigham Sally speaking to his workers.
“Nice to see you boy,” Brigham said. “Your friend said you will be stopping through.”
“I have horrible news to tell you,” Jonathan said.
“Does this have anything to do with the people who seem to be hanging around my home?”
Jonathan explained everything to his grandfather. His part in killing people, the part Kevin Wilson played trying to kill the Queen and even Prince Jeffrey’s part in it. His grandfather didn't say anything, just listened to the entire story. When Jonathan was done, his grandfather poured them both a small cup of liquor. Jonathan and Brigham both downed the first one and sipped on the second.
“That is quite a tale,” Brigham said. “I’ll make sure to hire men who can also be guards. Happy to see that Her Majesty is looking out for an old man. What are you going to do if she wants you to go higher?”
“I don't need a reason to kill Kevin Wilson,” Jonathan said. “Only reason I haven't is because I would lose my position. I am happy where I am at and many people are depending on me. I can be cordial with the man but him and I both know where we stand.”
“All you can do is deal with it when the time comes,” Brigham said. “Don't worry about me, I have already lived my life, raised my kids and saw my grandbaby accomplish his dream. You worry about Jonathan Thunder and the others who are depending on you.”
“I’ll try,” Jonathan said.
“So go back to this mission to find me a granddaughter,” Brigham said. “All of this over some girl?”
“She is more than some girl,” Jonathan replied. “She is the girl.”
“Is she now? Well what do you do about it all?”
“I know what I want to do, what I should do,” Jonathan said.
“But you are scared of being rejected,” Brigham said.
“I am,” Jonathan replied.
“Listen boy, you win some and you lose some,” Brigham began.
“But you lose them all if you never try,” Jonathan replied.
“Sounds like someone with some sense been talking to you,” Brigham said.
“Funny,” Jonathan replied. “But you are right. Where would I even find a ring? Everything needs to be perfect.”
“I’ll tell you like I told your Da when he came to talk to me as nervous as I have ever seen anyone. You will never find the perfect ring. There will always be one more shinier, bigger, made of better materials and whatever. The only thing you can find is the perfect finger to slip it on. Go on out and buy something expensive and gaudy. I know the man who made your mother’s. Do what you need to and get it made. Your magic should make everything easier if you help him out a bit. The only thing I can see that you have to be worried about is if she says no. Some girl telling you no may hurt, but there will always be another if she isn't the one.”
“Puts things in perspective,” Jonathan said.
“You should also go visit whatever family she has left,” Brigham said. “Doesn't matter if they give you their blessing or not. The only thing that matters is the attempt.”
“The only person she has is her Aunt that she doesn't get along with,” Jonathan said. “Well they used to not get along. Who knows how they feel about each other now.”
“Go anyway. Keep it to yourself unless you feel the need to share everything. If you are serious about this boy, let's go find my guy so he can see about this ring.”
~
Jonathan got out of his carriage and looked at the house. It was a decent size and had four large men standing in front of it. Jonathan thought this was the place but didn't know what to make of it. Jonathan walked through the front gate and one of the men peeled himself off from the porch. He opened and closed his knuckles and Jonathan could hear them cracking from just that simple movement. Jonathan walked closer and then began to speak.
“I am looking for Lady Mattie,” Jonathan said. “I know this is horrible but I have forgotten her name.”
“Piss off,” the man said as the others on the porch laughed.
“Did you hear me?” Jonathan asked.
“I did and I said piss off,” the man said as Jonathan took a deep breath.
“Draw your blade, you are about to be in a fight,” Jonathan said harshly. “I want your people to jump into it. I plan on leaving four dead bodies in this yard.”
“What?” the man said surprised.
“I am sure that you heard me,” Jonathan said as he pulled a dagger out of his belt. Jonathan wasn't in his robes but doubted that it would have mattered to this group. The man he was talking to hurriedly unsheathed his sword. Jonathan tossed his dagger to the side which made the man watch it fall to the ground. Before he could look back up, Jonathan uncorked a haymaker and caught his opponent flush on the cheek. The man stumbled back as Jonathan put one hand on the man’s sword hand and used the other to deliver another big blow to the nose. His opponent crumbled on the ground as Jonathan stripped the sword away.
“Tell me to piss off, will you?” Jonathan said as he kicked the man hard in the face. Jonathan looked up to see the other three come off the porch. “Come on then,” Jonathan said. “All you had to do was get her. But no, you wanted to be tough guys. Once I kill one of you, no way to stop it. All of you will go.”
“Well wait a minute,” said a shorter man who was missing a few teeth. The man raised his hands up and approached Jonathan. “I like living, but we are supposed to keep out undesirables. If you don't have an appointment, then she doesn't want to see you.”
“No one tells me to piss off,” Jonathan said. “Let her know Jonathan is here and I don't want what she is selling. I came to say my peace. Or we can finish whatever this is. The fact that I am unarmed and ready to fight should tell you something. I tossed away my dagger, because I don't need it. You saw me pull up in a fancy carriage. That should tell you that I am not worried about any of the authorities here. If you all want this to go away it can. All you have to do is deliver my message and get her to come out here and tell me to piss off.”
“We ain't getting her,” another man said as he went to surround Jonathan. Jonathan raised his hand a little and made the ground raise slightly. Jonathan doubted anyone saw the move since earth magic wasn't flashy. The man moving towards him tripped as he came closer and tried to correct his stumble. Jonathan was already ready for him. His opponent ran face first into a big punch. Jonathan bent down and snatched away his sword as well.
“I haven't killed anyone yet,” Jonathan said. “That could change.”
The shorter man ran into the house as the two Jonathan downed started getting off the ground. Jonathan didn't even give them his attention. He still had their blades and he knew that they would be hesitant to run in and get them. Jonathan waited for a few moments when the front door opened and the shorter man came out along with a beautiful girl. She looked Jonathan up and down and then backed away shocked. She ran back inside which made all of the men look at Jonathan oddly. A woman with dark blonde hair came out then. Jonathan thought that she was in her early thirties and had her shirt so low that it was hard for him not to look at her sizable assets. She looked like a curvier version of Crystal, anyone who said this woman wasn't pretty was a liar. Jonathan had met her once, back when he saved Crystal from a yellow dragon after Crystal had killed its dragonknight. Mattie looked at Jonathan and then gave a smirk.
“You boys got lucky that you didn't test this one,” Mattie said as she looked at her men. “He didn't want to hurt you.”
“Who is he?” the shorter man asked.
“This here is Jonathan the Lightning, boys,” Mattie said. “He is the Queen’s Champion and the Archmage of Kirby.”
“The lad with the dragons?” the shorter man asked.
“The lad with the dragons,” Mattie confirmed. “Saw him kill one myself, took it right in the asshole. So what brings big bad Jonathan Thunder this way to deal with someone like me? You know what? Don't answer that, why don't you come inside where the mood is livelier.”
Jonathan dropped the blades and could see that Mattie’s guards changed their tune. At first, they respected him once he took out two of them. Now that respect was mixed with a bit of fear. Jonathan walked past them and into the house. His nose was instantly attacked by the strong smell of flowers. It wasn't unpleasant but it was over the top and let whoever was let inside know that they were in a woman’s home. Jonathan looked around and could see some of the flowers and various other plants. They were the only real decoration in the front room. Maddie led him into a larger room that was covered in couches. Despite the flower scent, Jonathan could smell the scent of lemons. Someone must have been cleaning and went all out. Jonathan sat down on one of the couches and noticed that Mattie sat way too close. Others started coming into the room. All of these girls were young and extremely pretty. Jonathan thought that a man would have to be blind not to recognize their beauty.
They all clustered in and sat on the couches. It made Jonathan self conscious, especially when Mattie picked up a strand of his hair and started playing with it. Jonathan heard her giggle and figured that she was messing with him and doing it purposely. She most likely knew that the majority of male Mages were celibate until marriage. Jonathan was sure that her and her girls managed to snag a few but it was not that often. Nobles would have dressed her and everyone with her down. They wouldn't have even come into her home.
“So what brings you here, Your Lusciousness,” Mattie asked.
“It’s Luminous,” Jonathan said as he yanked on the strand of hair that Mattie was playing with, causing her to frown.
“If you are looking for Crystal, you are a bit late,” Mattie said. “She left with one of my better girls a week ago.”
“I came to talk to you,” Jonathan said which made Mattie perk up. Her sudden movement caused her chest to jiggle which made Jonathan close his eyes. The girls in the room started laughing.
“You Mage boys are easy, once you are left alone,” Mattie said. “Now why would you want to come see me?”
“I am asking Crystal to marry me,” Jonathan said as he took out his ring. Mattie snatched it away and stared at it. Her eyes went wide as she looked it over. “I know that idiot Russell should be the one who romances her. I seriously doubt that anyone’s family would object to him. Crystal rejected him and is giving me a chance, a chance that I don't plan on blowing.”
