Jonathan Thunder, page 22
part #5 of Lightning Mage Series
“So you came to me?” Mattie asked.
“Her Father is dead,” Jonathan said.
“And you want my blessing,” Mattie said as she handed back over the ring.
“It’s always Crystal this and Crystal that,” one of the girls said and rolled her eyes. “Just once the rest of us would like a win.”
“I know it is hard not to be jealous,” Mattie said. “But you have your own suitors Harriet.”
“The rest of us will be lucky to be the sole plaything of a rich old man,” Harriet said. “Maybe if we are really lucky, we can get married and pop out a few brats. No young man is going to waste his time. At least not those with money.”
“You still live a good life and have a lot of money tucked away,” Mattie said. “And you have a few who want to put you up all fancy like. They want to take you away from here and see to your comfort.”
“They can do that when we are in our late twenties,” another girl said. “We are in our prime right now. I’m with Harriet. All Crystal does is whine about things and she has every man everywhere falling all over her because she has a bit of magic. Just look at this one, all tall and dark eyed. I bet you that he is rich and Crystal wouldn't have to work a day in her life.”
“Are you?” Mattie said as she looked at Jonathan.
“Of course,” Jonathan replied and heard the girls in the room give an irritated moan.
“It is all because of that magic,” Harriet said. “He came in here and was trying his best not to look at anyone. I’m not stupid and neither is any girl here. He was fighting a battle with himself not to look around. I know that he wanted to but we don't have any magic like the Princess. She does, so every man falls all over her, offers her a dukedom or some ring that probably costs more than I make in five years.”
“Leave Crystal alone,” Mattie said and then looked at Jonathan. “You have my blessing, you saved my girl’s life,” Mattie said as she put her arm around Jonathan. “We are going to be related, you should want to help me. Help me meet some of your other friends.”
“L-like who?” Jonathan stuttered.
“Like the ones who have magic,” Mattie said. “If my girls had magic, they could name their price to marry some Mage. As is, your kind thinks you are better than everyone. You do something for me and I can do something for you.”
“Whoa!” Jonathan said as he hurriedly stood up and heard Mattie laughing. “Stop doing that.”
“I am just being playful,” Mattie said. “If you want someone else to play with…”
“I’ll do him up,” said a feminine voice from behind Jonathan. “He wouldn't be thinking about Crystal no more.”
“I’ll pass,” Jonathan said. “I just came for your blessing, Lady Mattie.”
“You have it,” Mattie said. “Since we will be family, you have to help out my girls and I. We want to expand into Dyson. We want to become a place that young men can go to eat. Not just any young man, but those with money. Those that frequent the Tower. We have enough capital, we just need the clientele. Having the Archmage frequent my place would be enough to get some others going.”
“Mages don't um. Well they don't pay for it. At least the single ones don't. Well, that's not true. Most of the single ones don't.”
“They will,” Mattie said. “They just need the opportunity. A safe place for them to unwind, free from the rigors of the Tower. Maybe I will even give discounts for those who can prove that they can use magic. I could make a lot of money and get my girls taken care of. During the war, I saw what Mages wanted and what they needed. If there weren't so many eyes around, they would have gone for it.”
“Especially with the baths,” Harriet giggled.
“We can talk about it,” Jonathan said.
“You can invest in my restaurant if you want to,” Mattie said. “I know the Horn and The Hound is supposedly the best place for all Mages, I just want to give them some competition.”
“I would need an entire business plan,” Jonathan said as the talk of business made him start calming down. “Crystal and I can both invest in it if the money is right. Most of the commoners in the Tower do not have anywhere that they can relax. It might get others to come inside.”
“I can get you one in a few weeks,” Mattie said.
“I have sent Crystal many things here before. Use the address that is on one of my packages. You would also need to be in Dyson so you can look around at what is there. They might not let you buy property in the Mage Quarter but I can and I have friends that wouldn't mind pitching in just in case no one wants to sell to me.”
“When will you be back in Dyson?” Mattie asked.
“I am headed that way once I leave here.”
CHAPTER 17
Walter, I have made a decision. Jonathan will be the one to see about this. I want you to just stay close to me. I know that you are a Tower Instructor, I will find some reason to keep you close. My enemies are becoming bolder and the message that I sent must not have been received.”
-Queen Mildred of Kirby speaking with Walter Wescott
Jonathan was happy that he reached Dyson. He didn't go straight back to the palace. He met with the Story women who did not think that they were too good for him. One of them was bossy, she wanted children immediately and went on about how often she expects to see him and how often they had to have get togethers. Russell and a few others saw him out on these dates. Jonathan was sure that none of them wanted the Storys to get him no matter what. Jonathan was settling into being back when he was summoned by Her Majesty. Jonathan hadn't gone to see her but knew that his presence in Dyson had gotten back to her when he first arrived. Jonathan thought that maybe they should have kept a little distance between them for a few more days but Her Majesty thought otherwise. Jonathan was fixing himself to go see her when she surprised him.
“Jonathan,” Queen Mildred said as Jonathan was walking into his apartment.
“Your Majesty?” Jonathan asked.
“Jonathan, you have done outstanding work. I have made up my mind about some things and I think if I fail to retaliate that my enemies will only grow bolder. I hear that my husband and his people are looking for another group of Mages to back him. Walter has been busy and has given me enough evidence that a big show of force is needed. What I am asking is dangerous and if you are found out all I can offer you is a swift death and that your fledgling family will be taken care of.”
“How can I serve?” Jonathan asked.
“Jonathan, I have decided that I want Kevin Wilson dead.”
“Excuse me?” Jonathan said as he started coughing.
“I want him dead Jonathan. I have heard about and experienced his treachery and Jeffrey’s treachery long enough. They are turning Xalen into a man that I would hate for him to become and I have had enough. I even have the way that I want it done.”
“How?”
“I want to give him the Speckled Fever,” Queen Mildred said. “The only issue that I have is Crystal Ward.”
“If she is anywhere around, then someone will come looking for her,” Jonathan said.
“Exactly. I need her gone. I need her far away from Dyson and somewhere that no one would look or somewhere that is too far away for her to do anything.”
“She doesn't like Kevin Wilson, Your Majesty. She hates the man.”
“I know she does. She is also the biggest problem that I will have in killing Kevin. The Speckled Fever has already been found in the palace. True it was Kevin and Jeffrey who brought it in, but it was found. It is not too much of a stretch to believe that he caught it.”
“What about the Royal Healer?”
“Bart will be sent elsewhere in the Kingdom,” Queen Mildred said.
“I feel that I have to tell Crystal something, Your Majesty,” Jonathan said. “Her Father was killed.”
“You can tell her that Kevin Wilson has the Speckled Fever,” Queen Mildred said. “Tell her that and that she is the only one that could possibly save him.”
“She would leave,” Jonathan said.
“I am hoping that she will,” Queen Mildred said. “Knowing her enemy is dying and she gets to spend the week in your arms traveling the countryside. I don't think any girl would pass that up.”
“I think Russell will be here,” Jonathan said. “And he will be upset at Crystal for leaving. I don't think that she will have a good excuse for vanishing and Russell is the type to make her stay back an extra year. It would give him more time to woo her. I would need a good excuse as well for just leaving.”
“We have a while to come up with something,” Mildred said. “The Seniors in the Tower are going to receive their final nearly a month early. They will get their final grade and then be responsible for guiding the junior class, finding a job and all single Mages will get the chance to meet people of the Tower Mage’s choosing.”
“The final,” Jonathan said. “How is Crystal doing?”
“She hasn't fallen for anyone,” Mildred said. “Jeffrey received angry missives from men she was supposed to be with and the young women that you were sent after. Both sides want another chance, now that they have met the both of you and know where they messed up at.”
“Not happening,” Jonathan said.
“Jeffrey knows this and he is livid,” Mildred laughed. “Miriam was his greatest hope.”
“She was nice, and she was cute,” Jonathan admitted. “But I already have someone. You took a big weight off of me by telling me that she is still true to me.”
“You will not get the chance to see her,” Mildred said. “You are going to be sent out of Dyson for something pointless. Xalen just doesn't want you there at the final. Kevin Wilson is rubbing off on him too much which is why he needs to go. We just need a story.”
“My Grandfather,” Jonathan said. “I will write a note supposedly from him saying that he has the Speckled Fever and is on his deathbed. That would give me a big reason to leave and no one would question it. It would give me a reason to snatch up Crystal as well.”
“We have to be a little sneaky in getting her to go along with everything. I’ll get everything started. You go meet Xalen and make sure that you tell him all about your trip and how you can't wait to see Crystal again. He is with his Father, Russell, Kevin and a few of Russell’s people.”
Jonathan left his apartment and went to find the Prince. Xalen was with Russell, Charles Fitzwilliam, Tobin Mountain, Kevin Wilson and his Father. Jonathan strode up to the group and kept a big smile on his face.
“I know you all missed me,” Jonathan said.
“What do you want, Thunder?” Jeffrey said. “I heard that you were a horrible guest.”
“Me?” Jonathan said feigning surprise.
“Thunder, why were you seen with Story women?” Xalen asked.
“You mean rich Mage girls?” Jonathan replied. “Come on now, Your Highness. You are betrothed, not dead. You saw the way those women looked.”
“They have him caught up in a charm offensive,” Russell said.
“A charm what?” Jonathan asked, genuinely confused.
“It is when a bunch of pretty women are thrown at you so you forget who they really are,” Russell said. “You need to stay away from the Storys.”
“You are right,” Jonathan said. “Crystal is who I am after, I can't muck things up with graduation being right around the corner. I almost fell for an Earl’s daughter but I kept strong. Life is good.”
“I have heard enough of this Thunder,” Xalen said. “The Senior class is getting ready for their final exam.”
“That is still at least a month or so away,” Jonathan said.
“No it is not,” Russell said. “They are getting it early so they can spend the rest of their time here showing the younger Mages proper etiquette.”
“You don't owe Thunder any explanations,” Xalen said. “Thunder you will not be there or anywhere in Dyson. I don't care where you go. I want you gone and this is an order. You are not supposed to tell any initiate in the Tower where you will be. Your assistants better not either. Now get out of my face.”
~
Jonathan sighed as he walked into a small tavern that also sold rooms. Maybe it was a small inn that also sold drinks. It didn't matter. Xalen had told him to leave and Jonathan decided that he didn't need any suspicion on him. Jonathan would get to kill Kevin Wilson eventually and that was good enough for him. Jonathan had kept track of everything going on in the Tower. He was paying men to keep detailed notes of everything that happened concerning the final. Crystal Ward has won and would be the top overall student in her class. She would have a meaningless match with Farrah to determine which class had the strongest female. Jonathan wished he could be there to celebrate with her instead of in a nothing town. At least Jonathan made the crown pay for everything and he would eat the best of the best while he was here.
Jonathan stretched. He had read the information about the Tower and had spent most of the day in his room. He was going crazy, he needed some air. Jonathan rubbed some oil in his hair and stepped out of his room. The old woman who tended the bar took one good look at him and frowned as she went about her business. Jonathan knew the woman didn't like him but loved his coin. Jonathan looked like he was up to no good and many people gave him a wide berth if they didn't know who he was. Jonathan forgot his coin purse and then went back inside of his room. Maybe he could gamble or something, anything except just waiting. He could head back to Dyson tomorrow. Everything was already settled and Xalen shouldn't have any problem with him returning to work. Maybe Her Majesty would have her plan fleshed out.
Jonathan grabbed his coin purse and then stepped back outside his room. Jonathan was about to find a seat when he heard someone calling his name.
“Jon?” Crystal said. Jonathan turned around and saw Crystal. She was looking as lovely as he remembered and wondered what she was doing there.
“What are you doing here?” Jonathan said as he got closer.
“I am supposed to be fighting Lady Farrah and just wanted a few days to clear my mind,” Crystal said. “Why are you here?”
“I was sent all over and Her Majesty told me not to go to the Tower or hang out with you until the fighting portion of the Tower Test was complete,” Jonathan said. “I thought there was supposed to be some grand dinner or something going on afterwards. I was just getting out to clear my head and get from under Xalen’s watch.”
“I didn’t know about any dinner,” Crystal replied. “I didn’t even ask for permission to leave, I just left.”
“Well there are going to be a lot of angry people when you don’t show up,” Jonathan laughed. “How long are you supposed to be gone for?”
“A week,” Crystal said and bit her lip.
“An entire week?” Jonathan said as his eyes brightened.
“An entire week,” Crystal replied. “Too bad I don’t have a strong young man to accompany me and prepare me for Lady Farrah.”
“I can do it!” Jonathan practically screamed.
“You?” Crystal teased. “I don’t know, I mean you haven’t seen me in months and I haven’t even gotten a handshake. Maybe I should choose someone else.”
Crystal kissed Jonathan before he could reply. It was full on the lips and made the old woman behind her gasp. Jonathan was into it, Crystal could tell by the way his body reacted by melting into hers. Crystal broke the kiss and smirked at a breathless Jonathan, he was red and she gave him a soft peck on the lips. Jonathan smiled at her and Crystal smiled back, it was nice to see him again. Crystal briefly thought about Lord Russell but dismissed it quickly. Everything was right in her world. She was the top student in the Tower, she had a handsome man about to faint from a kiss and she had at least three guaranteed jobs lined up for her after the Tower. Life was good, Crystal thought.
CHAPTER 18
He is embarrassing himself out here. I wonder how happy and handsy he will be after I take his little girlfriend apart.
-Farrah Golad talking to her brother Russell
"This is the Arena Jon," Crystal said. "Is this the same place that you um..."
"The same place," Jonathan replied. "But you are on my lucky side."
"She looks relaxed," Crystal said as she looked across at Farrah.
Jonathan looked at Farrah and could tell the woman was annoyed that he was there with Crystal. He could also see that like Jonathan thought, Farrah wasn't taking the match seriously. Jonathan had prepared Crystal as well as he could. Crystal had her tricks that Jonathan thought she could use to exploit Farrah. Crystal seemed like she was nervous but up for the tasks. Jonathan had given her great matches and advice. All Jonathan could do now was give Crystal a final talk as she stood across from Farrah who was talking with Russell.
“Are you ready for this?” Jonathan asked.
“I think you have prepared me decently enough,” Crystal said. “Fighting you has given me some insight about what I can and cannot get away with versus a stronger mage.”
“You are faster than I am but it is only by a hair,” Jonathan said. “Many things you just couldn’t get away with when you were fighting me you should be able to against Farrah.”
“I hope so,” Crystal said. “Do you think she is taking me seriously as an opponent?”
“Probably not,” Jonathan said. “Even with the entire Royal Family here to watch you, I doubt she is giving this match the importance it needs.”
“Then she is not expecting me to take the fight right to her and stay right on her,” Crystal said.
“Not even a little,” Jonathan smiled. “The thing about strong people, they don’t know what to do when they come across someone a lot faster. She fought Danica before but I think she doesn’t realize everything you can bring down on her.”
