The Mage of Mages 2

by Whiskey Flowers

  ~

  Sawyer looked himself over, it had taken them two hours to get him ready and he felt kind of weird he couldn’t even take a bath in peace since they ran in and started washing his hair and making sure his nails were cleaned. They tried fixing his nails but they were a lost cause, they had been split and cracked so many times that there was very little they could do to the mangled mass. Still his hand looked better than it normally did he supposed, his neck and chest was rubbed down with some kind of poultice that had a slightly musky smell. For his clothes they went with a blue outfit, it was actually pieces of other outfits in his closet but the liked how their creation went together. He was made to wear one of the fancy sword belts complete with one of the fancy jeweled swords, the boots he wore were sturdy brown leather. The hardest part was his hair, they had spent at least an hour on it to make it look messy he thought. Mandy told him it was a nice messy and went well with his face and let his blue eyes peek out, the outfit he was wearing just made them appear a richer blue. Sawyer thought it could have been worse, he could have been in all that frilly shit he seen in the wardrobe but the women wanted something classy but not obnoxious.

  “I think our job here is done” Talia said. “The world isn’t going to know what to do when you step out like this. It tried to break you but here you are, still standing.”

  “Well let's walk over” Mandy replied.

  “Are you wearing make up?” Sawyer asked.

  “We are women” Mandy replied. “Besides, I am not going to let a dandy tell me what I can't wear on my face. Maybe I will get lucky and a nice gentleman will want a little action, I haven't had any since I got this job.”

  “Me either and I am glad someone said something” Danica said. “On our days off all me and Miley do is sleep and end up right outside with the rest of you training. The only foreplay I receive is when Sarlon takes the mace and tries to strike the shield so hard I drop the damn thing. I just haven't wanted to bring it up until Sarlon came out on the other side of what he went through. Do all of us have to walk him back here or can we leave if other opportunities come up?”

  “Keep it in your pants” Sawyer teased. “None of you have to come back with me if it is that important. I will ask one of the royal guards to bring me back.”

  “I am certain they hate you for beating up their friend” Mandy replied. “Most want revenge but seeing you do nothing but practice has made the worse of them think twice.”

  “Then I will ask one of Tabitha’s guards” Sawyer replied. “I get along with one of them although I hear he is in the Duke’s pocket.”

  “I don’t even want to know which one” Miley said. “But if any of you see anything hanging off the door knob or right in front of the door don’t come in. You are going to have to wait until my business has been handled.”

  Sawyer shook his head as the women began taking wagers about who would use the house first. Sawyer knew it wouldn’t be him as they walked across the grounds and into the palace. Sawyer had been in here very few times since the celebration, once to go to the tavern for Talia, once coming back from the tavern and once when Tabitha asked him to get her spell book out of her room. The only reason Sawyer did it was to get a peek at it and remember some high level spells. Now though he would be inside for more than a moment and around the royals which he hadn’t seen up close since the last celebration. Sawyer was led in the ball room and noticed there were less people there, with the war going on that was expected since most of them had men they had to lead in battle. Many of their sons and daughters were here though, Sawyer saw the mage area and walked over and sat down as Candace was across from him.

  “I think you are in the wrong area Milord” Candace said ducking down to look in his eyes under his bangs.

  “I’m positive I am in the right place” Sawyer said keeping a straight face.

  “Sarlon?” Candace said as her eyes went wide.

  “What?” Sawyer snapped.

  “It is you” Candace said. “I have never seen you like this before, I didn’t even know your hair was blond.”

  “Are you done?” Sawyer said staring at her.

  “I am just shocked is all” Candace replied. “You look like a completely different person, I even think your chest has gotten wider.”

  “Thank you Royal Healer” Sawyer said sarcastically. “Now leave me alone, I don’t want to talk to you.”

  “Well look who has come out of exile” Reginald said. “Pay no attention to any of these women at the table, all of them are fools.”

  “You take that back” Candace growled.

  “Sit down you little bitch” Dominic said. “No one at this table is scared of a little girl.”

  “And I am not scared of two little dicks” Candace replied. “I have seen the shriveled up things, you have to lift your belly just so a girl can find it.”

  “And many women have” Dominic replied. “You can't be like us whore no matter how many men you fuck and demean in Maduro. You see if a key can open any lock, they call that key a master key. My cock is a master key and so is any male mage at this table. If a lock can be opened by many keys then the damn thing is defective or broken. Either way it should be thrown out, your shitty lock and your horrid town means nothing to me. You may be Lady Candace there but here you are nothing more than a lucky whore with a loose cunt.”

  Sawyer’s eyes widened at Dominic’s insult and it was all he could do to keep his face straight as Reginald and even Andrew started laughing loudly. Sawyer could see Candace was angry and the other women tried coming to her defense but was laughed down. Sawyer scanned the table and did not see almost fifteen people. It was more like twelve not including the High Mage and Samson but Sawyer thought every mage was supposed to be here except for the young ones. The laughter died down as the Royals entered the room, everyone stood up until they came in and sat down. Sawyer could see the Queen glance at his table and made eye contact before she sat down. Sawyer sat back down as the announcement was made that Princess Penelope was to marry Mage Samson so someone else would have to take his place during the war as he would be here. That received some grumbles from the group Sawyer was sitting with, apparently two mages had died and the enemy had very strong mages that wreaked havoc. While a few of theirs had been killed as well they were mostly low level. Rumors went about the table of the Sale having a mage so savage that he could knock riders in a cavalry charge off their saddle with his wind magic. It was rumored the Aft had one as well and the Havenians had multiple high level mages. Andrew couldn’t wait for Tabitha to get there, he thought she could help turn a lot of battles. Tabitha was still nowhere to be seen though and Sawyer did not notice her until the tables were starting to be cleared away. Sawyer looked for his corner but saw Amaya was surrounded by two men that looked like they had a little too much to drink.

  “Amaya” Sawyer said looking down on the men who strained their necks to look up to him then backed away a little. Is your cousin the Baron around?”

  “No he is fighting in the war right now” Amaya said staring at him. “I am sorry, I feel like we have met before but you name escapes me.”

  “They call me the Mad Mage” Sawyer replied. “On the account I almost killed my entire mage guard.”

  “Mage Sarlon?” Amaya said looking at him. “You look different out of your robe and with hair. I didn’t recognize you at all but I will say I like the look on you, I don’t think any woman wouldn’t.”

  “Thank you for the complement” Sawyer replied.

  “Do you want a bit of company?” Amaya asked. “I know you hardly know anyone here and may need a friendly face since everyone knows you as the Mad Mage.”

  “I would love a friendly face” Sawyer replied as he gestured towards the chair he had just left.

  “You owe me” Sawyer said under his breath as they got back to where he liked to sit.

  “I do owe you” Amaya began. “You look like a completely different person. I mean you were not hard on the ey
es before but now you are in another league. With that body of yours I think you are giving Mage Samson a run for his money.”

  “Not my intention” Sawyer replied. “My mage guard dressed me like this, I am definitely not here to look for some silly girl or anything else.”

  “Well the single women here are missing out” Amaya said.

  “So did you find a beau yet?” Sawyer asked.

  “Not yet but there are a few who I think would do the job” Amaya began. “Why are you looking to fill it?”

  “I am a married man Amaya” Sawyer replied. “Everyone is telling me to give up on my wife back in Colten but I refuse.”

  “I heard about that” Amaya said with a smile. “I also finally visited Maduro, it was like a paradise. Even heard about the raining Mr. Maduro.”

  “I think our conversation is at an end” Sawyer said as seriously as he stood up.

  “I was just being playful, I heard you have nothing to worry about” Amaya said.

  Sawyer walked past her and left her there, the woman was probably trying to be flirty but had said the wrong thing. Sawyer made eye contact with his guard Mandy who gave him a wink as she was heading out the door dragging along a servant by his hand. The sight put Sawyer in a better mood as he looked for another place to go until this entire thing was over with. He could see Chews standing in a corner by the wall and decided although he was working, the man would be good company. As Sawyer got closer to Chews the High Mage appeared in his path.

  “You look nice Sarlon” the High Mage replied. “I think you should find other company than Mr. Chews. Why don’t you follow me to congratulate the new couple, it is something I insist upon.”

  Sawyer looked down puzzled at the High Mage who took his arm and dragged him along, when they got out of earshot of Chews Tabitha began to speak.

  “Stay away from that man” Tabitha said softly. “The queen is already wary of you since you have not forgiven her like the others have, even Samson has been enjoying her company voluntarily. Being seen with Chews could get you attention you are not likely to want. You may hate me but I saw what everything did to you as well as the personal demons you have been fighting.”

  “I will stay away from him now let me go” Sawyer snapped. “I never want you touching me, never!”

  “Sorry” Tabitha said as she pulled her hand back. “I was just trying to be a friend.”

  “You are a bit late for that” Sawyer replied curtly.

  “Maybe your Laws of the Country are wrong” Tabitha replied. “You can't see the forest for the trees. You have a friend in front of you, the Queen can also be a friend despite what she did to you and so can either of the princesses.”

  “Doubtful” Sawyer said as he turned to walk away and almost ran over Phoebe who was with a girl Sawyer had never seen and Amaya.

  “Your Highness” Sawyer said as he walked past her.

  “Going away so soon?” Princess Phoebe said.

  “Yes Your Highness” Sawyer replied.

  “Won't you come and sit down with us?” Phoebe asked. “I promise we won't bite. Besides you have not yet congratulated my sister, it would be rude to come to her party and say nothing to her. Come, let's go see her together Phoebe said as she wrapped her arm around Sawyer’s.

  Sawyer followed her to the only few tables that were left, normally they were for the queen and her family or the Dukes and theirs. Phoebe stood over a table where Samson and Penelope were feeding each other and cleared her throat, causing the pair to look up.

  “Mage Sarlon wanted to congratulate you both on your engagement” Phoebe said.

  “Congratulations” Sawyer said as he removed his arm to shake Samson’s hand.

  “Sarlon?” Penelope said shocked. “You are a blond as well? I never would have been able to tell. Glad to see you are wearing the clothes your Queen bought for you.”

  “You two have a lovely evening” Sawyer said as he could see a sneer start to form on Samson’s face.

  “Wait a minute Sarlon” Phoebe said as she tugged at his clothing. “Why are you in such a hurry to run off?”

  “Yes, why are you in such a hurry to run off” the Queen spoke as she came up from behind Phoebe.

  “I don’t want any trouble” Sawyer said as he backed away.

  “And I don’t want to give you any” the Queen replied. “I see you have been training hard, I have been kept informed of your progress.”

  “I don’t know how to reply to that Your Majesty” Sawyer said as he took another step back. “Can I go enjoy the rest of my evening.”

  “You have a princess that is trying to give you her attention” the Queen replied.

  “I know what getting attention by any of you is like and I rather not chance it” Sawyer replied.

  “Why don’t you take a seat at the next table with me and all of your friends” the Queen said. “I doubt you have ever met Lady Velarde and there are many other people here you may want to get to know.”

  Sawyer walked over to the table and sat down as the Queen sat across from him. The other women that were with Phoebe sat down as well as the princess sat right next to him.

  “I like your choice in clothing” the Queen began. “The cut fits you well and the coloris really bringing out your eyes. I have seen more than one young lady trying to figure out who you are. The hair is new though, I think it suits you.”

  “I do as well” Phoebe said as she put her hand on Sawyer’s then pulled it away quickly as Sawyer jumped.

  “I think I look like an idiot and am likely to never wear it again” Sawyer replied. “The Mage Guard dressed me and I don’t like their taste. I was ready to cut my hair back off but they insisted I keep it, at least for tonight. I will pass on your appreciation Your Majesty for their work, I am sure they will be honored.”

  “You don’t look like an idiot Sarlon” Amaya said. “I am sorry for earlier, you must hate me.”

  “What happened earlier?” Phoebe asked.

  “I brought up some of the things I learned while visiting Mage Candace in Maduro and noticed an immediate shift in our conversation” Amaya began. “I was trying to be playful and a little teasing but I am sure my words were taken the meanest way possible.”

  “You have been to Maduro?” Lady Velarde said. “Has everyone been except me?”

  “I think you would tell your father all about the place and give me another headache” the Queen replied. “I take it none of the sting from Maduro is gone, you still find the entire thing embarrassing?”

  “Your Majesty I don’t know to answer that” Sawyer replied. “I don’t think any answer I give would be correct, I could lie and get in trouble for lying or tell the truth and get in trouble if it is not what you want to hear.”

  “What happened in Maduro?” Lady Velarde asked confused.

  “It doesn’t matter child” the Queen replied. “I thought you were still upset about the whole thing even though it has almost been a half year Sarlon. That and other things are most likely the reason you have shunned everything bought for you until today. You did not displease me but was brought to Maduro anyway and everything just rolled downhill for you in a hurry. Now though you are on a clean slate, you may not appreciate my generosity but you have been training hard to become the best mage you can be. If you are worried about things like that happening again I can guarantee you they won't unless you displease me. That should get a big weight off of your wide shoulders if that has been holding you down. Queen’s never say they are sorry or apologize to anyone for anything, right or wrong. What I can do is make your life more comfortable if you let me. You probably already heard we are losing our mages to the stronger mages our enemy has. The time has come that I cannot hold back my best mage from fighting and as her apprentice you must go as well. But I can't trust you to have her back with the history between you two. I am going to send you out solo to help fight the Sale and they have a mage just as powerful as you are if not more so. There is a chance you will die during
this, you should take your time and enjoy the life around you. You have a princess trying to get your attention and if I am misreading things Amaya has been trying to as well although her awkwardness has probably ruined things for her. Lady Velarde is just trying to figure out who you are but I am sure she wouldn’t mind being courted by you. You have a wonderful night, you leave in a few days after Tabitha tightens you up a bit. You will also get a new mage guard, the women you were saddled with did a decent enough job but they are only whores with weapons and you are going into the thick of it. I will give them their small homes in Maduro I promised so don’t worry about whether they will be taken care of or not. You will meet your new mage guard tomorrow and they can learn their job from your current group until it is time for you to move out.”

  Sawyer watched the Queen leave and went to stand up as Phoebe tugged at him to sit down.

  “Relax Sarlon” Phoebe said. “You are leaving in a couple of days, you might as well enjoy life before it gets more difficult.”

  “What game are you playing?” Sawyer said looking at the princess. “Whatever it is, I want out of it. The longer I hang around you the riskier it is for me. If I am going to go fight then I need to prepare myself instead of staying here drinking and laughing.”

  “I am not playing any game” Phoebe said with a laugh. “I know I am the princess but I am still a woman who is trying to catch a young man’s attention.”

  “Here comes one now” Sawyer said as a man a few years older than he was walked up holding in his stomach.

  “Your Highness, I have been trying to get you alone all night” the noble said and laughed a little that turned into a snort. “Now I see a gentleman has beaten me to it.”

  “I was just leaving Milord” Sawyer said as he stood up. “I am no gentleman, I am just a peasant from the country that was found to have magic. I am in over my head but I don’t mind losing out to such a fine and distinguished fellow like yourself. Please take my seat and good luck.”