“Lady Sahmya is nice seeing you here” John said as he made a little bow.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Sahmya said defensively.
“Can a man not be happy in seeing a beautiful woman?” John asked. “Perhaps I have made a mistake, have a good night milady”.
“No wait” Sahmya said as she bit her lip. “I am sure you heard what happened and the people here don’t know how to mind their own business, all I keep hearing about is they are sorry my marriage didn’t work out and what are my thoughts on my former husband. He is here you know, right across the room and has been trying to make eye contact with me”.
“I am positive a pretty woman like you could find someone else in a heart beat” John replied. In reality he was not so sure, while she wasn’t ugly she was far from pretty and had a reputation for being overbearing and a gossip. Part of the reason for her fall from grace was that many people said it was karma coming back to her. Whether she learned her lesson or not John didn’t care, dancing with her would put the mages in shock, which was exactly what he was going for.
“Maybe” Sahmya replied. “So what did you come over here for? I am sure the big scary knight can find other company, especially since you mages tend to only talk to other mages”.
“I was wondering if you would like to dance” John replied. “Of course if you are busy I can always wait my turn”.
“I would be delighted” Sahmya spoke as she grabbed John’s arm. During their dance the woman was true to character, she asked about his sister Sara, whether or not the rumor was true his father was stepping down as the Archmage and how much would he make as a Knight. After the dance the woman wanted to chat some more and John was only saved when the Queen entered the room and the knights had to take their places. John listened as the Queen talked about her new force, how the commoner was owed true justice regardless of the status of the perpetrator and how each one of her knights would have her utmost authority and that the knight commander would answer directly to Prince Jordan. During the speech John could tell the Crown Prince had mixed emotions, sometimes he looked angry and other times he looked bored. John figured that the Crown Prince was probably a little angry, the job of handing out justice unofficially used to belong to the mages but now their focus would be purely in a supporting role, either for the military, the various city watches spread throughout the kingdom or for the knights. It was after this part of her speech that she surprised many with her next announcement, it was obviously meant to not take away from the knights but John was sure that was on everyone’s lips.
“Before I finish boring you I have one more announcement” the Queen said as she looked over the crowd. “In exactly one week’s time we will have another celebration, Jonathan Thunder, affectionately known as Jonathan the Lightning has submitted his resignation. He will be succeeded by arguably the second strongest mage in our kingdom, the Tower Mage and head of mage studies Lord Russell Golad. If Lord Golad accepts this new position, he will have to give up his position as Tower Mage. To fulfill the Tower Mage position, Crystal Thunder has agreed to come out of retirement. I know you may find this as a surprise Lord Golad but I hope you accept your new position. If any mage of sufficient time in service to the crown finds these appointments unacceptable, I will let you challenge either of my appointees in a mage duel. Win and you gain the position, lose and I will dock you a silver a week for the rest of your service. Now that I have dropped that bit of information, Prince Jordan will tell you more about the men that were selected to become knights”.
Prince Jordan came up to speak but murmurs were going through the crowd among the mages. John smiled as he couldn’t believe his father had gone through with it and even worse Russell Golad was caught off guard. John’s father was an expert in maneuvering people, John knew it better than anyone, it was the only reason he had received a break from the Tower which was unheard of to join the army. Rusty’s idiot father was probably jumping for joy silently, he no doubt was angry his son had been bested but now that was probably in the back of his mind. He actually said he would mentor Sara and made it official, Rusty would have to either go to the tower or support the army, the city watch or the knights. John couldn’t picture that idiot doing either, he was used to being the shot caller but as a young man John couldn’t imagine anyone paying too much attention to him since technically mages held no rank. John stiffened as Prince Jordan began to talk, after this they would be formally knighted and given their gear.
“Ladies and gentleman, I want to tell you about the men chosen to be your voice when there is wrong doing” Prince Jordan replied. “Each of these men came from different backgrounds, we have a noble, Knight Commander David Steele leads this group. The knights do not discriminate, we have commoners and even a mage has joined, Jonathan the Lightning’s very own son. Each of these men have proven himself in battle, they have all shed enemy blood in service to the crown. No one can just join the knights, they were selected because they showed a combination of heart, bravery, skill and brains. Even then they were put through rigorous testing, various masters of combat and law stretched these men to their breaking point. What you see in front of you is who survived, the attrition rate was almost ninety percent, these thirty men though are the best of the best. Know if you need help, they will be there, not only for the enemy at home but the enemy across the borders. No one will be safe because of their status, the Knights can issue out punishment and solve crises in the field. Anything they deem too difficult will be brought here for adjudication”.
“Brother” the Crown Prince said interrupting the proceedings. “If mages are supposed to be support personnel to these Knights as you call them, then we should probably pair them up. I can’t help but notice you have no females in your knights, I suggest in order to show there is no favoritism that female mages be allowed to follow your men as they help our kingdom”.
“That is acceptable” Prince Jordan replied quickly. Anyone that knew the man could tell he was angry, the prince rarely gave quick answers and was more methodical in his thinking. The prince composed himself quickly and began to talk again.
“Only the knights speak with the full authority of the crown, only the knights have fully grasped all of our laws and they welcome anyone to test their knowledge. In addition the Knights will be easily recognizable, their chainmail combined with their surcoat and cape cloak, proudly displaying the scales of justice will become iconic. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the first graduating class of the Knights of Justice!”
John smiled during the polite pause, the mages were less than happy as were most of the nobles. The wealthy businessmen at least gave a decent applause, only John’s mother and father clapped with energy. Afterward they were all presented with a surcoat and cape which they put on immediately along with what had to be the best made sword John had ever seen. This was steel from a small mine in the far reaches of the kingdom, its location was private. There were rumors the blade Prince Jordan carried was made from the same material people called royal steel. This blade could hold a wicked edge that was difficult to nick or dull. It was thought that royal steel was too hard to come by and most things made with it were daggers which sold for thousands of gold. John looked around and although the rest of the knights received finely made swords, he did not spot any of the blue swirl pattern which dominated his blade.
“Doorknobs and windows!” Knight Copeland, the fourth in John’s class remarked. The man had an aversion to curse words and had always said other colorful things. “Is that Royal Steel?”
“That it is” the prince said as he joined the conversation. “It is a gift from me personally Knight Thunder, for your actions in the Lost Legion and for the service you had as a mage although brief. There is only one other sword made from that material and I have it. If for some reason you decide to leave the knights that sword is to be turned over, it is given to the knights greatest warrior, I do not believe when combined with your magic that anyone here, capable as they
may be can take you down. You bested arguably the greatest mage of your generation without breaking a sweat. Brandish it whenever you can, I know you have magic but this will give people pause. I have exhausted the royal armory of Royal steel, every man here with the exception of the Knight Commander who will most likely never see the field again will receive a dagger made with the same material with the same conditions. Enjoy this time knights, in two weeks your assignments will be ready and it will be time to get to work. Remember it doesn’t matter who is assigned with you, you are in charge”.
John smiled and sheathed his sword and went to join his family, doing a little turn so they could take in his new uniform. “So what do you think?”
“I think you are too full of yourself” Sara snapped.
“Oh don’t be angry big sister” John replied. “Everything I have accused you of you know it's true. I did nothing to that idiot of yours that he hasn’t done to me many times over. As far as I’m concerned whatever bad feelings we had between us is over, I don’t mind putting it all behind me if that great big idiot is supposed to be your husband”.
“You insult him when he is not even in the conversation” Sara replied angrily.
“I insulted him to his face repeatedly don’t you remember?” John asked. “I will not stop calling him a great idiot until the day you two are wed. I have hope that you find yourself someone more suitable”.
“Like you did with Sahmya Lux?” Sara asked. “She isn’t even a mage and you will never be accepted as a noble”.
“Aren’t you betrothed to a noble?” John asked.
“Different thing entirely and you know it” Sara barked as she crossed her arms. “We are both mages and that code trumps all other”.
“Well if you must know sister I have no plans for Lady Lux” John replied. “She looked lonely and I wanted some female company, believe it or not I am a man”.
“There were plenty of female mages around” Crystal said entering the conversation.
“Not even under consideration, they were either too young or completely ignored me not even two years ago” John replied quickly.
“Well you were a loser then, who could blame them” Sara replied. “Now you show up with more muscles than a mage ought to have along with accolades from combat”.
“Well then it seems like it was their loss” John smiled.
“John you know it is hard for any mage to find a mate” Crystal replied. “And you know what Russell Golad thinks of mages marrying the non magical. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of his first orders was to drastically limit mages marrying non magical people. Perhaps you shouldn’t be too hard on the young ladies, already three different parents have asked about your relationship status”.
“Well then tell them I am not interested” John replied.
“You don’t even know who they are” Sara snapped. “You have been an embarrassment to this family for so long, now that you are climbing out of that hole your next order of business should be to find a suitable mate, preferably the one with the most power”.
“Not going to happen” John replied. “I don’t want to talk about this, we are supposed to be here welcoming the new knights, not talking about romance. Besides, I fall out of the command of the Archmage, I am able to court whoever I like, noble or commoner”.
“Dad say something” Sara pleaded.
“John Thunder” Jonathan said looking at his son. “You were never an embarrassment to me and I am happy that you finally see that. I will tell you not to be blinded by power, status or money when you are looking for a woman. I chose based on who had a fat ass, if I couldn't picture myself squeezing it then I knew it wouldn’t work”.
The table fell silent at that comment, Jonathan Thunder, Archmage of Kirby had never said something so crude that it wouldn’t be out of place in a tavern frequented by lowlifes. Crystal turned bright red for a second and hit her husband over the head who half heartedly ducked and tried to cover himself.
“Jonathan Thunder” Crystal screamed as she hit him again and again amid the Archmage’s loud laughter. John couldn’t help but join in as they began to make a scene, other people were looking on trying to figure out what the fun was about.
“You can hit me all you want but it’s true” the Archmage said as his laughter subsided. “I didn’t look for the strongest mage but I am sure happy you did. Russell Golad no matter what I think of him was just like his son, tall, broad chested with a square chin. There was no way I could compete with him physically but it didn’t matter, I got to grab that ass and he didn’t, sometimes just to piss him off I sneak him a smile before I give you a kiss”.
“You are a bad influence Jonathan Thunder” Crystal said as she crossed her arms and turned her back to him.
“John I think your mother and your sister both will kill you if you don’t marry a mage” The Archmage said as he gestured to his wife and daughter. “And not just any mage but one of their choosing, all night they have been scheming and plotting against you. Your mother and sister have been invited for lunches and they have given some out in return. Unfortunately for both of us we are expected to tag along. Good luck to you young man, you will need it. Now let’s see that sword the Prince has been bragging about, apparently it is highly coveted.
CHAPTER 8
“I think it is a marvelous idea” Lady Farrah Nettleton, younger sister of Lord Russell Golad said she patted Sara on the back. “I think it will give John some real back up if he should ever run into real trouble, while he has his tricks a real mage may be needed to get him out of trouble”.
John inwardly groaned at the backhanded compliment, in the last two weeks many people had different opinions on his duel with Rusty with most coming to the same conclusion. They thought John had gotten lucky and fought the perfect fight while Rusty did the one thing he shouldn’t have done by using fire. Still his value as a mage had risen and he came from a good bloodline, this was the last lunch John would have to go to and smile while people nicely tore him down along with the rest of the knights before inquiring about his relationship status. This was the meeting he was dreading the most, the Nettletons were every bit as snobby as the Golads despite having nowhere near the magical prestige. Lady Nettleton was a decent enough mage but none of her children were anything special, they could all keep at least two spells going simultaneously but none of them had the power or the reserve to really push those spells. Dawn Nettleton was the oldest of the three Nettleton girls and was good friends with Sara. Dawn like his sister Sara, was 10 months older than John but had still remained single. She had ruthlessly shut down any suitors she found unacceptable while those she did find acceptable had no reason to date her. Dawn was beautiful but way too tall for the average mage, she even had John by three or so inches and she could never be called a slim woman. She was a female version of Rusty, tall, blond, big chested and big boned. There were smaller more petite women to be had that were strong in magic, like Tiffany Tatterson. Tiffany was no great mage but stronger than Dawn and better looking to the average man.
“I think so as well” Sara replied as she looked over at John. “What do you think little brother?”
“I think I am more than capable of taking care of myself” John replied. “You have seen me spar with the palace guard. Even Prince Jordan was impressed by my skill when we went a few rounds and that was with no magic. I don’t need a baby sitter, ask the barbarians if they think I can fight. Besides, Lady Dawn Nettleton has much better things to do than follow me around like a lost puppy. The Nettletons are an esteemed family with many interest and I thought Lady Dawn Nettleton wanted to try her hand at helping out the city watch when they go bandit hunting”.
John inwardly smiled at his comment, he used Dawn’s full name to remind her family that they were nobles and the Thunders were not and he used the puppy reference to dissuade Dawn herself from wanting the job. The woman never had anything nice to say about him and had beaten John in a magical duel several times before. She
wasn’t outright hostile like her idiot cousin but had been more than dismissive, now she was across the table from him with a half snarl on her face broken up only by periods of staring.
“Nonsense” Crystal replied. “Knights are going to be accompanied by a mage anyway and the Queen herself likes the idea of female mages going out into the field and meeting the common people. In fact a decree is coming down that until the Knights have at least integrated, that women mages would accompany them, sometime ladies are more apt to speak to their own kind no matter how dashing you might be in your armor. I am sure I can talk to the Archmage and he would be happy to change her assignment”.
“I think you should be happy I would even consider going with you” Dawn replied. “There are many who would love to spend time with me even if we are working while doing it. I know I have beaten you plenty of times, so while you may be able to fight a little you are still not on par with a full mage. Part of you must know this since you have not even considered another bout with my cousin”.
“I have nothing left to prove to anyone” John replied. “And I think it is a farce that mages are even allowed to accompany knights. I doubt seriously you know the law the way I do and it's not like we will be facing dragon knights or anything. We have all been trained in combat, everyone has focused on the fact I beat Rusty in a mage duel but has overlooked I took down a much larger man with relative ease using nothing but my hands and I am not even our top fighter when magic is taken out of the equation.
The Knight Mage Page 8
