“Why?” Jonathan asked.
“Because they thought I was going to be some kind of world beater and so did I,” Charles said. “In many of our testable events, having the ability to cast so many spells means nothing.”
“Your strengths are not testable,” Jonathan replied. “You have beaten Tobin and Davin while sparring before. The only two people that have beaten you is Cara, a second year student with combat experience and Rebecca.”
“How am I going to be a mage fighter when people like Rebecca could overwhelm my ability?” Charles asked.
“She can right now,” Jonathan replied. “But this is sparring with instructors present. Mage Red has taught me that in the real world, anything goes. How would she stop you from smashing her in the face with a fist?”
“Hit a girl?” Charles asked shocked.
“Pit yes,” Jonathan replied. “They would hit you and hit you hard. The first mage I ever had to put down as Champion was a woman. I admit that Mage Red was the one who actually took her down but you get my point.”
“My parents will not understand or care about any of that,” Charles said.
“I am assuming they know who Jonathan the Lightning is?” Jonathan asked.
“Well of course they do,” Charles said. “What does that have to do with the tests in Vashing?”
“Then they know I am not to be taken lightly and when I say you have what it takes then they would believe me,” Jonathan replied. “I am sure I could get you a proper master once all of this Tower business is over with. Someone you can train with and help you grow. Don’t worry too much about your parents, if you need me to talk to them then I will.”
“Thank you Mage Jonathan,” Charles replied. “What do you want me to tell everyone about Tobin and Cara?”
“Don’t tell them anything,” Jonathan replied. “Let them come to their own conclusion, you should be worried about Vashing. I have to leave early to get everything set and meet with everyone who will be there.”
CHAPTER 12
Vashing
“Thunder,” Gerald Morningstar said as he walked into the Tickled Feather Inn. The Tickled Feather was a new Inn built within the last year in Vashing. The Inn was meant to serve as a compliment to the more famous Vashing Inn where most of the rich nobles would be staying.
“What do you want Gerald,” Jonathan asked.
“I am a Battlemage, second only to the Mage Commander himself in the arts of war,” Gerald said. “Use a little respect with my name, commoner.”
“You really want to have a go with me?” Jonathan said as he looked up. “You think a fancy title is something you can hide behind? I don’t mind the arena Gerald, you remember that.”
“Are you through with your threats Thunder?” Gerald asked. “I am not stupid enough to challenge you just like a mundane is not dumb enough to fight a bear. That doesn’t mean the mundane thinks the bear is his equal.”
“If you have something to say, then say it,” Jonathan said as he stood up. “I have taken my last insult from you. Next one I get I am going to blow your ass right out that door.”
“Calm down Thunder,” Gerald said. “I came out here to find you.”
“Well you found me,” Jonathan said.
“I have heard you have been cuckoled in the Tower by another commoner,” Gerald said.
“Yeah, let’s go with that,” Jonathan replied.
“I hear he is a commoner that has been beating even more people than you did while you were in the Tower,” Gerald said.
“Is there a question in there somewhere Gerald?” Jonathan said. “It is bad enough I have to see Xalen and Russell both, I don’t have time to play games.”
“Oh you are angry that you are in danger of being replaced as the Queen’s favorite commoner,” Gerald laughed.
“You poor little man,” Jonathan said and shook his head. “I am going to be Archmage and there is nothing you or your master Kevin can do about it. I don’t care if there are mages out there a thousand times stronger than I am and have killed a thousand more people than I have. You clearly do not know who you are talking to. I am not in danger nor will I ever be. I am the danger. If a man opens his door and gets stabbed to death, you think that will be me? Gerald, I am the one knocking.”
“That was...dark,” Gerald said as he backed away.
“It is true,” Jonathan replied. “You know it and so does everyone else.”
“Thunder the war with the Donalians is a bit tougher than we imagined,” Gerald said. “They are stout little mundanes and their armor and shields are enough for them to get past most of our magical attacks.”
“We both know why that is,” Jonathan replied. “You picked weak commoners for your frontline troops and they do not have enough magic to turn them away.”
“They also have things that throw rocks and other heavy items farther than we can launch a spell,” Gerald replied. “We fought well together against the Raelinians, did we not?”
“So what,” Jonathan said.
“You enjoyed hearing the screams of those who killed your parents?” Gerald asked. “I was one of the first people who came to your aid even though we could not be called friends.”
“You are still not a friend,” Jonathan said.
“But I am not an enemy,” Gerald said.
“You expect for me to go run and be under Kevin Wilson?” Jonathan asked.
“The Mage Commander is too proud to ask for help,” Gerald said. “King Jeffrey, I mean Prince Jeffrey would also never ask the Queen to send you either. Strong mages could take down the Donalians but we do not have many of those willing to wade into battle. For mundanes, they are formidable.”
“That had to hurt your soul saying that,” Jonathan said and sat down. “You are asking a lot.”
“We are lions Thunder,” Gerald said. “Russell and Farrah may be stronger, Monica might be as well but they are not us. Whatever you think of me, has there been one war or battle that I have been frightened to take part in? We welcome the violence, you and I, you just lack the conviction to make your enemies suffer. You help me and I will keep Farrah away from you.”
“You think I care about Farrah?” Jonathan said. “I am the Kingdom’s Champion, not some lovesick idiot.”
“You were cuckoled by a first year with no money,” Gerald said.
“I’ll think about it,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan watched Gerald walk out of the door of the Inn’s main room and was a bit surprised to see Poppy walk in. Poppy barely looked at Gerald but instead walked over to see Jonathan. Jonathan watched Poppy sit in the chair and carefully watched her face. Jonathan couldn’t tell if the girl was angry, embarrassed, sad or whatever. Poppy just sat there for a few moments and let out a sigh.
“What is this about then?” Jonathan asked.
“Xalen broke up with me,” Poppy said and rolled her eyes. “His father said he would disown him for marrying a woman like me with little to no power or influence. He even called me ugly.”
“Okay,” Jonathan said. “Sounds rough but you deserve it. Don’t expect no sympathy from me.”
“I know Jon,” Poppy said. “I didn’t even love Xalen, I wanted to be Queen. I would be a fool for not at least trying to grab the golden ring.”
“Well it didn’t work out,” Jonathan replied. “Life is tough. Just take a deep breath and say to the pit with it. Gets me through any tough times.”
“How serious is Red with Frisha?” Poppy asked.
“Have you gone mad?” Jonathan asked. “Why do you even care? Red is happy and you and your little goon squad are the ones who put them together.”
“He would come back,” Poppy said. “I don’t leave things unsaid or undone Jon. I just got to go big to show him I am not messing around.”
“And Frisha?” Jonathan said. “You think Red is going to hurt her like you did to him?”
“Damn it,” Poppy said. “I am already in too deep with Grace.”
“What do
es she have to do with anything?” Jonathan asked.
“She could break them up,” Poppy said. “I just don’t know what it would cost me.”
“And you think Red would take you back just like that?” Jonathan said. “He was crushed and he picked himself back up, why would he deal with you?”
“Jon do you think you could...”
“Pit no,” Jonathan said. “No way he takes you back even if Frisha breaks up with him. Just you saying something about getting Grace involved means I have to tell him what’s what.”
“You are just angry about Cara,” Poppy said and quickly covered her mouth.
“Really?” Jonathan asked.
“We all know what happened with her and Tobin,” Poppy said. “She is far from the first girl he has given that kiss to in the Tower. What single woman wouldn’t let him? He doesn’t even want anything in return and your flower stays intact.”
“Too much info,” Jonathan replied.
“Cara is just the only one he has bragged about,” Poppy said. “Jon I just need for you to have Red here on the last day of testing.”
“What are you even doing here?” Jonathan asked. “The senior class does not have to be here.”
“Because I will not be cowed or embarrassed by Xalen,” Poppy replied.
“Now what is the other reason you are here?” Jonathan asked not amused.
“Grace asked me to be here,” Poppy said. “This is the first time mundanes have been invited to Vashing for this event. What was Gerald Morningstar doing here?”
“Bothering me,” Jonathan replied. “He wanted a favor and as much as I want to turn him down I will not. I need to grow my accolades, I don’t care who calls me out for wanting the attention.”
“The Barbarians?” Poppy asked.
“The Donalians,” Jonathan replied. “They are just a bit tougher than was previously thought and the Mage Commander hasn’t been getting the results he wanted. He picked decently strong nobles for his junior commanders but filled their ranks with poor commoner mages. Men like Kevin do not mind throwing what he thinks of as lesser mages at the enemy as fodder. The Donalians are game to meet those mages and they have been pushing back.”
“You would fight for Kevin Wilson?” Poppy asked.
“Hard to believe but it wouldn’t be forever,” Jonathan replied. “I actually didn’t think I would have a part in either battle since I was sure there were people trying to freeze me out of it. The Tower Mage has been back and forth to both battlefronts and has started changing his curriculum to fit what is happening. Gerald didn’t need to know that though, I have been practicing against that armor for months. The big machines they use to throw boulders, I already know the weak points and all I have to do is focus on those.”
“Still,” Poppy said. “I need you to have Red here on the last day of testing. I will do the rest. Tell him it would at least be fun telling me off to my face.”
“You really have something planned,” Jonathan said as he scratched his head.
Jonathan watched Poppy leave and would tell Red all about it once he saw him. For now Jonathan had to get himself in the mood to see everyone who came to these things. It couldn’t be helped Jonathan supposed, whatever would happen, would happen. Jonathan stood up and thought about traveling to the testing area, maybe seeing the area he had already set up would cheer him up. Jonathan was about to walk out of his inn when he decided to change his robes. His Champion robes hadn’t been worn in a while and Jonathan secretly liked his staff. Jonathan got himself changed and smiled at the innkeeper. The man had been pleasant to him and Jonathan thought he would stay there again next year.
Jonathan made his way over to the Vashing Inn and out to the testing area. Charles was there along with who Jonathan thought had to be his parents. They both had red hair like Charles did and Jonathan thought Charles looked just like his mother. Jonathan could tell by his body language that Charles was defeated. His shoulders were slumped and Jonathan could hear his father raising his voice.
“Well if it isn’t my favorite initiate,” Jonathan said as he walked up. “Won’t you introduce me to your parents?”
“And you are?” Charles’s father snapped.
“Jonathan the Lightning,” Jonathan replied. “Killer of dragons and idiots, also known as Champion.”
“You are this commoner that has everyone worried?” Charles’s mother said.
“Of course I am,” Jonathan replied with a smile. “Of course the people who normally say things about me are frightened to meet me in the arena.”
“You are not the strongest mage in the kingdom,” Charles’s father said.
“That is true,” Jonathan laughed. “According to the Tower and my instructors, they have seen far better mages than me come through.”
“Then why did they let you become Champion?” Charles’s father asked.
“No one let me Mr. Fitzwilliam,” Jonathan laughed. “They could not stop me. I am not the best mage or the strongest. I don’t need to be either, my enemies know to leave me alone. The last one who tried me was killed in front of the Queen. You have probably heard many things about me, next time you do, ask them a question.”
“And what question is that?” Charles’s father asked.
“Ask them if they are willing to fight me,” Jonathan said. “And if they are willing to tell me that to my face.”
“You are so serious for one so young,” Charles’s mother said.
“Had to be,” Jonathan replied. “Lost my parents two years ago and it is just me and my grandfather now but that is another story. I just came to see Charles.”
“For what reason?” Charles’s father asked.
“Because he is my favorite initiate,” Jonathan replied. “He has already taken down the Tower bully and the strongest male in his class. All because they underestimated him and let some stupid ranking do the thinking for them instead of their eyes.”
“He has?” Charles’s father asked.
“I should tell you the story,” Jonathan said. “One of the highlights of my year so far.”
“And you spend time with Charles?” Charles’s mother asked.
“Not at first,” Jonathan laughed. “He tried to fight me!”
“And he lost,” Charles’s father said shaking his head.
“Do me a favor Mr. Fitzwilliam,” Jonathan said. “Find me someone not afraid to fight me then. How about yourself?”
“I am not even a mage,” Charles’s father snapped.
“So what,” Jonathan replied. “You have been tearing apart your boy for nothing. I have told you he is a great student and you don’t care because he probably told you he is not ranked number one. He is an amateur and lost to a dragonslayer.”
“Please excuse my father Mage Jonathan,” Charles replied. “You do not know how difficult we had it when it was found out I had the gift. Most mages did not welcome my parents with open arms and he only wants to see me succeed.”
“You are succeeding,” Jonathan replied. “You are here and you have held your own. Most mages hate me, that doesn’t mean I am an ass to the people who love me.”
“Just who do you..,” Charles’s father said as his voice died off.
“Your son will never be ranked number one in the Tower,” Jonathan began. “I know it and so does he. Charles though has heart and a good mind. Your boy is going places, I can see it even if others cannot. When he gets there, do you want to look back and be the father who always believed him or the one that criticized every shortcoming?”
“My name is also Charles,” Charles’s father said as he stuck out his hand. “You can call me Charlie.”
“Well met Charlie,” Jonathan replied.
“My name is Gynthia,” Charles’s mother said.
“It is nice to meet you as well Ma’am,” Jonathan replied. “There are going to be a lot of tossers here. Ignore them. In fact why don’t you all hang out with me during the testing, see how many of these so-called mages want a tang
le.”
Jonathan spent his night talking to the Fitzwilliams about everything they could expect. Charles would test first, Jonathan saw no reason he shouldn’t get it over with. Jonathan thought Charles’s ability to make four mage lights no matter how dim would impress some of the people present. They would remark on his overall power though and some would discredit him but by then the next mage would be up and everything would be forgotten. Jonathan flew back to his inn to get some sleep and came back bright and early the next morning. Most of the students and their families would be showing up today and tomorrow the testing would begin. Jonathan sat down to have breakfast with the Fitzwilliams when he could feel a presence looming over him. Charles’s eyes went wide as he looked at whoever was standing over Jonathan.
“Are we playing this game again Russell?” Jonathan asked without turning around.
“Princes Jeffrey and Xalen will be here today,” Russell said.
“And I will be on my best behavior,” Jonathan replied. “Or not.”
“Is this him?” Russell asked.
“Is what him?” Jonathan asked. “What are you even talking about?”
“I hear you are trying to take on an apprentice,” Russell said.
“How rude of me,” Jonathan said as he stood up. “Lord Russell Golad, you remember Initiate Charles.”
“This is the one who dueled you?” Russell asked.
“He is,” Jonathan replied.
“He is of very low rank,” Russell said with a sneer.
“So was Joshua Thunder and we know what happened to the last mage that wanted to fight him,” Jonathan replied. “Or are going to pretend to forget what happened when we were here as first years? Overall I think I can count on both hands the mages that are able to beat Initiate Charles.”
“Following Thunder is liable to get you in trouble,” Russell said looking at Charles.
“Doubtful,” Jonathan replied. “I know of an open position in Golad for a mage capable of bringing down other mages.”
“You think your student has what it takes?” Russell said practically laughing. “With so little power?”
The Archmage Page 13
