Jonathan reached the town of Tahajilee, it was a sizable city with good amenities. Pulling the arrow out was painful, Jonathan had screamed when it was done and had to flush his body with magical healing. Jonathan had done the same for Albie who also hated the experience. The robes they had on were ruined, Jonathan’s was covered in blood and he knew he looked a ghastly sight. The plan was to travel a few more hours but Jonathan thought they had enough travel for one day. Jonathan wanted to get some rest, if he was going to be attacked again he wanted to be at his best. Jonathan dropped the mage off with the city watch and then found an inn, since he wasn’t paying for it he made sure to find the nicest one in the city. Once the horses and carriage were seen to, Jonathan practically collapsed into a chair at the inn.
“Well this day was horrible,” Albie said as he sat down. “Shot through a bunch of times and would have died without Lucius.”
“Who the pit was that?” Jonathan said. “I have seen him before, I just couldn’t place him.”
“Don’t know,” Albie said. “But whoever it was, he ain’t the lad to be having a go with.”
“Oh, he will be having a go with me again,” Jonathan said. “I want to know his name.”
“I don’t know,” Albie said. “I just know he is not above partnering with mundanes.”
“Is he the same as the last guy?” Jonathan asked.
“I don’t know,” Albie said.
“The ladies want to freshen up a bit,” Lucius said as he and Elijah sat down. “You can throw down Thunder. I didn’t know how you would deal with this kind of fighting but I am happy you were with us.”
“Not as happy as I am,” Elijah said. “I was a goner. Now are we going to sample the local girls or sit here yapping all night.”
“Isn’t that what got you in trouble before?” Jonathan asked.
“Yeah, but we don’t get this chance often,” Elijah said. “Earl Gillespie would throw a wobbler if he even heard we were getting some honey from somewhere. He ain’t said as much but I know he would disapprove.”
“What about Gertie?” Lucius said. “I wouldn’t mind having a go with that one.”
“Pretty but not my tea,” Elijah said. “I wouldn’t mind having a go with Tricia though. Pretty girl with a hidden streak. I bet that one gets right nasty when it comes to it.”
“You know she is a noble,” Jonathan said.
“That doesn’t mean anything,” Lucius said. “You forget why people hate me?”
“You are gonna have put a ring on that,” Jonathan said. “No way one of those noble girls puts out for you without you putting a ring on it.”
“Of course they wouldn’t,” Elijah said. “Which is why we should see what the girls around here are like. You had to have noticed some of these barmaids looking over here.”
“Question,” Jonathan said.
“I can answer it,” Lucius said. “You want to know why none of us have went out and got married to some rich girl.”
“I do,” Jonathan asked.
“Well our pickings are slimmer than many other commoners,” Lucius said. “All except for Albie. Elijah could go off and find some lass but he needs to grow up a bit first.”
“What do you mean by that?” Jonathan asked.
“He means that the only thing I like better than that wet spot is a new wet spot!” Elijah laughed. “Any lass with money is bound to have a Da that would see me dead instead of playing around with his little girl’s heart.”
“Makes sense,” Jonathan said.
“I don’t have a reason,” Albie said. “I don’t chase dresses, and I don’t have some random child somewhere. I am only out for my money, I would rather make as much of it as I could without relying on someone else. Earl Gillespie lets me make honest coin and doesn’t bother me too much. All I have to do is follow the rules, not too hard to do.”
“I would give Gertie a go,” Lucius said. “I would feel bad afterwards though. Gertie aint the type of girl to love and leave.”
“And the women here are?” Jonathan said.
“They are used to it,” Elijah said. “Lads come in here all the time and stick it to them. Sometimes for money, sometimes for fun. Ladies like to have fun too, especially if they can get a mage baby out of the whole thing.”
“I don’t need any of the extra eyes on me,” Jonathan said. “Stuff like you are suggesting sounds like the exact thing that would get me in trouble.”
“Ain’t no law against it,” Elijah said.
“I want to be Archmage,” Jonathan said. “I have enough things going against me. What I have going for me is that Her Majesty likes me, that could change by doing something stupid. Earl Gillespie likes me I think and so does Duke Golad. I want nothing to do with a night of fun like you are talking about.”
“You said you were kissing the lasses all over the Tower,” Elijah said.
“I was,” Jonathan said. “But those were all girls that the powers that be approved of. Just think about what you are planning on doing. I wouldn’t tell on you but I am sure the story would get around eventually. Would His Lordship still employ you?”
“Not worth it for me,” Albie said.
“There you go, giving Albie a partner,” Elijah said. “What about you Lucius?”
“It sounds like fun,” Lucius said.
“What sounds like fun?” Gertie said making Jonathan jump. Jonathan had not seen or heard her approach and from the looks of his companions they didn’t notice her as well.
“Nothing,” Elijah said. “How are you doing?”
“Still shaken,” Gertie said. “Thank you all for saving me. The last time someone went after me they didn’t use that many men.”
“Will this stop?” Jonathan asked.
“If she finds and marries some lad,” Lucius said.
“Glad I don’t have to worry about stuff like that,” Jonathan said. “It would get really old, really fast. I doubt I would last as long as you have either.”
“People inside of the Gills leave me alone,” Gertie said. “But I want a better subject. You are really good with horses Jonathan.”
“I was raised around them,” Jonathan said. “My grandfather made his money buying, selling and raising horses.”
“I have always loved the animals,” Gertie said as her face fell. “My favorite horse was killed during the first time they came for me.”
“I have seen the mages who attacked us before, but I am not sure where,” Jonathan said.
“Dane Hewton,” Gertie said. “He has many friends and is very powerful. Before I was married he tried for me. Something about him always creeped me out. He should have been married, he comes from a long line of mages.”
“Never heard of them,” Jonathan said. “Is he the kind of man that would try for you again?”
“His father would,” Gertie said. “Dannel Hewton is used to getting his way and has even had trouble with His Lordship before. They are used to getting their way.”
“If he is so powerful, then why hasn’t his son married a mage girl?” Jonathan asked.
“He would never settle for a commoner,” Gertie said. “If you don’t mind, I would rather talk about something a lot happier than being attacked and those attacking me. I tried to change the subject before but somehow we got right back on it.”
“Here’s one for you Gertie,” Elijah said. “I am trying to have some fun with the girls around here. More than one of them have given me the eye but they always have friends.”
“You are a regular rogue,” Gertie said. “I wouldn’t tell on you. Which girl do you have your eye on here?”
“You see that one over there with the big chest who keeps looking this way?” Elijah said. “She would do but she has a friend with her. That one would either demand someone to have fun with or end the fun I could have with her friend.”
“And why don’t you take Jonathan?” Gertie asked.
“Tried to,” Elijah said. “He refused but I think it is because he ain
’t had no woman before.”
“You refused?” Gertie asked. “I am not trying to insult you, but you are a commoner.”
“Being a commoner does not mean I am trying to lay down every girl I see,” Jonathan said. “Albie refused as well, and he is a commoner.”
“Albie is being coy,” Gertie said.
“Oh is he now?” Elijah said.
Jonathan saw Albie look embarrassed and then down to the ground. Elijah looked at Albie oddly and then started to laugh. Albie looked like he would rather be anywhere else then inside the bar they found themselves in. Elijah elbowed Lucius but Jonathan noticed Lucius wasn’t laughing. Whatever was happening, Lucius knew more than what he let on. Gertie knew something as well, Jonathan wasn’t sure what though.
“What was all that noise, about not chasing dresses and looking out for the money?” Elijah said. “What does Gertie know that your lads don’t?”
“Gertie!” Albie said and shot Gertie an irritated look.
“She is tired of you hiding her away and pretending you both are not together,” Gertie said. “She is worried that you have another somewhere.”
“I would never,” Albie said.
“Would never what?” Elijah asked. “Come on now, we almost died together. No secrets here.”
“I have a girl,” Albie said and then looked at the ground.
“Well out with it,” Elijah said. “Who is this lass that landed her a mage? You know what, don’t tell me anything. I don’t want to know nothing about you and some commoner girl. That sounds like information that would get me fired for not saying anything. It is one thing to have a roll in the hay with some random girl, something else to have a relationship.”
“Who says she is a commoner?” Gertie asked.
“Why are you telling my business Gertie?” Albie said.
“You can’t hide forever,” Gertie said. “Not with her father getting suspicious.”
“You know who it is,” Elijah said looking at Lucius. “You been quiet, too quiet. I thought we were all supposed to be lads here. I don’t keep any secrets, it hurts my feelings a bit that you all are.”
“Albie doesn’t know that I know,” Lucius said.
“How do you know?” Albie said. “Did you tell him Gertie?”
“No and I will not,” Gertie said. “But she is not happy with you. If you do not have another then why all the secrecy?”
“Because everyone would have something to say about it and make my business their business,” Albie said.
“Well it would be a happy day,” Gertie said.
“I don’t want everyone in my business no matter who it is,” Albie said. “All these busybodies would come around and give me advice I don’t need or want.”
“I can respect that,” Jonathan said.
“I can too,” Elijah said. “But that cat is already out of the bag. Now who is it? Do I know this girl? I am going to give you grief about it, but it stays between us. Or you can keep your secrets, maybe I need to know that we ain’t the kind of friends I think we are.”
“Alicia,” Albie said and took a deep breath.
“No way,” Elijah said. “You are full of Albie. If you didn’t want to say anything then keep it to yourself, you don’t gotta lie.”
“It is her,” Albie said. “I just don’t want to hear Countess Gillespie. I don’t want to be invited to any dinners or anything else that never would have happened if I wasn’t with her. I don’t want to hear what all these people have to say about something that is none of their business.”
“That I can really respect,” Jonathan said. “But at least you can stomach the people that would be in your business.”
“Look me in the eye and tell me that Alicia, the same Alicia that came here with us, is your sweetie,” Elijah said.
“She is,” Albie said. “And she wanted to come out as a couple a long time ago.”
“How in the pit did you managed that?” Elijah asked. “You are scared to even talk to a woman, let alone one like that.”
“I don’t know,” Albie said. “She had a few too many glasses of wine one night when I was guarding His Lordship. She stumbled over and gave me my first kiss. I thought it was just the drink but when she woke up the next day, she did it again.”
“She looks like without her training that she could beat the pit out of you if the fight was a physical one,” Elijah said. “If I were you I would let her. Little Albie out here doing the damn thing while me and Lucius might as well be priests.”
“At least now you both can have fun during this trip,” Gertie said. “I just wish I could as well.”
“Pit,” Lucius said. “I was just putting you on earlier. I know about Lucius because I was told.”
“You and Gertie?” Elijah asked.
“Pit no,” Lucius said. “You know what kind of trouble that would lead to if I even thought about cozying up with a noble mage girl? Not that I want to with what I have now, no offense to you Gertie.”
“Well don’t keep us in suspense,” Gertie said.
“Tricia,” Lucius said.
“I knew it!” Gertie said. “She was always distant when men were brought up.”
“I guess it is just you and me then Jon,” Elijah said. “And you don’t want to have any fun. Just great, I finally leave the Gills and I get stuck being the fifth wheel on the wagon.”
“You come over here right now!” Jonathan heard Gertie say. Jonathan could see Tricia and Alicia walking up. Both were in simple dresses but now Jonathan knew what to look for he was sure they were armed.
“What are you on about?” Tricia said.
“She knows,” Lucius said.
“She knows what?” Tricia said as her eyes widened.
“You never said anything!” Gertie said.
“You told them,” Tricia said and then shrugged.
“At least you are braver than some people,” Alicia said.
“You mean about kissy face with little Albie?” Elijah said. “I know all about it and I agree that he should keep his business his business.”
“You told?” Alicia said surprised.
“I was bullied into it,” Albie said.
“Oh come on,” Gertie said. “At least you can enjoy yourself.”
“And I am tired of being in the dark and going out of our way to publicly avoid each other,” Alicia said.
“Well then why don’t we leave the lovebirds alone Jon?” Elijah said. “We can’t touch but we can look.”
“You two are not leaving me here alone,” Gertie said. “We can be depressed and alone together. First round of ale is on me.”
“Ale?” Jonathan said shocked.
“You expect me to take sips of wine?” Gertie asked. “You just worry about keeping up.”
“You don’t challenge one of the lads to a drinking contest,” Jonathan said. “You must have lost the plot.”
“This sounds like a challenge!” Elijah said. “So what are the stakes?”
“If I win Gertie has to wear mundane robes for a day,” Jonathan said. “A brown one.”
“That is against the law,” Elijah said.
“No it isn’t,” Jonathan said. “It is against the law for a commoner to be seen in noble robes, not the other way around. Why would it be a law? What noble would want to be caught dead inside of our robes?”
“And what if I win?” Gertie asked.
“Don’t know,” Jonathan replied.
“If I win, you and Elijah have to refrain from your wenching the entire time we are on this trip.” Gertie said. “If I can’t have any, then no one can.”
“You can have some if you want,” Elijah said and smacked his hands on his lap.
“So I can be just a notch on your bedpost?” Gertie asked. “I am not that desperate.”
“You bunch of knobbers,” Elijah said. “Looks like I will be lacking in companionship.”
“Then it seems like we have a wager,” Jonathan said. “You noble girls got too much
confidence for your own good.”
“I don’t know, I think it will work out for me,” Gertie said.
“And how is that?” Jonathan asked.
“Well I can get drunk so later on when I kiss you, I can say it was the ale thinking for me,” Gertie said as raised her eyebrow.
“Oh so that is what this is, is it?” Elijah said. “You are just putting the moves on ole Johnny Thunder and he is just to daft to realize he has a pretty woman in front of him flirting.”
“I, I uh,” Jonathan began.
“You don’t have to say anything,” Gertie replied. “I already know you are interested by the redness in your cheeks.”
“I don’t think I have ever had a girl come on to me like this before,” Jonathan replied. “Especially not a noble mage girl.”
“Well don’t leave me in suspense,” Gertie said. “You are either interested or you are not.”
“Any man would be a fool not to return the affections of a pretty woman,” Jonathan said. “I may be many things but a fool is not one of them.”
“I might as well have an ale by myself at the bar,” Elijah said. “It seems everyone of you got someone except me. Maybe I need to put it all in the Countess’s hands. I bet she has been angling for something like this for a while.”
“I am sure of it,” Gertie said.
“You are?” Jonathan asked.
“For the entire week before you got to the Gills, all I have heard is about the Queen’s Champion,” Gertie laughed. “How tall he is, how dashing he is. How he never cared about what is and what is not proper. You were talked up so much to anyone in Elizabeth’s circle that I thought she was just a fan until she told me that you were supposed to be my protector. I already knew the fix was in from the first time I talked to you. All dashing and angry.”
“I was not angry,” Jonathan said.
“Sure you were,” Gertie said. “You always seem angry even when you are trying to have fun. The only time you are not angry is when you are blushing.”
“I don’t blush,” Jonathan said and stuck his chest out. “I am the Queen’s Champion.”
“Really Mr. Queen’s Champion Sir,” Gertie said as she grabbed Jonathan’s hands and looked deep into his eyes. “I just see a handsome man with little or no experience with women.”
The Archmage Page 26
