“I, uh, I uh,” Jonathan stammered as Gertie let his hands go and started laughing.
“You are so easy and innocent!” Gertie said laughing. “It is like you never had a girlfriend before.”
“I had a girlfriend,” Jonathan replied. “Well sorta. Okay I have never had I girlfriend before, but I have kissed one.”
“Really?” Gertie teased.
“I have,” Jonathan said. “But she is promised to another and she is a colossal twat.”
“Well that is harsh,” Gertie said as she sat back. “All because you cannot have her?”
“Of course not,” Jonathan replied. “She just thinks she is better than everyone else. Anyone not of her station who has ever met her or her family thinks so. Well maybe not her father, he is a good guy.”
“Who is this mystery girl?” Gertie teased. “That can be so bewitching and off putting at the same time.”
“Farrah Golad,” Jonathan replied.
“As in Duke Golad?” Gertie asked surprised.
“Same girl,” Jonathan replied. “I was her first kiss as well. She was just pretty is why I put up with her but no more.”
“A Tower romance?” Gertie asked.
“Of course,” Jonathan replied. “Her mother has always hated me as well. Oddly enough she wants me to go work for her and has offered a lot of money but I would never dream of it.”
“Why wouldn’t you?” Gertie asked.
“Because I want to be Archmage,” Jonathan replied. “She doesn’t want me to become Archmage. She knows I am one of the strongest mages in the Kingdom and wants to shape me to her whims. I really don’t like the woman and depending on how you meet, I doubt you will like her either.”
“I am constantly around Elizabeth so she cannot be that much different,” Gertie said.
“Noble or not, she would dismiss you in a heartbeat,” Jonathan replied. “Maybe she would fight to make a match between you and someone from her duchy but that is it. She only has time for landed nobles with decent magic.”
“I have met people like that before,” Gertie said. “I can maneuver around them. Maybe it would be a bit difficult with you by my side.”
“Oh I could just hear everyone,” Jonathan laughed. “Even Prince Jeffrey has gotten in my business. All of them want me with a rich mundane noble girl. Not just any rich mundane noble girl, one that is in an acceptable family that can be leveraged. If I arrive with you it would be a perfect scandal at first. They would be happy that you are not a commoner but angry that you are also a mage.”
“I barely have any power,” Gertie said.
“And because of that, you would quickly be welcomed,” Jonathan replied. “You would find yourself invited to all sorts of things, all over the Kingdom. They would try to use you to stop me from achieving my dream.”
“Wow we have gotten deep in the woods on this,” Gertie laughed. “How about we don’t bring up any past relationships and just enjoy us. Like what are you looking for in someone.”
“Anyone who puts me first can expect the same,” Jonathan replied. “Someone with her own wants and dreams. I would try to help her achieve them just like I would like help to achieve mine.”
“Don't you want a rich girl?” Gertie asked.
“Doesn't matter,” Jonathan asked. “I have my own money and I could get more off my own back. If money is a big reason to be together, then I do not see many couples staying for love.”
“So romantic,” Gertie laughed. “So what does the great Jonathan Thunder do for fun?”
“Nothing,” Jonathan replied. “Normally I am either working or thinking about work. Being out with a pretty girl is the most fun I have had in years.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Gertie said.
CHAPTER 6
Mercenaries
“Looks like we are almost there,” Jonathan said as he looked out of the carriage window.
“I can’t wait,” Gertie asked.
“I bet you can’t” Alicia said as she elbowed Tricia.
“Someone is trying to be funny,” Gertie said. “Like you haven't been in here making me and Tricia watch you play kissy face.”
“I am just happy we are out,” Alicia said. “He is still worried about Her Ladyship getting into his business.”
“I will have a talk with her but I doubt it would help,” Gertie said. “She is going to want a big show to let everyone know how things are in the Gills. This way they can attract more mages to the Gills by holding you up as an example.”
“Just what he is dreading,” Alicia said. “What about Lucius?”
“He wants to get it all over with so he can get his daughter back from his mum,” Tricia said. “His mother thinks she may have the gift. I always wanted a little girl as well. Maybe we will be gifted a small house or something.”
“Wow you all are talking about marriage,” Jonathan said. “Not even courting?”
“Courting?” Alicia laughed. “You have met my Albie, is he the sort of man who you think properly courts women?”
“Probably not,” Jonathan admitted.
“Of course he doesn’t,” Alicia said. “He is still too nervous to even make a move on me. The sooner we get married, the better. I am going to let the Countess know as soon as we get back into the Gills.”
“Well before we do all of that,” Jonathan said. “We still gotta get this sword made. I have peeked at the materials, still don’t know what makes the steel so important.”
“I have never met Prince Jordan,” Gertie said. “Do you think he would like a sword?”
“Yes he would,” Jonathan said and smiled thinking about the Prince. “He is a good guy, nothing like his father. A bunch of dragon teeth alone would make him scream with excitement. He gets grief for being a mundane but during the dragon attack, he got his family to safety while the mages in his family hid in the carriage.”
“I was told Sig Hunnel is a difficult man,” Gertie said. “Very snappish and doesn’t care about any titles.”
“Sounds like my kind of guy,” Jonathan replied. “Is he expecting us?”
“He is,” Gertie said. “Our plan is to leave the weapon with him while we go out to help the Army.”
“I thought we were supposed to stay here until it is finished,” Jonathan said.
“Not unless you are going to be in the room with me,” Gertie said and laughed as Jonathan’s face went red. “The longer I stay in town, the more likely someone will try to come get me. Who knows if Dannel Hewton brings more men? It is not worth it if people start dying while I make an easy target. Money talks and I am sure he could get his men close to me if we stay somewhere for any period of time. No one would be dumb enough to come after me while I am with the Army.”
“They could try,” Jonathan said. “The last couple left burned up. If I could go back I would have my lightning magic on full display.”
“Well we are all happy you were there,” Alicia said seriously. “It was a good attack, maybe they try it again when we return.”
“I am sure they wouldn’t like the results,” Jonathan said.
“This is the place,” Jonathan heard Elijah yell out. “Now hurry up and give this lad the materials so we can go grab us a tankard.”
“Well why don’t all of you find us an inn,” Gertie said. “Jon and I can catch up. Take the carriage, we can always fly there.”
“Oh you just want some alone time,” Alicia said as Gertie went to open the door.
“So what,” Gertie said. “Come on Jon.”
“You need me to come with you?” Elijah said from up on the bench of the carriage. “I just saw some rough looking guys go in there.”
“None of them seemed impressed that we were mages,” Lucius said. “Even sneered at me.”
“I will be okay,” Jonathan said.
“Your call,” Elijah said. “I will have a cold one waiting for you.”
Jonathan walked through the door of the smithy after grabbing the items
and saw four rough looking men inside. Jonathan thought they had to be guards or something, their armor was finely made and by the hilts, their swords looked expensive also. Jonathan stood behind the group as one of them snatched a sword from a short but broad man.
“It took you long enough,” a big brown haired man said as he looked over the sword.
“It is craftmanship,” the short man said. “You want it faster then go someplace else.”
“Just who do you think you are talking to?” the bigger man said as he snatched up the shorter man.
“Get your hands off of him!” Gertie said as all four men in front of Jonathan turned around to face them.
“What do we have here Gurtis?” said a bald man with a beard. “Two mages who think we won’t cut them from ear to ear for getting in our business.”
“And look what I have here Gertie,” Jonathan said. “Four idiots who don’t realize they just insulted the wrong man. Go ahead and draw your steel, you will all be dead in moments.”
“Is that a fact?” the big brown haired man said as he dropped the shorter man.
“That it is,” Jonathan said as he pushed Gertie behind him.
A fist shot out from the bald man and impacted Jonathan’s shield. Jonathan stayed looking towards the big brown haired man and shot out a hand and launched a mage bolt at his attacker. Jonathan knew he was successful as he heard a smack followed by the sound of a man hitting the wall. The big brown haired man pulled out his sword followed by his two remaining friends. Before anyone could move, a crossbow bolt stuck in the door behind Jonathan which made everyone pause.
“You all get out of my shop!” the short man said who Jonathan figured was Sig Hunnel.
“I was sent here by Earl Gillespie,” Jonathan said. “I will not watch someone get assaulted in front of me.”
“We can take this outside,” said the big brown haired man.
“Yes we can,” Jonathan said as he turned around.
“Wait!” Gertie said. “Maybe this is just a misunderstanding. Do you men know you just invited Jonathan Thunder outside to fight?”
“The Dragonslayer?” Sig Hunnel said as he lowered his crossbow.
“Yes,” Gertie said.
“You really him?” the big brown haired man said. “Let me see some lightning then.”
“I don’t jump for you,” Jonathan said as he looked over his shoulder.
“If you are really Jonathan Thunder,” the Big brown haired man said as he put away his sword. “I have a job for you.”
“What kind of job?” Gertie asked.
“Not for you girl,” the big brown haired man said. “You mages are about a brave as a fish out of water. I have no use for almost any of you.”
“What are you talking about?” Jonathan asked as he turned back around.
“The Army is hiring mercenaries to help guard their men while they build a new fort,” the big brown haired man said. “The name is Gurtis, I am best bodyguard in Kirby. Me and my men are not cheap and we also do not fail. The Barbarians are not a foe to be taken lightly and I have seen them kill plenty of Soldiers. The two mages I hired to help out both ran during an attack and took my gold with them.”
“We are supposed to be heading towards the Army anyway,” Jonathan said. “To help out while they are building something.”
“It has to be the same job,” the bald man said as he started to shake off Jonathan’s blow. “I don’t know Gurtis, if they got this bloke in on it, maybe we shouldn’t go back.”
“We have to,” Gurtis said. “We don’t turn down jobs because of the difficulty.”
“We have already completed our week,” the bald man said. “Why go back for more.”
“The coin,” Gurtis said. “The money we make from the army and the infamy of sticking the entire thing out will bring rich people wishing to use our services. Especially if the Queen’s Champion had to be called out.”
“Are the Barbarians really that dangerous?” Jonathan asked.
“They attack at night,” Gurtis said. “Or they catch people unaware. They are willing to die as long as they can take one of us with them. They are fast and they have no fear.”
“I am supposed to wait on this sword to be made before I head out to see about the Barbarians,” Jonathan replied.
“I have good coin that can change your mind,” Gurtis said.
“How about this,” Jonathan said. “My lady friend here has ran into a streak of incredibly bad luck. I will leave right now provided that in a fortnight we return to pick up the sword and you have to see us safely to the Gills.”
“The Gills?” the Bald Man said.
“You said you were body guards and I have need of your services,” Jonathan replied. “I am more of an attacker, not a protector. If you four are as good as you say, then you can get easy coin from the Army and escort four mages and two female guards back to the Gills.”
“Female guards?” Gurtis said confused.
“You have a good chance of being attacked again on the way,” Jonathan said. “I would put the odds at twenty-five percent. There is a man out there who wants my lady friend in the worst way. We need your help and you need ours. Of course you could just leave, I would be there in two or three weeks anyway.”
“A lot can happen in a few minutes, let alone a few weeks,” Gurtis said. “You have a deal Dragonslayer. The bald man is Coe, the one with the unibrow is Takeya and the shortest one is Fox.”
“We can be one the road as soon as the morning,” Jonathan replied. “I want to give my people a good soak and let them restock. Your protection job starts now though, the people looking for my lady friend could be anywhere. If she goes missing then all deals are off.”
“Fox,” Gurtis said as a man walked up. Jonathan thought he was well armored but his weapons were different from the other three. He had a short sword and a long dagger. His main weapon was probably the bow strapped across his back.
“Yeah boss,” Fox replied.
“I want you to case out wherever they are staying and give me a report on your findings,” Gurtis said. “I need to know the usual, entrances, exits, all of that. If possible, get a couple of rooms near them. Our job starts now and it wouldn’t do for our charge to be taken.”
“Well aren’t you even going to ask who the people are that have me worried?” Gertie asked.
“Don’t know, don’t care,” Gurtis said. “Part of my job is not asking any questions unless absolutely necessary. I know only a Mage would have another Mage nervous, whoever the man is, must be strong with a lot of resources. I have had a tangle or two with mages, they fall like any other man if you catch them unaware.”
“My shoulder agrees,” Jonathan replied. “I was shot by an arrow and taking it out, let alone having it fixed hurts like the pit. Times like these I wish I was proficient in healing.”
“Well that it a fight we may have,” Gurtis said. “The Barbarians are a fight that we are definitely going to have. I would rather face down your enemies instead of that enemy. They have killed mages before with their raids. Handle your business with Hunnel and we will meet you outside to discuss more business.”
“You already know about the special sword?” Jonathan asked Sig as he lifted up a sturdy sack.
“I have heard word of it,” Sig replied. “I don’t just jump because some noble tells me to.”
“If you are a smith worth his weight I think you will honored to get the chance,” Jonathan replied. “This weapon is a gift for Prince Jordan, it is going to be the most expensive sword ever created and worth countless fortunes from what I hear.”
“You may be some kind of killer mage,” Gig said rolling his eyes. “But you don’t know anything about a good sword. No way a sword, even my swords are worth countless fortunes. Stick to what you know Mage and I will stick to what I know. Only way a sword could be considered priceless was if it had good history attached with it or maybe if it was made from Royal Steel.”
Jonathan dug his h
and inside of the sack and pulled out a small wooden box. Sig looked at him and the box strangely but noticed there was a big thunk as Jonathan sat the bag on the counter. Sig felt the outside of the bag and looked a Jonathan confused and then his eyes widened.
“What is in this bag Mage?” Sig said seriously as his voice was barely higher than a whisper.
“Why don’t you check?” Jonathan replied.
“By the Gods!” Sig said as he backed away like he was going to faint. “Do you realize how much this is? How much money this is worth? People would come in here and kill me, even for the unfinished product. How many people have you told about this?”
“No one,” Jonathan said. “Who you tell is up to you. I need that sword completed with a very special crossguard and pommel. I need them made from these,” Jonathan finished as he opened the box and pulled out the three best dragon teeth.
“What are these?” Sig said as he grabbed the white objects. “They look almost like teeth.”
“They are teeth,” Jonathan replied. “Care to guess from what?”
“Dragons!” Sig said.
“I have five other teeth in here, enough for another sword and two daggers,” Jonathan replied. “I will pick all of this up when I get back. I know you said that you jump for no man, but this could be your greatest work. Long after I die, I will known for killing a dragon. You could be known for forging this sword.”
Sig looked in awe as he walked Jonathan out. Jonathan noticed Sig immediately closed up his smithy and locked the door as he went back inside to begin his work. Gurtis looked at him oddly but didn’t say much, Jonathan thought the man was probably wondering what a mage would need with a Smith.
“Now we have to find this inn,” Gertie said. “You four wouldn’t happen to know where the best inn in town is, do you?”
“Other end of town,” Gurtis said. “Away from the smells of the working folks. A good walk away from here, you can fly there if you want.”
“We can walk,” Jonathan replied. “Having other protectors is just what we needed. Maybe I can learn from you during our time together.”
The Archmage Page 27
