“From what I hear you have risked yours enough Jonathan,” Gertie said.
“I plan on slowing down when I reach Archmage,” Jonathan said. “You want to get out of here Gertie and go catch up with our friends?”
“I do,” Gertie said.
Jonathan said his goodbyes and fought not to smile at the glare Farrah was giving Gertie behind her back. Jonathan made his way out to the front and into a carriage before he started speaking again.
“Sorry for leaving you with them,” Jonathan said. “You were brilliant though. Shut Russell right up, that one is not used to any female telling him what's what.”
“Jon the Duchess brought up some good points,” Gertie said. “I like you Jon, you know I do. If I could design the perfect man for me right now, you would be it. You don’t mind hard work, you are strong and you have money. You don’t talk down to me and you like being around me.”
“I know a but when I hear one,” Jonathan said.
“Jon I have been scared to death of some random guy snatching me up,” Gertie said. “You came along and gave me some semblance of peace for the brief time we have known each other. I don’t want to worry if you are coming home or not if this goes farther. I don’t want to be in the position I am in now.”
“You think I would step out on you?” Jonathan asked. “What has Farrah been telling you?”
“Nothing,” Gertie said. “But I could tell you had something with her, she was a bit too nosy. And I am talking about whether or not you would be killed. I got to hear in detail about all of the times you have almost gotten yourself killed. Duchess Golad is offering us a place and she said she could find a place for my folks in her duchy. Not even Earl Gillespie has offered that and I am Elizabeth's best friend.”
“My goal is becoming Archmage Gertie,” Jonathan said. “You already know my reasons, I owe it to my folks.”
“Are you sure you are doing it for them?” Gertie asked. “I could make you happy Jon Thunder, but I don’t want to worry about whether you would make it home or not.”
“I could make you happy as well,” Jonathan said. “But I think you have been hanging around people who have been filling your head up.”
“Jon, I knew they had a motive as soon as we sat down,” Gertie said. “Once they found out I was a poor mage who wanted to live a simple life the hard remarks went away. They were almost friendly, especially the Duchess who told me all about the job she would have you do. I think you should listen to her.”
“I wouldn’t work anywhere I have to deal with the Duchess or her son,” Jonathan said. “I would rather stick it in a wasp’s nest.”
“She invited us out for breakfast tomorrow,” Gertie said. “I told her that I wasn’t sure of your plans.”
“Just great,” Jonathan said.
“You undersold how famous you are Jon Thunder,” Gertie said as she looked at him. “Whose carriage are we in anyway?”
“The Archmage’s,” Jonathan said. “And infamous is more like it. I have already been threatened by Prince Jeffrey for turning down some stupid position.”
“Mage Commander?” Gertie asked. “If that is the one I don’t blame you. I am just not built to be a part of mage life. I would rather be back in the Gills chatting up Elizabeth. I am a simple girl, I want a house, some kids and some quiet.”
“That does sound good,” Jonathan replied.
“This could happen Jon,” Gertie said. “You would have hot meals to come home to even if I have to cook it myself. I am sure my parents will be falling over themselves when they meet you.”
“Not willing to budge Gertie,” Jonathan said. “I am like a good hunting dog, I already have the scent. But there is no way I can turn down Duchess Golad, as much as I dislike the woman.”
“Is it her you do not like, or are you trying to stay away from her daughter?” Gertie asked.
“Both,” Jonathan replied. “I don’t want anything to do with the family other than Duke Golad. Now I have to prepare myself to talk to the Duchess, exactly what I don’t need.”
CHAPTER 12
The Trouble With Relationships
“I could get used to this,” Gertie said as she woke with her arms around Jonathan. “I never thought you would let me sleep in here with you. Just what would your little girlfriend Lady Farrah think?”
“Ha, ha,” Jonathan replied. “It is your honor you are besmirching, everyone hates me enough already.”
“Already been married,” Gertie replied. “My flower is long gone. I don’t have the maiden reputation to protect.”
“I bet a lot of busy bodies are going to think that we have been in here doing more than sleeping,” Jonathan said as he got up and stretched.
“We are not the only ones,” Gertie replied. “When I told Tricia that I would be sleeping in here with you, she made other arrangements since she does not have to worry about protecting me.”
“And everyone made out expect poor Elijah,” Jonathan said laughing. “When are you all supposed to be heading home?”
“Maybe tomorrow,” Gertie said. “I want to see this new Tower of Magic. You have been fighting students there?”
“I have,” Jonathan replied. “Real tough students. I would love to show you around. I have my own room and office in the Tower.”
“You do?” Gertie asked.
“Technically I am still a teacher there,” Jonathan replied. “And you already met one of my mentors. At one time I think it was more correct to say I was his apprentice. Now I have been doing more with the Archmage but I still enjoy the Tower Mage’s hospitality.”
“Well then my trip will be nice,” Gertie said as she squeezed Jonathan again. “I feel like this is ending Jon, like we have already went as far as we can.”
“It has been nice,” Jonathan replied. “But I know you wouldn’t like my job even if you liked me just like I wouldn’t like whatever job I was doing if it didn’t lead to eventually becoming Archmage. But enough of this talk, can we at least enjoy the day. It has been a while since I have genuinely felt happy and I want it to last as long as it can.”
“I agree,” Gertie said. “It has been nice for someone to look at me like I am a woman again. Someone who appreciates my wit as well as my beauty. You are a charmer Jon Thunder, whoever you end up with better appreciate what she has.”
“Well a pox on whoever ends up with you,” Jonathan said. “I shall hate him until his dying day.”
“You cur!” Gertie said as she hit Jonathan. “Well we might as well get up. Do you know where this breakfast is going to be at?”
“The Golads have a small estate in the middle of the Mage Quarter,” Jonathan replied. “Well it is small compared to their normal home but it is one of the larger houses in the area. It is probably going to be there where I will fend off back handed compliments and angry threats for a morning. Duchess Golad is a busy body in the worst way and is everything I think is wrong with Mage culture.”
“Will her husband be there?” Gertie asked.
“He wouldn’t miss a chance to talk with you again,” Jonathan replied. “The man likes me. Russell and Farrah are likely to be there as well. I am unsure about Monica, doesn’t matter either way to me. Afterwards we can fly out to the new Tower and I can give you the two copper tour.”
“Can the others come?” Gertie asked.
“Of course,” Jonathan said. “It isn't like anyone is going to tell me anything. They should wear their full armor, I am sure some will get a kick out of it.”
“No way they are going to something like that without being dressed nicely,” Gertie said. “The best dress they brought will probably be worn with no armor underneath.”
“Well good on them,” Jonathan said. “Let’s get ready and get this over with.”
Jonathan smiled at Gertie as he grabbed his clothes. He wasn’t going to wear a robe today but instead would wear well made black outfit that Jonathan thought made him look like a villain in any play around. His dark messy hair
would complete the look once Jonathan ran some oil through it, it would give his locs a slightly wet look and have him smell like sandalwood. Gertie was going to wear a green dress and have black accents around to go with his taste in clothes. Tricia and Alicia were both skilled in putting themselves together and often did the hair and makeup on Countess Gillespie. Jonathan went into the baths the inn they were staying in had and got himself together. He was surprised that Gertie got dressed as fast as she did. Gertie had a slim figure but Jonathan’s eyes were transfixed to her chest which seemed like it was threatening to burst out of the top of her dress.
“Don’t slobber,” Gertie said with a smile. “They are not really mine. I have on a corset so tight along with padding to push my girls up a bit. I have been coddled being a mage and only having to wear a shapeless robe. This get up better get your little girlfriend jealous or I am going to be ticked.”
“Well it caught my eye but I always thought you were beautiful,” Jonathan said. “You are lucky we aren’t married because if we were you wouldn’t be going anywhere and I would be busy trying to peel you out of that.”
“Don’t tempt me with a good time,” Gertie smiled.
“Carriage is already waiting out front,” Jonathan said.
Jonathan led Gertie to the carriage and smiled when he saw men and women admiring her. This was different from the soldiers, these people just recognized a pretty girl. Jonathan could tell Gertie was nervous as the carriage pulled in front of an estate. There were servants in matching uniforms who helped her get out and soon they were shown inside. The estate was nicely decorated, Jonathan wondered why was she so nervous when she regularly dined with a Countess. They were shown to a table where Duchess Golad, Farrah and Monica were already seated.
“Why are you not in your robes?” Monica asked.
“I have a date after this,” Jonathan replied. “I would prefer to go as Jonathan Thunder instead of Mage Jonathan or Jonathan the Lightning. People treat me different when I am dressed like this.
“How so?” Monica asked.
“Well before they assume I am some knobber,” Jonathan replied. “When they find out who I am, they want tales of fighting and dragon slaying. Like this I just look like trouble people are better off avoiding. Besides, if I dress like this, then Gertie has to dress like that.”
“That’s a good lad,” Duke Golad said as he came into the room. “I don’t blame you. Those dragons are nothing to play with, I would want to hear a tale about them as well. Gertie did you know a dragon took a bite out of me? I was already on a cane from fighting a bear hand to hand and now a dragon came along and took a bite out of me.”
“A dragon?!?” Gertie said louder than she wanted to.
“No need to be shy lass,” Duke Golad said. “Scared the pit out of me, same dragon almost took care of the entire Royal Family as well. Some days is harder to get around than others. That party last night really took it out of me.”
“Is this a good time?” Gertie asked.
“Nonsense girl,” Duke Golad said as he took a seat. “This lot plans on grilling you all morning and insulting and pressuring Jon here. Daisy because she wants Jon out of the running for Archmage and thinks that you are the closest she has ever been to make this a reality. Monica because she hates that she is not only the fourth of the Big Four but that a commoner is in front of her. Farrah because she toyed with this lad and has been trying her best not to get caught staring at you since she realizes how pretty and smart you are. Maybe she thinks the lad should pine on her until her dying day while she marries her Baron.”
“Ryan you have said enough,” Duchess Golad said. “I only invited Thunder here for breakfast along with his lady friend to offer them a good job and to see how they are doing. We both want more mages to come live in the Duchy, the weather turns most of them off.”
“It isn't that bad and all of the people there are hardworking and friendly,” Monica said. “And there is plenty of fun to be had in the snow and the rain. There are vegetables, fruit and animals that can only be found near the mountain.”
“It does sound pretty,” Gertie said. “I have always been a nature girl. I don’t get to experience it much outside of the Gills. It is a bit difficult to be an unmarried female mage.”
“I heard Jon killed a bunch of the men Dannel Hewton threw at you and almost killed his boy as well,” Duke Golad said. “He and his son are both lucky to escape with their lives. How many mages did he try throwing at you?”
“Twelve,” Gertie said. “It was scary but there was no one I would rather have by my side than Jon. It drove home the point that I want simple things. I don’t need a big home, I would be happy with a smaller one filled with children and a husband who comes home to me every night.”
“You could have that in the duchy,” Duchess Golad said. “Thunder I am offering you a job with everything your lady friend wants. You can quit it at any time to do whatever it is that you want to do.”
“I am going to have to decline,” Jonathan replied. “Eventually I would be working for Russell and possibly even Monica and we have never got on. I am sure the money would be tremendous but I am not going to put myself in that position. What of any of my future kids I may have? I do not want them under the thumb of some noble who could care less about them.”
“That sounds like the Jonathan Thunder I know,” Russell replied. “Always seeing the worst in everyone but himself. We have never got on because you have never accepted what your place should be.”
“I know what my place should be,” Jonathan replied. “The title will be Archmage. I know I am going to get it and so do you. After that is done maybe our relationship will grow better than what it is.”
“Archmage sounds dangerous Jon,” Gertie said. “Being around nature in a little home with a few unruly lightning mages and a wife that loves you is a future that you shouldn’t close the door on.”
“At least one of you has some sense,” Duchess Golad said.
“Jonathan,” Farrah said as Jonathan could tell she was trying to put her words together. “Do you have an answer for Prince Jeffrey if you are certain that your role takes you to serve the kingdom?”
“Same pay as the Archmage,” Jonathan replied. “And I determine what Mages are going to fight and how many. The Archmage should have no say in the matter for all time.”
“Why would someone give you that type of power Thunder?” Russell asked. “You could just call up nothing but noble mages to send them to their deaths to prove a point.”
“There will never be a battle where I send people to die why I sit back and laugh at their loved ones,” Jonathan replied. “I have more class than that. It is one of the reasons why I doubt me, you or Monica will ever get on. I remember your face when you knew my parents were being sent to their deaths and your face when you found out that coward Kevin was successful. That is the biggest reason why I would never trust you, no matter how many people sing your praises.”
“You made light of his parents’ death?” Gertie ask Russell.
“No,” Russell replied.
“Liar,” Jonathan said. “Be a man and own your mistakes. Sometimes all you have left is your honor, do not throw it away carelessly.”
“That sounds like a good quote,” Duke Golad said lightening the mood.
“My grandfather,” Jonathan replied. “He would beat me black and blue if I ever put anyone through half of the things I have been through.”
“I was not as kind as I could been,” Russell replied. “And neither was Monica or Farrah.”
“Do not lump me in with you,” Farrah replied. “I kept my mouth shut the entire way and only spoke to offer my condolences.”
“That is because you were trying to throw your life away,” Russell replied.
“Okay this has taken a weird turn,” Jonathan replied. “But everything worked out well in the end I suppose. I never would have had the drive and determination I do now without my parents dying. It has made me a much
more focused mage and given me fuel to reach my goals. I think finding out they had died was the single most important day in my life. I think back on it often when I am thinking about going another course. It focuses me like I have never been focused before, that along with everything I have had to deal with. I suppose I should thank Kevin Wilson and the rest of my detractors. You all have pushed me to become the best mage I can and have given me a following. People all over the Kingdom know who I am and I am still a young man.”
“And I want you to reach your dream,” Gertie said as she grabbed his hand and leaned in to put her head on his shoulder. “I still wish you would just settle down into a nice quiet life and take things easy.”
“You are a fool for holding on to something that you cannot change,” Duchess Golad said.
“I can change it,” Jonathan replied. “I will change it, Your Grace. All I have to do is reach the title of Archmage. I have many rules I plan on throwing into effect as soon as I am sworn in. I do not think there is a mage that can stop me from my goal. I know a lot of people have faith in the class going through the Tower right now but it is misplaced. I am a Thunder, all we know how to do is win. Even my parents can consider their final battle a win, it was the catalyst to make their son realize how strong he really is.”
“That is a boy who knows what he wants Daisy,” Duke Golad said. “Just look at him, he is like a charging bull. Only an idiot would stand in front of him hoping to meet him head on. He has a pretty little lass by his side for support. I know you and many people dream of placing him with some girl that you can control. Thunder is falling for none of it.”
“Well it sounds to me like Jonathan is in danger of losing Miss Gertie if he keeps up this talk,” Farrah said. “She wants a simple life, if I become Baroness I will see about offering a similar position my mother is offering. It is in the Nettles and Jonathan already knows and likes Harland. Instead of working for a Duke, he would be working for a Baron. It comes with the added comfort of not having to worry about my brother or Monica.”
The Archmage Page 35
