“That was a good first round,” Earl Gillespie said. “Your girl and my sister are going to face each other soon. Who do you think will win?”
“Alonna has admitted that she has never beaten Emma in a straight up match,” Jonathan replied. “Emma just hits too hard for her.”
“So you think it will be my sister?” Earl Gillespie said.
“No,” Jonathan replied. “She is not at a hundred percent, her last fight took it out of her while Alonna has been going over this fight in her head. I think my girl rises to the occasion and outlasts Emma.”
“A risky plan,” Earl Gillespie said. “But it could work. Say is that Russell down there covered in Initiates?”
“Both of the commoner women are hanging off of him,” Jonathan said confused and then smiled.
“What are you smiling about?” Earl Gillespie said.
“This is a ruse,” Jonathan replied. “You see Monica practically running over? Why would they want to piss her off unless they were trying to get into her head. However this tournament turns out, those two are going to want to face Monica and are just setting the stage.”
“This will be good tomorrow,” Earl Gillespie said. “Are you worried?”
“No,” Jonathan replied. “Tomorrow they will face the real Jonathan the Lightning. Here comes the first fight, Margot versus Crystal.”
Jonathan thought that couldn’t be called a fight either. Crystal rolled right over her so fast that Jonathan thought it looked like she was facing a ten-year-old instead of a mage that was days from graduating. Alonna versus Emma would be next, Jonathan hoped the girl was ready for the battle and was looking forward to the match when he heard a knock on his door. Jonathan took a deep breath and went to the door. He answered it by walking outside and shutting it behind him, right into Russell Golad.
“Yes?” Jonathan asked.
“I am going to make this quick Thunder,” Russell said. “There is a rumor going around that you have been trying for Emma Gillespie. She is not your type. Neither are the two commoner girls you have been around. I hear you have been training one of them.”
“It is none of your business who I spend my time with,” Jonathan replied. “You wanted me away from Farrah and I think I proved that I am. Any other woman out there has no ties to you.”
“You just don’t get it Thunder,” Russell replied. “Find a nice mundane noble. Your life would be far easier.”
“It is not difficult now,” Jonathan replied. “The mountain was nice but you have nothing I really need. My life now is just like I like it, filled with adventure and money. No one can make my life difficult, I am the Queen’s favorite mage and I don’t give a pit about mage culture. I think I am going to take a page out of your book and find the strongest female mage I can.”
“You are trying to annoy me,” Russell said.
“A little bit,” Jonathan admitted. “Only thing I care about are the Dragonknights, not some silly girl.”
“You better make sure you keep it that way,” Russell replied.
“Or what?” Jonathan asked.
“You have trained alongside of me,” Russell said. “There isn’t any doubt about who is the strongest.”
“Or the fastest,” Jonathan replied. “I can have eight mage bolts in the air before you can even have three.”
“Still full of yourself?” Russell said. “You know you cannot beat me.”
“I know I will never back down to any man,” Jonathan replied. “I am going to be Archmage, Russell. I am going to live my life the way I see fit as well, whoever hates it can kiss my backside. The way I see it, only you have a problem with it since no one else is brave enough to approach me.”
“No one is scared of you Thunder,” Russell said. “I showed you what your life could be if you let it. You found out my mother doesn’t hate you and we are not some untold evil. You were treated as family and had rewarding work. People all over the Mountain loved having you around and you met many young ladies. You could have one, if you wanted. That could be your life every day and you could be happy. Some were even related to various Jarls. Instead you want to antagonize people.”
“Many people are scared of me,” Jonathan replied. “You are scared of me. Not of fighting me but what I represent. Now if you are finish with your threats, why don’t you run down there and kiss on those two commoners some more. For someone who thinks commoners should stay on their level, you sure are trying to elevate them.”
“Girls are different,” Russell replied quickly. “There are not enough mage women around and my children will be expected to lead the duchy if war gets too bad. The Mountain deserves the strongest ruler it can get. Your child will just be some faceless mage, even if he or she is strong, they are just one person.”
“Have your double standards,” Jonathan said. “But it does leave you in a bind. You have three, possibly four women you can romance. You can’t have all of them and I am sure the loser of the Russell race will have something to prove and want to get back at you. I wonder who they would run to? Will it be your biggest rival? I know you say you are above such things but if you have a rival, I am it.”
“No one I would consider would ever see you as anything but an annoying commoner,” Russell replied.
“Maybe,” Jonathan said. “But they would still do it to piss you off. Never underestimate a woman scorned, they might surprise you with their venom.”
“Sometimes I wonder if you are sane Thunder,” Russell replied.
“Me too,” Jonathan said. “If you don’t mind, I was catching up with a friend of mine.”
“Who do you have in there?” Russell asked.
“None of your business,” Jonathan replied. “But you know who is not in there, that should be good enough for you.”
“Well what do we have here?” Red said. “Lord Russell Golad, up in the private area of the Tower, harassing an instructor.”
“Mind your business,” Russell said.
“Jon is my business,” Red replied. “You may be all big and tough, but so are we.”
“Is that a threat?” Russell said as he crowded Red.
“Just making sure you are aware of your surroundings,” Red laughed. “Come on now, I didn’t know you noble types were this daft. What is this getting in my face supposed to prove? You know I don’t run from any man and I have thrown down with a room full of you blond giants.”
“I think he has you there,” Jonathan replied. “I doubt you can name two other lads that are willing to tangle with whoever, wherever.”
“I could throttle both of you,” Russell said.
“Maybe,” Jonathan replied. “Can you make sure to get me first? That way I will not have to face down the Dragonknights and you can go get yourself killed.”
“It is amazing how you act now that you are around others,” Russell said as he started walking away.
“No time to chat Jon,” Red replied. “Saw that knobber heading up here with a head of fire and came to make sure he wasn’t trying anything. I am gambling with a couple of lads right now, I have won every match and if Initiate Crystal can beat Xalen’s girl, then I will really rake it in.”
“Thanks for the assist,” Jonathan replied. “I will follow you down. I am hungry and I don’t want Russell to think he has me cowering in my room. I know Farrah is around here somewhere as well and I don’t want her to think that I am so heartbroken that I cease being Jonathan Thunder when she is around.”
Jonathan went down to the first floor of the Tower and could see each level between his and the ground was packed. Jonathan noticed because of Russell he had missed a few fights. Someone mentioned that Emma Gillespie had been defeated and that Danica was almost beaten by Wallace. It didn’t matter, Jonathan thought. He knew tomorrow who his likely opponents would be and would prepare for them. The Tower was so packed in the lower floors that Jonathan wouldn’t be able to see anyone even if he tried. The dining hall was empty so at least he could take his time and eat.
CHAPTER 21
Big Four vs. Superb Seven
Jonathan smoothed out his robes, the winner of the tournament had been decided and it was Crystal Ward. Jonathan wasn’t surprised that she chose to fight Monica instead of him, if he was her he would do the same. What he was surprised about was who she put on her team. She didn’t take Danica, Wallace, Segdrick or even Emma. The team she took was definitely the weaker team, she even had a senior on her squad. That left Jonathan taking on the best of the Superb Seven, he just hoped they were ready because he was. Jonathan walked out to sit by the Queen, she was in attendance and seemed like she was enjoying herself.
“Jonathan,” Queen Mildred said. “I trust you have prepared yourself?”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Jonathan replied.
“Well I am looking forward to you wallowing in the dirt,” Prince Xalen said. “It is about time you were taught some humility.”
“You are enjoying this, aren't you Your Highness?” Jonathan asked.
“To see you get smacked down is something I have longed for,” Prince Xalen said.
“Well don’t blink,” Jonathan replied. “Even with a loss I think I will handle myself well.”
“Just as long as you lose,” Prince Xalen said.
“You aren’t scared, are you Jonathan?” Prince Jordan asked.
“Of course not,” Jonathan replied. “I wasn’t just given the title of Champion. I earned it and have been continuing to earn it in every battle I am in.”
“I think you are going to win Jonathan,” Prince Jordan said. “I will even put a wager on it.”
“I have already bet on myself with Lord Russell,” Jonathan replied. “Got him on the hook for five gold.”
“I will take that wager as well,” Prince Xalen said. “In fact, if you win, I will pay you ten gold. If I win you owe me five gold and I don’t want you at any of the gatherings dealing with this tournament.”
“Deal,” Jonathan replied.
“You would let my son talk you out of being around the young ladies?” Queen Mildred said. “Tonight is the meet and greet. Many wonderful young ladies will be there, I doubt you wouldn’t be able to find someone you liked.”
“I have Dragonknights to worry about, Your Majesty,” Jonathan said. “Oh look, here comes Monica.”
Monica received a big applause as she walked into the area. Jonathan thought she didn’t hear any of it she was so angry. The team of Initiates Ashley, Crystal, Alonna and Margot came out to a larger applause than Jonathan expected. Crystal had won the tournament which could have been the reason. Everyone thought she was still a brothel girl but apparently that wasn’t important now that they had seen what she could do. Prince Jordan clapped loudly and cheered when Ashley Raley was introduced, Jonathan joined him which made Xalen and his father roll their eyes. Monica kept her glare on the two commoners and then the match began.
Crystal had cast two big shields in front of her and Alonna backed them up with her own shield. Monica cast one of the largest mage bolts Jonathan had ever seen and sent it towards the big shield. Monica instantly went into another casting as her mage bolt ripped through all of the shields and sent the two commoners stumbling. They hurriedly put their shields up again in time for Monica’s next mage bolt to rip through them all and smash the girls up against the wall they were closest to. The commoners dropped to the ground, Jonathan thought it was obvious they were hurt. Monica didn’t let up and let another big mage bolt go that looked like it blasted the commoners into unconsciousness. Jonathan was about to shout at their teammates for just standing there but it turned out there was no need.
Ashley Raley had gotten close to Monica and let go a few of her own big mage bolts. They hit Monica solidly and sent her sprawling. Ashley also did not let up, she kept up her barrage and made Monica toss up a shield to protect herself. It left her open to Initiate Margot who started unloading everything she could to Monica’s unprotected back. Monica tried switching her shield to protect both sides but she could only cast one spell. The Initiates were hitting her at will. Monica dropped her shield and let a nasty mage bolt go just as Ashley let one of hers go. Monica’s hit Ashley solidly and sent the girl skidding across the area. Monica also received a nasty blow that snapped her head back and sent her crumbling into the ground. Jonathan could tell Monica was out as the crowd roared their approval. Jonathan had to cover his ears as the crowd whooped and hollered so loudly and went to make his way to fight. Jonathan saw his opponents waiting in the tunnel and gave them a smile.
“I will finally see you down in the dirt,” Danica said. “My Xalen will be happy to see you there and maybe I can stop hearing about the Big Four once and for all.”
“You ready to eat dirt?” Emma said. “After we are done with you, we are going to plaster your little whores next.”
“You don’t have anything nasty to say like the rest of them?” Jonathan said as he looked at Wallace.
“I am the fastest mage alive,” Wallace said. “I am going to prove that to you. Your power will be negated, you will be getting helped by the healers and I will have my arms raised.”
“Good Luck, Mage Jonathan,” Segdrick said. “I think we have your number. There are four of us and one of you. I didn’t give Crystal the importance I should have because I was looking ahead to this fight. I have to salvage my dignity some way. I will not be overly cruel once I see you are down and I will rein the others in as well.”
“Thank you,” Jonathan said. “I think after today there will be no doubt in your minds if you have what it takes to beat me. Let’s congratulate the winning team, you may be facing them next.”
“And like I said,” Emma laughed. “Those whores are going to wallow in the dirt.”
“Especially that blonde leggy one who spreads her legs for anyone with a few coppers,” Danica said.
Jonathan gave the winning team a small clap as they were helped off the area by the healers. They gave him a weak smile as he walked out. He was in full Champion gear and even had his dark hair pulled back into a pony’s tail. Jonathan raised his arms as he walked out, there was no applause or even jeers. The only clapping he heard came from the Queen who gave him a smile. Jonathan walked over to his position and readied himself.
His opponents might as well been the Queen herself with the loud cheer they received. All of them had the crowd roaring and the Initiates soaked up the applause. Jonathan didn’t know if he should feel hurt by the difference between their entrances. He was the Queen’s Champion after all and only she clapped for him. Maybe Jordan did as well but the entire area should have at least been polite. Jonathan nodded that he was ready as his opponents spread out on the far side. As soon as the Queen gave the signal, Jonathan could see both Danica and Wallace were going into their castings.
Jonathan stuck out his hand and the lightning flew from him and directly into the chest of Danica. The girl hadn’t even fallen yet when a loud thunderclap was heard and Jonathan sighted in Wallace. Wallace had jumped from the thunderclap and forgot about his spell. Jonathan already had a lightning bolt headed his way and was happy it hit solidly and went after Segdrick next. The Initiate had a mage bolt coming at him but Jonathan stood his ground and let a bolt rip. Segdrick was already falling and Jonathan just missed him. The mage bolt caught Jonathan on the shoulder.
Jonathan popped five shields in place and was about to drop them to cast another lightning strike. Segdrick grabbed ahold of Emma, cast two shield spells and took off into the air. Jonathan joined them and was mildly impressed with the plan they came up with. Segdrick would fly and Emma would cast. Emma broke through one of Jonathan’s shield spells and Segdrick was able to block a lightning bolt with one of his shields. Jonathan smiled at this and sent five quick pulses of lightning which tore through Segdrick’s shields and the Initiate was only saved by Emma pulling him down. Jonathan began a chase after that, Segdrick acted as shield and transport while Emma returned spells. Jonathan had a lapse and could hear the crowd cheer
loudly when one of Emma’s mage bolts clipped him on the shoulder and had him falling from the sky.
Jonathan smiled as the Initiates went after him, Jonathan held up a shield as Emma used her fire magic to weaken it. Jonathan was ready to show them what real power was like and just had one strong shield out. Emma poured on every spell she knew followed by Segdrick but Jonathan had taken their measure and knew his shield would hold. The Initiates stopped casting and was trying to circle him. Jonathan dropped his shield and caught Emma flush with a lightning bolt then flew in the air as Segdrick’s mage bolt passed harmlessly underneath him.
“This has been a good fight,” Jonathan said loudly. “Your class is as strong as I thought they were. I agree with the Queen when she said that yours is the strongest class ever to come out of the Tower. But you are a first year and you are facing down the Queen’s Champion. I will not insult you by asking you to give up.”
The lightning bolt caught Segdrick and Jonathan waved over the healers. Jonathan found a snarling Russell and gave him a smile followed by a wink. Xalen owed him some coin too, Jonathan made eye contact with the Prince and gave him a big smile. They were insane if they thought he would just roll over. Jonathan wanted Russell to see the fight. He wanted Russell to see how fast Danica was taken down and wanted it to stick with him for all time. No matter how strong he was, Jonathan had the great equalizer. Jonathan waited in the area as the other team came out. They looked as nervous as he had ever seen anyone and the crowd didn’t bother clapping. Jonathan gave them a smile and nodded that he was ready for his second fight.
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