Jonathan caught Crystal first, the girl went down in a hurry and Jonathan made sure to hit Margot next. Jonathan saw his remaining two opponents split up and could see Ashley running all out to get on the other side of him. Jonathan caught her with a lightning bolt easily, she would have to be a lot faster than that to get to him. Jonathan turned to find Alonna and the girl had stripped off her robe and stood stark naked.
Jonathan was in shock at the move, why did she get naked? This was the first time he had ever seen a naked woman before. Jonathan wasn’t sure what to do when he was hit hard by something and sent skidding across the ground. Jonathan moaned at the blow, it caught him in the stomach and in the stones. He wallowed around on the ground and was going to get up when the naked girl straddled him and placed her hands on his chest. Jonathan could hear the crowd explode in cheer as a healer came over and took away the worst of the pain. Jonathan sat up and glared at the now terrified Alonna and Crystal. Jonathan cracked a smile and started laughing and cheered them on. He still didn’t realize how he was beaten until he saw something fall from Crystal’s robe. It was the seat to a wooden chair and it was pulverized. It was still good enough to soak up one of his blows so she played possum until he took his eye off her.
Jonathan stood up straight and flew towards the Queen. She smiled and gave him a hearty cheer as he sat down. Jordan was red with embarrassment and Jonathan couldn’t blame him. Jonathan began to blush just thinking about their plan and shook his head while laughing to himself. The rest of the foursome was now up and the crowd kept getting louder as they soaked up the cheer and then walked off.
“Not sure how to fight that,” Jonathan said breaking the silence.
“They were whores doing what whores do best,” Prince Jeffrey said. “At least they put you down.”
“First time I have ever seen a naked woman before,” Jonathan said. “Somehow I thought it would be in a different setting. I had no idea what to do then.”
“You got smacked down and you lost,” Prince Xalen said.
“I did lose,” Jonathan replied. “Hurt a lot. I was outsmarted and outmaneuvered. Same group that beat Monica also beat me.”
“You did great Jonathan!” Prince Jordan said. “You really took it to that first group. I was going for you then but Ashley was on the second team.”
“You don’t owe me any explanation, Your Highness,” Jonathan replied. “Lady Ashley is good people. I can cheer for others even when I lose, it is what makes a great Champion. Speaking of losers, someone owes me ten gold.”
“You will get your gold,” Prince Xalen grumped. “You had to use lightning magic to win.”
“Hence the name, Jonathan the Lightning,” Jonathan said. “Not sure what I will buy with my winnings. Maybe I will add it to the five Lord Russell owes me and buy myself a nice horse since I don’t get them for free anymore.”
“With war coming it was necessary for the movement of troops,” Queen Mildred said. “Your grandfather isn’t the only business that was bought up by the crown.”
“Can you go someplace else Thunder?” Prince Jeffrey grumped. “You got beaten and that was that.”
“I will Your Highness, I have to get ready for this evening.”
CHAPTER 22
Meet and Greet
Jonathan walked into the ball room, he had nothing on that would identify him as a mage. Jonathan thought he looked like any other noble or rich commoner there for entertainment. Jonathan could see the Superb Seven along with the other participants of the tournament, they all had sizable crowds around them. Jonathan scanned the room and was about to drop his eyes when he made eye contact with Baron Harland Nettleton. The man gave Jonathan a small smile and Jonathan decided to walk over.
“Your Lordship,” Jonathan said and gave a small bow.
“Hello Jonathan,” Baron Nettleton said. “How have you been? I have heard stories about you.”
“About as well as can be expected,” Jonathan replied. “What brings you here?”
“You mean other than being a landed mage noble with no wife?” Baron Nettleton said. “Sorry.”
“Sorry?” Jonathan said confused.
“I know you must hate me, in your shoes I could not blame you,” Baron Nettleton said.
“Hate you for what?” Jonathan asked.
“Jonathan I know you and Farrah had a romance before I showed up,” Baron Nettleton said. “I know you liked her, possibly even loved her. I wanted her, I mean look at her over there talking to the Initiate that won the tournament. I tried to do the right thing.”
“We had something but it is done,” Jonathan said. “I hold no ill towards you. You are a Baron and more importantly you are a good man. It spoke highly of your morals that you left the Keep when they stood around and beat on my friend after attacking me from behind.”
“It wasn’t right,” Baron Nettleton said. “It wasn’t right at all. I was already feeling horrible about liking Farrah even if you two never made anything official. To go somewhere that you know you would see her snuggled up to me took some bravery. I have stayed away from her for a few years, letters here and there but I have rarely seen her.”
“Well there she is now,” Jonathan replied. “No time like the present. I couldn’t imagine her turning you down. She has always thought you would come around, she just hates that you have refused to be a part of mage culture.”
“Well then she knows how to pick them,” Baron Nettleton laughed. “I hear you are trying to rip it. Perhaps I should approach her but boldness has never been one of my strong points.”
“Well it is one of mine,” Jonathan replied. “Just keep staring at her and I will get her to come right over. With any luck, maybe I will flirt with the other one.”
“Congrats on your wins,” Jonathan said as he walked up to the pair of women.
“Why are you not in your robes?” Farrah said outraged.
“Anyone who wants to put me in them knows where they can find me,” Jonathan said. “And it is pissing off Princes Jeffrey and Xalen. You have other problems you should be worried about, like Baron Nettleton who has been sitting in a corner over my shoulder and staring at you the entire time.”
“Is that her man?” Crystal whispered as Farrah left.
“You might as well say that,” Jonathan laughed. “Farrah told me I was only good to have fun with until they were married. Baron Nettleton was not ready for mage life, he is a mage but is the only one in his family. He took a break from her, it has been a few years but it looks like he is back.”
“Sorry about our fight,” Crystal said shyly.
“What for?” Jonathan said. “I smashed the nobles and got beaten by two commoner women. I call that a win in my book. True you went about winning in a crazy fashion but it got the job done. Me and Monica got beaten up. Too bad though, maybe some time in the future.”
“I don't understand,” Crystal said confused.
“You refuse to have a date with any man who cannot best you and I lost,” Jonathan said. “Maybe I can get a rematch in the future sometime. It would be petty to challenge you tomorrow, I don't have anything to prove. Perhaps when all the crowds have died down.”
“Are you asking me out on a date?” Crystal said as her face turned bright red.
“Well you are pretty and you don't take no shine off anyone,” Jonathan said. “And I know you saw how red I got when Monica brought it up.”
“I noticed,” Crystal said and blushed slightly.
“Don't you have somewhere you need to be?” Russell said looking at Jonathan.
“I am right where I need to be,” Jonathan said as he stood up straighter. “Where is Monica at? She still in hiding from that beating she got?”
“You lost as well,” Russell replied.
“Really?” Jonathan said. “I am over here talking to a beautiful woman, if you call that losing then I never want to win again.”
“Don't you have someone else to bother Thunder?” Russell said annoyed.
“You don't tell me what to do,” Russell said.
“Stop avoiding the question,” Jonathan said. “You either want Crystal or you do not. Please speak up when you answer so all of us can hear you.”
“You think you are real funny don't you Thunder?” Russell said. “We can step outside and handle this. I did not want to embarrass the Queen by defeating her Champion but you have asked for it.”
“We can fight now,” Jonathan said smiling. “As soon as you answer the question. Both of these ladies are waiting. Monica could have been married dozens of times over but she has put all of her faith into you for some reason. Just let her know that she has been wasting her time and you intend to pursue Crystal so Monica can get on with her life. Or, tell Crystal you were just flirting a bit but that Monica is your choice. Now let’s hear it.”
“I am warning you Thunder,” Russell said.
“You have already warned and threatened me,” Jonathan said. “Now don't keep us in suspense, we want to know you answer. Afterwards you can attempt to pound on me. Just make it a good beating so with any luck I will not be healed in time for you to face down the Dragonknights.”
“Answer him and stop playing these games Russell,” Monica said. “I am sick of watching you stare at this girl when you think I am not looking.”
“I want to know this as well,” Crystal said after being elbowed by Jonathan. “I am sure you already know I would only date mages stronger than I am and you are the strongest in the kingdom.”
“So let's hear it, Lord Russell,” Jonathan said in a mocking tone. “I plan on asking Miss Ward here out on a date. Could you imagine the scandal, two commoners trying to establish a strong mage family. Miss Ward here refuses to entertain anyone not on her level so her list is very short, you, me and maybe the two boys in the Superb Seven. I like my chances if you are not around.”
“Answer him!” Monica snapped.
“I’ll be seeing you Thunder,” Russell said as he turned around with Monica right behind him berating him.
“I owe you an ale,” Jonathan said. “I have never really put it to him like that before. You see how flummoxed he was?”
“He was going to kill you!” Crystal said shocked. “Why would you pester a man that big? He wanted to fight and I don't think he will let it go.”
“Let him bring it,” Jonathan said. “He had the chance to let you know that he was interested and didn't. I know that blond idiot can have almost any woman he wants. But the shine has definitely dulled in your eyes and Monica’s thanks to this. Well I have said what I came to say, I am going to let you enjoy the rest of your evening. I don't really like places like this.”
“You don't?” Crystal asked. “I thought you liked to make the nobles feel uncomfortable.”
“I do but it never lasts long,” Jonathan said. “Someone somewhere has either a little sister or knows some old widow who wouldn't mind a commoner mage for a husband. That is just with the mages, you should see how bad it gets with mundane nobles. I admit I have dated a few but they seem more preoccupied with dating the Queen’s Champion than they do with Jonathan Thunder.”
Jonathan couldn’t believe he had just hit on that Initiate when he finally stepped out of the room. He rolled his eyes when he saw both Farrah and Baron Nettleton were down the hall and there was no way to avoid them since he was heading their way. Baron Nettleton was the first to recognize him, he gave Jonathan a warm smile. Farrah saw him and gave him a smile as well.
“I owe you,” Baron Nettleton said.
“An ale, cold and with good company,” Jonathan replied quickly.
“If you are ever in the Nettles, I can make that happen,” Baron Nettleton said.
“So how have you been Jonathan?” Farrah asked. “I haven’t seen or heard from you in a while. While you were in the Mountain we barely spoke. Harland was just telling me about you running interference for him to get me to come over.”
“I have been decent,” Jonathan replied. Jonathan wanted to walk away from the conversation but wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.
“That was a pit of fight you had,” Baron Nettleton said. “I heard you fleeced Russell of a couple of gold.”
“The Crown Prince as well,” Jonathan replied. “It was good money but now I am trying to leave. It seems like every noble here has some sister or daughter or something for me. The commoners are even worse.”
“You should find you a young lady,” Farrah replied. “I know my mother had you meet a good number.”
“Hold this conversation,” Jonathan replied. “Here comes the tournament champion on her way.”
“She looks like she is coming straight for you Jonathan,” Baron Nettleton said.
“Initiate Crystal,” Jonathan said as he gave her a smile. “To what do we owe the honor or are you just passing this way?”
“I came to find you,” Crystal said.
“Why would you need to find Jonathan?” Farrah asked. “Your battle is over.”
“The Queen has invited me and a guest to dinner tomorrow night,” Crystal said.
“You are hoping he knows someone?” Farrah said confused. “Jonathan may be strong but he doesn't know anyone. You should have went to Monica and if she was not keen on the idea I wouldn't mind helping you.”
“I want to invite Mage Jonathan as my date,” Crystal said and blushed furiously.
“Jonathan?” Farrah said shocked. “How old are you girl?”
“Fifteen,” Crystal replied.
“You shouldn't even be in the Tower yet,” Farrah said.
“Stop embarrassing her,” Baron Nettleton said. “It took a lot of heart for her to come over here and talk to the man everyone thinks is a deranged murderer. She sees Jonathan as many people should, a good man.”
“I accept,” Jonathan said.
“You do?” Crystal asked
“Who wouldn't want to be seen with a tall beautiful woman?” Jonathan asked.
“She is still a girl Jonathan,” Farrah said. “You are much too old for her. Initiate Crystal is probably just caught up in the romantic notion of dating a dragon slayer and the Queen’s Champion.”
“I think I am the perfect age,” Crystal replied. “Forty years from now an age difference of five years won't mean much.”
“I cannot wait to be your guest,” Jonathan said. “But now you are going to force me to be presentable. I think I have to leave this party to either find something nice to wear or get something made for the occasion.”
“You have seen Her Majesty many times Jonathan,” Farrah said.
“But this is the first time I will have a beautiful lady on my arm,” Jonathan replied. “I will see you tomorrow night Miss Ward.”
Jonathan left and wanted to laugh. Farrah was dead against Crystal and him going on a date and he thought it was hilarious. Jonathan would make sure to enjoy the entire thing and would even dress the part. His attention shifted back to the dragons. He would need to position himself close to the border and employ a team of riders to inform him of if or when the army would need him. Perhaps he should contact Senior Commander Burns, it was unlikely the man would want to stand on the side while people are dying.
CHAPTER 23
Date Night
Jonathan saw Crystal and gave the girl a smile. She had two people she fought earlier in the day and had beaten them handily. Jonathan was still getting things together so he hadn’t seen any of the matches. It was rumored that he might have a match but no
one wanted to face him. Crystal walked up to him in her Initiate’s robe but it was obvious that it had been tailored.
“You are looking very handsome,” Crystal said as she leaned on Jonathan. “I want to apologize beforehand. The dragons are on my mind and I am bound to be seen as daydreaming or uninterested.”
“I think you realize the enormity of the situation we are in,” Jonathan replied. “You could be staring down a dragon inside of a month. I am worried as well. I am going to consult with a friend of mine about what is the best course of action.”
“The Archmage?” Crystal asked.
“I know a few military men,” Jonathan replied. “I was talking about Sideland Burns. He was there when my parents and your father died. He is a good man and has looked out for me. There are others in the military that I trust with my life. I think it is safer to say that I trust them more than I do most mages.”
“You do?” Crystal asked.
“They all follow behind that Mage Commander,” Jonathan said and rolled his eyes.
“I don’t know how,” Crystal began. “But I do know I will avenge my father. I have never told you thank you for crushing the Raelinians and party avenging our families.”
“I want Wilson in the worst way but I have been content with his little brother,” Jonathan replied. “The man was even nastier than the Mage Commander so believe me when I said I gave you a great gift by killing that idiot before you got here. Leave the Mage Commander be, at least for now. He has many strong friends including Princes Jeffrey, and Xalen along with Lord Russell. I am not saying that to diminish Russell in anyway, it is just the truth.”
“Even with you calling him a coward?” Crystal said.
“I have had to temper my attitude since I made Champion,” Jonathan replied. “I am cordial with the man which means I will not challenge him to the death if we see each other. You are strong but you still have a bit to go before you can even think about challenging the Mage Commander. You beat me but I have spotted some holes. I think next year will be very interesting.”
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