“I plan on sending a message,” Jonathan replied. “A message that will not be forgotten. His Luminance has taken every mage that may cause me trouble and has united them under himself. I am going to find my men and make sure they are sleeping. Tomorrow I will place one with each legion, if things go according to plan, we will strike a decisive blow, independent of what successes His Luminance has tonight.”
~
Jonathan was so antsy that he thought his heart would beat out of his chest. He knew the Archmage and his group had a lot of success last night during their night time raids and Jonathan was just supposed to find a way to hold the enemy off. Jonathan had his men where he thought he needed them, they were under strict orders to not try to take a dragon one on one. If Jonathan brought one down then they would converge on the beast until it died, that was the only dragon fighting they would see. If Jonathan was able to grab the upper hand they would join him in charging the enemy.
Jonathan didn’t need the horn to see them coming, unlike the last time, he flew up to meet them. It was two silver dragons and a smaller white one flying behind it. Jonathan flew as fast as his magic could take him and sighted the lead silver dragon. Jonathan was smart in that this time he had cotton stuffed in his ears, he had no idea why that time his eardrums burst but wasn’t going to take the chance anymore. The lead silver dragon didn’t get a chance to open its mouth as the lightning took it.
The dragon fell instantly, Jonathan was closer with his magic than he was the first time and he went looking for the other silver dragon which tried to go around him. Jonathan lined up behind the dragon and struck. His lightning magic was where it needed to be As the dead dragon fell, Jonathan could hear the men below cheering as he turned around to find the white dragon. The white dragon had turned around and was accelerating all out to get back to the Downian army. Jonathan cast a bright mage light, it was his signal for all mages under his control to rally to him.
The Downian army was caught unaware as Jonathan and the mages under his control flew towards them. Jonathan landed just outside of arrow range and let his mages do the work, he wanted to be fresh in case any dragons appeared. Eventually Jonathan saw the Archmage had come out with his group and joined in the slaughter. Jonathan waited, no dragons came to help and he was content with just waiting. The Downian army charged and Jonathan let them wash over him like a wave and get at the enemy. Jonathan knew the closer to the Downian border they got, the tougher the Downians would be and wondered what the ultimate goal was.
The Downians were in full retreat and did not stop running. The mages had free shots at the backs of the retreating men and stayed on them for as long as they could. Camp had to be moved, Jonathan thought they stayed running down the Downians for hours after the last mage had cut off their attack. The mundane troops had a point to prove and Field Marshal Goodnight was intent on chasing them as far back as he could. When the halt was finally called Jonathan ordered all of his men to get some sleep. They had been a part of the day long chase and were ready to drop. Jonathan guessed the Archmage had done the same, if he was going out that night he would need his strength and so would his people.
Jonathan had a group of soldiers watch him. He was going to sleep and didn’t want to wait for a tent. Their job would be to wake him if any dragon decided to show its ugly head. The adrenaline that ran through his system along with the chase had taken its toll. When Jonathan woke up the sun was just beginning to rise which said a lot. Jonathan could see someone had built a tent around him and even put a blanket over him. Jonathan walked out of the tent and could see most of the people were packing up.
“You have new orders,” Erlanger said as he looked at Jonathan.
“New orders?” Jonathan asked.
“The Downians took only a few hours rest and have been marching hard back to their border,” Erlanger said. “This war is all but over, we have been taking out most of their troops and their dragons can do nothing with us. The Field Marshal thinks they lost too many troops to take over and would need to regroup. Kevin Wilson came back, one handed or not, the man wasn’t going to let you get the glory once he heard who the temporary Mage Commander was.”
“So what are these new orders?” Jonathan asked.
“You are accompanying me back to Dyson,” Erlanger said. “I am taking the remaining members of the Superb Seven with me along with your former classmates. Kevin can handle the rest of this, it is the job he was hired for.”
Jonathan would be lying if he said he wasn’t relieved. He just wish he had his carriage, he had found out it had been burned by a dragon and now he had no way of getting home. He guessed he could fly. He wouldn’t grab one of the few horses because the Army would need them. Jonathan would just have to take frequent stops on his way back until he found a town with horses. From there he could slowly make his way back to Dyson.
CHAPTER 27
Dream Realized
Jonathan sat at the ceremony. The Queen wanted to acknowledge the Superb Seven for defending Kirby while they were still students. The seniors were technically graduated so they did not receive such an honor. Jonathan had been late, the Queen already gave her remarks followed by the Archmage. Jonathan thought his mentor looked old. The man was elderly when Jonathan met him but it looked like he gained fifteen years during the war with Downey. The Tower Mage also looked haunted, Jonathan could see why both hated their jobs, they should be retired instead of watching people die. Jonathan would have an ale with both of them when the ceremony was over.
The Queen had invited everyone, rich, poor, mundane, noble, commoner, whoever wanted to come to the awards. They were held outside and there was a tour of the Tower of Magic planned. Jonathan saw many faces he recognized, it stung to look at Blaine Gillespie. His brother had his normal stoic look but Blaine looked to be ready to burst into tears. Jonathan was not sure he should say something or not. This problem worked itself out when Ronica came walking up with Rebecca who was holding a very small baby.
“Lady Ronica,” Jonathan said as he gave her a little bow.
“I heard you got him,” Ronica said with a face that looked unnatural to Jonathan since she was frowning. Jonathan had seen the girl disappointed but never angry. Jonathan didn’t like this new look on a girl that really loved life.
“Who?” Jonathan asked.
“The dragon that killed Emma,” Ronica said.
“It took a lot more than me,” Jonathan said. “But he is dead.”
“Good,” Ronica said. “Blaine has let me read anything related to the war. He is ready to lead the Gills to fight.”
“He cannot do that,” Jonathan frowned. “He has a new babe. Besides I doubt the Downey wants anymore of us, at least for right now.”
“He isn't,” Rebecca said. “The Queen pulled all of her landed nobles or their stand ins back. How are you doing Jonathan?”
“Horrible,” Jonathan replied. “Lehman and Alissa both were my one time instructors and they were my friends. Neither of them cared I was a commoner and treated me with respect. My only solace is that I am positive that no Dragonknight, nowhere in Downey wants another go with me. Why are you being so nice?”
“Because Jonathan Thunder is a loud mouth braggart,” Rebecca said. “The man in front of me is fighting emotions he normally doesn’t let anyone see.”
“Part of me feels like I failed,” Jonathan replied. “Like I should have did so much more. I wish I had the knowledge I do now when the war first started.”
“You are one man Jonathan,” Rebecca said. “You are not the Mage Commander or the Archmage. Blaine is a bit overcome with grief, so he hasn’t come over to say hi. I don’t care for commoners; you know this as well as anyone. You did your kingdom proud Jonathan.”
“Of course he did,” Ronica said. “He’s Jonathan the Lightning.
“Well I feel terrible,” Jonathan said. “It is like every battle that I have ever been in is hitting me all at once. All of the faces of the men I knew who died, my pare
nts and their deaths, even killing Quevin Wilson is coming back to me. I think I need to sit out the next big thing while I get my head in order.”
“Are you okay Jonathan?” Ronica asked.
“I am as okay as I can be,” Jonathan replied. “I have something for you.”
“What is this?” Ronica asked as she took the white pointy object.
“It is a dragon’s tooth,” Jonathan replied. “Not from just any dragon, it is from him.”
“The one who killed Emma?” Ronica asked.
“The very same one,” Jonathan replied. “I took some of the hide and other things and intend to give it to Blaine and Davney so they know their sister’s killer is truly dead. She died a hero and took out a Dragonknight.”
“Well come on Ronica,” Rebecca said. “Jonathan has things he needs to work out.”
“Not before I kiss this baby,” Jonathan said as he gave a small smile. “This could be the next Archmage, I want our first meeting to be a good one.”
“His name is also Blaine,” Rebecca said as she handed the baby over.
“Little Blaine,” Jonathan said as the baby scrunched up his nose. “You should be thankful that you look more like your mom than your Da.”
“I heard that,” Blaine said.
“I didn’t hear you creep up,” Jonathan replied and handed the baby over. “Blaine I...”
“I know you tried,” Blaine said. “I know you gave it your best shot and I know my sister is a hot head who had dreams of killing dragons dancing through her head.”
“They are tough,” Jonathan replied. “The one she was after was bigger than any I had seen up until that day.”
“I hear you took it down,” Blaine said.
“It was a tough battle,” Jonathan replied. “Not like the first two. This dragon needed special attention and almost drained me of energy. Didn’t help I blew out my eardrums and those of any man next to me while trying to force the big dragon to land.”
“Thank you Jon,” Blaine said. “At least I know my sister is at peace since that monster also met its end. I am glad both the Big Four and the Superb Seven were there. I think it has made the Downians shy about attacking when they were so bold.”
“They had dragons backing them,” Jonathan replied.
“Might I steal my Champion away for a moment?” Queen Mildred said. “And don’t any of you dare make a scene. I am trying to be unnoticeable.”
“Of course Your Majesty,” Blaine said as he ushered his family away.
“Jonathan I have sent for Russell and Farrah,” Queen Mildred said. “I know Ryan isn't doing too well which is why both of the twins are at the Mountain. I am forcing them to come back immediately. There are things in the Kingdom that cannot wait and I want to get it over with.”
“How can I be of service?” Jonathan asked.
“Jonathan if I even entertain you becoming my Archmage there will be a lot of hurt feelings and uprising,” Queen Mildred began. “Everyone wants you to be Mage Commander, firstly because you have proven time and time again that you are the hero this Kingdom need. Secondly, the mages mostly want you to be there so you will not become Archmage. I intend to offer the Archmage position to Russell. He killed more people than anyone else by double. He is who the nobles want and I think he would be a good fit. I cannot see him sending random commoners he hates into dangerous situations and I think if you were the Mage Commander that you and he would work well together. My second pick for Archmage is going to be Farrah. I want the women in the kingdom to have a bigger voice and she would be that voice. Many men would hate to take orders from a woman but if they have any issue, they can meet her out in the arena. I have watched you two together. I think you would also make a great team and she would not get involved in the foolishness Kevin sometimes lowers himself to. Barring both of them turning down Archmage, I intend to offer you the position. Commoner or not, you have been at the forefront of every battle and have handled yourself well. When Kevin Wilson of all people updates me and some of his first sentences were how you took down dragons single handedly, then I know I have the right person. Of course he was trying to force me into making you one of his battlemages and the person to succeed him but you get my point. I expect the Mage Corps. to be disbanded if you become Archmage, I don’t know of anyone else that is of age that I trust to lead my mages into battle. The duties would be folded back into Archmage probably, unless the need for Mage Commander rises again.”
“You are letting my mentor retire?” Jonathan asked.
“I am letting both of them retire,” Queen Mildred said. “Regardless of how my Archmage hunt goes, I want you to know that you are my first choice for Tower Mage. The job details getting the right people in to teach and keeping some of the more unruly Mages in line. I think you could accomplish this and end some of the rivalries between noble mages from mage families, noble mages not from mage families and commoner mages. I do not care if anyone likes this pick or not. My second choice is Farrah, I know she would work well with whoever the Archmage winds up as and my third choice is Monica. Your position as my Champion was largely a ceremonial one before you took it. I think even if I strip you of it, not many people will want to take it if they have to keep up with you. You were at every battle and at the teeth of it. That is a dangerous job that no one without an agenda would take.”
“Thank you for the offer,” Jonathan replied. “I would rather take Mage Commander instead of Tower Mage but it depends on who the Archmage is. I could ultimately work with Russell and despite our falling outs I doubt he would do what Kevin Wilson did. I refuse to work under Kevin Wilson though. I think he is an inept leader and is likely to get people killed despite his power. If that is a deal breaker then I will happily take Tower Mage. If the Twins turn down Archmage, I will take the position and fulfill my dream.”
“Either way you wind up a big player in the Kingdom,” Queen Mildred said. “Unlike Kevin, I am putting restrictions and requirements for Archmage. Any laws come through me first. I will not reject them but I need to know your reasoning behind them. Second is I want my Archmage married. It is a shame that Kevin never had any children. This kingdom could have been so well off if he had. You have two years to find a wife or I will find one for you. I guarantee she will be a noble of high standing and most likely wealthy. She may or may not be a mundane, it depends on the pushback I receive.”
“A wife?” Jonathan said.
“I know you have your eye on a few,” Queen Mildred said. “That lovely young lady Gertie Walsh was one, but like Harland Nettleton, she wants nothing to do with Mage culture in the Kingdom. She wants a nice quiet life like he does. I have seen you with Crystal Ward, you look like a smart pair and both of you have fought for the Kingdom. I am sure Russell also has his eyes on her. He wanted her to travel to the Mountain with him, the rumor was to meet his parents and get their blessing before he marries. That leaves Monica. I know you two hate each other but would find yourself together just for spite.”
“You know even if I hate it, I could not abandon the Archmage post if I get it,” Jonathan began. “Even if I hate the girl you pick out Your Majesty, I will not leave anyone to suffer what I suffered.”
“I know,” Queen Mildred said. “In addition to the people I have already named, I plan on sending an open invite to every mage who wants to challenge my picks. All they would have to do is be willing to put their lives on the line to meet any one of you in the arena. Well I have said my peace. I want you to spend your time out of the public eye until I call for you. Maybe find your grandfather, I know he is around here somewhere.”
Finding his grandfather was easier than Jonathan thought since the Queen had invited the man over to tour the palace. Jonathan was happy to see the old man and gave him a big embrace then went out into town. Jonathan told him all about the dragons, what he would do different again and how he was feeling burned out from the fighting. When the topic turned to Archmage is when his grandfather noticed a big change in Jona
than’s demeanor.
“Jonathan is it going to be as tough as you think?” Brigham Sally, Jonathan’s grandfather asked.
“They have tried everything to keep me from reaching this point,” Jonathan replied. “An arena filled with mages to hear the Queen’s picks? I think only I know, that she has me down for some of them.”
“What happens if you don’t get a single one?” Brigham said.
“Then I can stop my crusade and spend more time with you,” Jonathan replied. “The war with the Downians still isn’t over and I will simply be unavailable. I know the nobles need me more than I need them right now. No amount of money could make me go back. I will say Prince Jeffrey offering me five thousand gold to be Mage Commander made me pause.”
“You wouldn’t fight for the position?” Brigham asked.
“Russell is a tosser but I do not think he would play the games Kevin Wilson did,” Jonathan replied. He wouldn’t be a fair Archmage but he wouldn’t go out of his way to hurt anyone either. Neither would his sister. Barring them two, I would certainly fight and kill almost anyone else dreaming of the job.”
“Well I would be happy to have you with me since they forced me to sell,” Brigham said. “It was good coin but I still don’t like the way it went down. Horses is all I know, they let me stay on to run the place but it just feels different.”
“Well I just want this over with Gramps,” Jonathan said. “I want this over with so I can see where I go from here. I am optimistic that I would become Tower Mage.”
“Well let’s get going boy,” Brigham said. “Where is little Red at?”
“Probably with his wife wondering who is getting picked for what,” Jonathan replied. “Duke and Duchess Golad made it here, this will make everything the more interesting. Russell and Farrah will get the chance. If Russell takes it, I hear his father is going to name Farrah his heir. If Farrah takes it then I could be happy in being Tower Mage or Mage Commander if it is still on the table. But her betrothed is here as well. He doesn’t want her doing any of it. Well enough of my jawing, the Queen is getting ready to speak in a bit. We have a chair in the lowest row right near where the combatants normally come out at.”
The Archmage Page 51
