The Changeling Read online

  “I didn't expect to see you here Thunder” the Tower Mage said with a smile. “I thought you would need some time alone.”

  “What in the pit are you smiling for?” Jonathan said angrily. “Don't worry about me and teach your damn class.”

  “Who do you think you are talking to?” the Tower Mage demanded as he approached Jonathan. “It is not my fault your idiotic parents went off and got themselves killed. They should have known their place and none of this would have ever happened.”

  “Just like you should know yours,” Jonathan said standing in the Tower Mage’s face.

  “I am not scared of you boy,” the Tower Mage said. “Now sit down before you join your parents.”

  Jonathan caught the Tower Mage flush across the jaw with what had to be the finest punch he had ever thrown. The man was caught off guard and went down in shock. Jonathan thought back to his fight with Gerald Morningstar and everything he had done. He thought back to the smugness he had seen on the Archmage’s face and the joy he had seen on the Tower Mage’s face and hit harder. The Tower Mage tried to cast a spell in his defense but could not put the concentration up that was needed. Jonathan just kept smashing him in the face over and over again. Before anyone could peel Jonathan off of the man, Jonathan brought his knee back then forward as hard as he could. Jonathan could feel the bone give way as he slammed his knee into the mage’s face. Jonathan climbed off him then, he was too angry to even look at the man and instead met Russell’s eye.”

  “Where is Xalen,” Jonathan said in a calm voice.

  “Are you insane commoner?” Russell said running over to the Tower Mage. “You can't just attack someone.”

  “Where is Xalen” Jonathan repeated. “I want the Tower Mage in the arena. I have put up with his insults for long enough.”

  “You should be going to jail for your attack,” Russell said as he started trying to heal the Tower Mage.

  “Stay there on your knees then fool,” Jonathan said. “I can find Xalen by myself.”

  “He is in room 12,” Monica said not taking her eyes off the Tower Mage. “I can't believe you attacked the Tower Mage. He won't let you go to the dungeons. He will demand your trial by combat.”

  “I am going to find Xalen to demand he sanctions me to meet Quevin Wilson in the arena you fool,” Jonathan said. “From here on out I am not letting any of you put me down.”

  ~

  Jonathan was locked up and had been fed little following his beating of the Tower Mage. He had been arrested and hauled off to Dyson, the capital of Kirby to face justice. He was put under the care of the Archmage while he was in the dungeon, the man made sure he ate only every other day and even then it was only thin broth with moldy bread. Jonathan figured the trip to Dyson took him two weeks and he had been living in the dungeon for another three weeks but this was the day he would face the Tower Mage. As a mage he was to be given the chance of trial by combat and he readily accepted it. Jonathan had letters sent to the Archmage, the Queen and the King outlining his grievance against the Tower Mage and the Archmage. In them he argued that the Tower Mage provoked him into a fight and had gotten what he deserved. Jonathan’s anger kept him going even when his body started failing because of his poor treatment. Jonathan could hear the keys jingling to open the outer door and braced himself.

  “Are you ready to go mage?” said a handsome looking guard. “I am required to put these shackles on you.”

  “They didn't send any mages to come here and mock me this time?” Jonathan asked, thinking about the many people who had visited him to let him know the Tower Mage had accepted his challenge. Jonathan put the shackles on his wrists himself, then on his ankles. This was just one last inconvenience.

  Jonathan knew he had his grandfather and Red to thank for the fact that he had been offered trial by combat. Jonathan had given Red the rest of the money he had on him to spread a rumor that the Tower Mage was too scared to face Jonathan and that noble mages everywhere were scared of commoner mages. Jonathan’s grandfather in his grief had devoted himself to having those same words moised about in every tavern he could find around Kirby. This fight would be a big deal. Lies were told that said the Archmage had a special law preventing mages from having relationships with non-mages. This riled up the mundane nobles who wanted answers. The official story was that Jonathan had wanted to carry on a relationship with the daughter of a baker and the Archmage had gotten angry and had Jonathan’s parents murdered by spies in the Royal Army while they loyally fought off the Raelinians. Other nobles had gained access to Jonathan who refused to confirm or deny the rumors which made the people's outrage that much greater.

  “There are plenty of people here to see you mage” the guard said. “Good luck on you, I have a silver riding on your victory.”

  “You do?” Jonathan asked, surprised.

  “I knew your Da,” the guard said somberly. “Well, I saw him around a few times. He seemed like a nice enough fellow. I can't stand the Archmage though. He and the rest of them need taken down a few pegs. It would be sweet music to my ears for you to win this. Especially since they have kept you all stinky and under fed.” He fished half a sandwich out of pocket and Jonathan ate it hungrily.

  Jonathan was taken by wagon and led to the arena. It surprised him that so many people were out on the street and cheering his name. His grandfather and Red had done great things with stirring everyone up and it seemed like every commoner in Dyson had turned out to support him. The wagon finally made its way to the arena. Jonathan was led out and the roar was deafening. Jonathan waved at the crowd as another guard shoved him forward and made him fall.

  “When I am through with this idiot. I am going to come looking for you,” Jonathan said calmly looking up at the man, who just snarled back at him.

  “You ain't gonna do shit, other than die,” the guard said as Jonathan's mage bolt caught him full in the face.

  Jonathan got up as the man was rolling around on the ground. The crowd cheered even louder as Jonathan was led into the arena. He knew he looked like the pit. His robe was filthy and so was he. They took his boots away so he was bare footed and Jonathan thought he probably looked like a street beggar. The majority of the crowd looked to be mages and jeered him loudly, they came to see Jonathan get executed. Jonathan saw the guard who brought him from the dungeons come forward with a key, he took off the shackles and restraints and gave Jonathan a smile. Jonathan looked at the Archmage who was standing not far from the Royal Couple and gave the man a throat cutting gesture by bringing his thumb across his own throat. Jonathan could see Prince Xalen laugh at the gesture.

  “We are here today for the criminal Jonathan Thunder to receive his sentence,” King Jeffrey said. “What do you have to say criminal?”

  “My name or title is not criminal,” Jonathan said loudly. “The Archmage is a coward who sent my parents to die because he himself was too much of a coward to face the Raelinians. His mother should have just taken it in the ass and spared the kingdom of having a coward like him. His little brother is going to die because of following his lead. Once the so called Tower Mage is dead I want the Archmage in here next. Kevin and Quevin Wilson, this is your last day living you cowards. You better beg your protectors King Jeffrey and Prince Xalen to save you from my fury. The only way you will survive is by running and the entire kingdom will soon know it.”

  “You watch your tone with me,” King Jeffrey said.

  “Leave the boy alone Jeffrey,” Queen Mildred ordered. “Quevin do you have anything to say?”

  “I was attacked by a coward,” Quevin said. “His stupid parents died because they were too weak to defend themselves. This commoner has tried to split our Kingdom apart and I will end it here. I want all to remember after this is over that he challenged me to a fight, all I did was accept.”

  Jonathan stared at Quevin until the horn was sounded. As Jonathan cast lightning, he thought he had never put as much power into the spell that he was now doing. Since he had come
to the Tower, Jonathan had not cast lightning even once. Now he was pouring all his sadness, his anger and his skill into one spell. The lightning was far thicker than anything Joshua could have ever produced. Jonathan had a hard time seeing the bright flash of light but thought it was as big around as a stout tree. He didn't see the bolt slam into Quevin, but heard the large clap of thunder that came afterwards. It was a sharp sound that hurt his ears.

  Jonathan was ready to cast another lightning spell, if Quevin had gotten his shield up in time then he would try to toss a spell at Jonathan. Jonathan searched the area but could not find him. Instead there was a black smear on the far wall behind where Quevin had stood. The arena was in silence as Jonathan looked around and back at the smear. That smear was the Tower Mage. Quevin Wilson had been fried by temperatures so hot his body disintegrated. Jonathan wanted to pump his fist in triumph but remembered his true enemy, the Archmage, remained.

  “Quevin WIlson is dead and may he rest in the pit for all time,” Jonathan said loudly. “Kevin Wilson, you just saw your little brother wiped from the face of this kingdom. Run away you coward. Run behind His Majesty and hide. You sent your brother to die at my hands because you were too weak and too much of a coward to do so! If you have the stones, you can come and face me so you can leave a pretty black mark next to your brother on that wall.” The crowd was silent except for some hushed whispering. All were waiting to see what the high mage would do.

  “Well get out there Kevin,” the Queen said. “You are the Archmage, the strongest mage in the kingdom. You are not going to let some boy cow you are you?”

  “The Archmage doesn't have anything to prove to you commoner,” the King said angrily. Turning to the arena he raised his voice, “You have proved your point Thunder, now get out of here before I have you back in irons!”

  “Then I challenge your Champion,” Jonathan said. “It is my right to do so. If the Archmage is too much a coward then send the best fighter in the kingdom down to face me now!”

  “I said get out of here commoner!” King Jeffrey said standing up.

  “Stay where you are boy,” Queen Mildred ordered, standing. “I proclaim you innocent of all accusations of crimes made against you. The Archmage and the King’s champion both decline your demand of satisfaction. They are much too scared to face you. You have my leave to continue your studies at the Tower.”

  Jonathan bowed respectfully to her then turned and walked out of the arena. Outside of the arena erupted in sound. Already word of his victory had to have spread and loud cheers could be heard. Jonathan waved his hands as he came out. Someone grabbed him and they lifted him on their shoulders as the crowd became ever more ecstatic. Jonathan ended the day inside of a tavern. Many people had helped him get himself back together. His robe was laundered and someone even made him a new one. Jonathan was given fine boots and a lot of food to eat. Perhaps the best part was that his grandfather had come to the arena and had seen the entire fight.

  CHAPTER 9

  Queen Mildred

  “That was an outrage” King Jeffrey said in the royal carriage. “Why do you keep contradicting me over that commoner?”

  “Because you do not understand that your position is supposed to be ruler of all Kirby, not just of the nobility,” Queen Mildred said. “You would do well to remember that. If you think commoners are beneath you, then you should abdicate. Your value is to be seen as a friendly face that our people can look up to with hope in their times of need. Instead you are threatened and cowed by a commoner.”

  “You heard what that boy said!” Jeffrey snapped.

  “His parents were sent on a suicide mission Jeffrey,” Mildred said calmly. “He has every right to be upset. Had you even looked into it like I asked, you would know this.”

  “I don't need to look into it,” Jeffrey said angrily. “They were commoners who should have known their place.”

  “And that thinking is what got Quevin Wilson pasted all over the arena wall,” Mildred said. “That commoner was a lot stronger than you gave him credit for. Now you are angry our Tower Mage wasn't up for the challenge. This Big Four that is coming out of the Tower is to be feared. I don't know anyone other than the Archmage who could teach them.”

  “Is the Archmage scared of that dirty mage mother?” prince Jordan asked.

  “He is very much so,” Mildred replied.

  “No he isn't,” Jeffrey said angrily. “He just doesn't see the need in dirtying himself by stooping to a commoner’s level.”

  “That mage said the Archmage would hide behind you,” Jordan said.

  “Shut up and mind your business boy,” Jeffrey said. “We are talking about mage business.”

  “We are talking about kingdom business,” Mildred corrected. “And your son is a prince of this kingdom.”

  “Xalen what can you tell me about this Big Four?” Jeffrey asked.

  “I don't know father,” Xalen said still shaken.

  “What do you mean you don't know?” Jeffrey snapped.

  “Leave him alone Jeffrey,” Mildred said. “Xalen is shaken up just like you are. Quevin was just killed spectacularly by a commoner. What you should all be focused on is thinking about our next step.”

  “What next step? That man is a criminal,” Jeffrey snapped.

  “I thought you freed him mother,” Jordan said.

  “I did son,” Mildred replied. “Your father is not thinking through his choice of words well. He is perhaps angry that his friend died.”

  “I never liked that mean man,” Jordan said.

  “Because you are a mundane,” Xalen said getting his senses back. “And you are an embarrassment to this family.”

  “Say that again and you will no longer be my heir,” Mildred told Xalen sharply.

  “He is just telling the truth Mildred,” Jeffrey said.

  “And you could find yourself out of the palace as well,” Mildred said staring directly into his eyes. “I am the Queen and all of you are my subjects. You would do well to remember that when attacking my youngest son. So Quevin died. He accepted a challenge and was killed. Unless you all plan to meet this Jonathan Thunder in the arena, you must start to act like royalty. We have a powerful new mage in our kingdom, one that could do great things for Kirby. As for your Champion Jeffrey, he is going to have to step down. I know the only reason he is even holding the position is because he is friends with the Wilsons and neither of them wanted to challenge him for the spot. I doubt the man wants to face Jonathan Thunder after what we just saw. You will tell him to resign or face him. A champion of this kingdom does not run from challenges, no matter how big or small. At this point I think any of the Big Four could take him easily.”

  “What about the Archmage?” Jeffrey said.

  “The man is a coward who saw his younger brother killed then stood by and did nothing,” Queen Mildred said. “And he has been playing petty games with people’s lives that have contributed greatly to disrespect of the crown and nobility among the common people. You are going to learn what you can from the man and take his position on an interim basis until a new Archmage can be found. Russell will probably take over the position once he is old enough. But until then we need a friendly face as Archmage to try to undo some of the political ill-will Wilson has garnered. You have heard the people outside. They are chanting Thunder’s name and are as loud and boisterous as I have ever heard them.”

  “You want me to be the Archmage?” King Jeffrey asked, surprised.

  “Your job is to serve wherever you are needed,” Mildred said. “Keep Kevin on as an advisor if you want to. But keep him and his mouth well away from both the noble and common citizenry. Anyone too upset about his removal can face my new champion.”

  “What new champion?” Xalen asked.

  “Jonathan Thunder. He just needs a bit more seasoning. He needs some time in the field. He will also want to have a hand in punishing the killers of his parents. I will send him to face the Raelinians. His parents died as heroes. If a
nyone in this carriage still thinks otherwise, then I will send you to fight the Blood Priests alongside the common army. I rather suspect if you go there you will be very glad to have a mage like Thunder with you then.”

  “You would make that murderer a hero?” Jeffrey said.

  “I will remind you once again of what your youngest son astutely pointed out not 5 minutes ago Jeffrey. I declared the man innocent. If you persist in denying my right to proclaim him so, you oppose the crown.”

  She paused and looked directly into her husband’s eyes. He eventually dropped his gaze, saying nothing. “Honestly, what do you think should be done?” Mildred asked rhetorically. “Do you think I should have him killed so the populace can revolt? How would you stop it when the royal army is fighting on two fronts already? Is your fragile ego worth a civil war in which one or both of your sons may die? If you want Thunder dead then you face him in the arena. You are a king Jeffrey, start acting like one. Do you realize that most of your army are common soldiers? These are the same men who conceive of young Thunder as a champion for their kind. He is not merely a beacon for them, but for every server, labourer and trades person in the kingdom. Do you want Jonathan Thunder to grow up and marry another commoner mage? Because right now that is exactly what I believe he is going to do.”

  “There are no other commoners with that kind of power,” Xalen objected.

  “There is one,” Mildred replied. “She is only eleven right now. But many people who have seen her think she is something special. Her father was sent to die at the hands of the Raelinians alongside of the Thunders by that cursed Kevin Wilson. What would their children be like do you suppose? If Russell does not take Monica Manchin as his own, then what? None of the Wilson’s have any children as they never got married. The strongest mages in the kingdom could well be commoners thirty or forty years from now.”