“Jonathan Thunder, as I live and breathe,” Red Harrington said, as he approached the duo.
“What are you doing here Red?” Jonathan asked, grinning and slapping his friend on the back.
“The Tower has let out for break Thunder. I am on my own time now. I knew you would need someone to pull your ass out of the fire, so here I am.”
“You have friends willing to go to war for you Thunder?” Burns asked. “This bloke doesn't look any older than you are.”
“That's because I ain't,” Red said. “But Thunder has done right by me so I am here to do right by him. I left as soon as I could to come out here. I told me Ma and Da not to expect me home.”
“Bill and Thurman both do,” Red replied. “Unfortunately so does that sadistic bastard Gerald Morningstar.”
“How does he know?” Jonathan asked.
“He fancies himself as some sort of torturer now” Red said as Jonathan could see a far off look in his friend’s eyes. “He thinks he could get information from people and has openly talked about how it would be to actually kill someone with magic. He was heading over here because he figured you wouldn't care one bit what happened to the enemy and he could practice on living people.”
“I wouldn't care. Maybe that is what is wrong with me Red. I have been angry and stayed that way. Ever since my parents died I have been absolutely focused on revenge. I am starting to think maybe I am overreacting. My anger is mostly with Kevin Wilson. The Tower Mage died because his brother is a tosser. But Wilson still lives.”
“No,” Jonathan said.
“Well fuck whoever that Quevin guy was,” Burns said. “Never really poked my nose in mage business. But he had whatever was coming to him. Now about the Raelinians. They look like they are not going to fight, they are just standing there.”
“They are probably waiting for me,” Jonathan said.
“Well don't take to the air just yet,” Burns said. “Who knows what these people have planned.”