Chapter 19

Johnathon took a deep breath looking at Lana. “Try, my love. I have confidence in you.” Johnathon felt warmth spread in his chest. Opening the portal, he levitated Lana and then gently pushed her through the portal, sitting her even gentler back on the bench she had been sitting on.

Yes! Tom thought. By god, his control was marvelous! He’d wished he had that much control when he was Johnathon’s age. Johnathon looked back at his father chuckling at the shocked look on his face. Good, he needed a shock once in a while. “Extremely good, Johnathon! Tomorrow, we need to work on longer distances. Of course, you are invited to any and all practices Lana.” Tom said, hoping to elicit a positive effect upon Johnathon’s control. Plus, it would be good to get in good with her; after all, she was going to be his daughter-in-law.

“Thank you, Mr. Timmings. I was going to ask when you 2 were done, but thank you for sparing me the embarrassing task of trying to ask you sir.” Lana said with a wide smile on her face. She truly liked Johnathon’s father. At least she did this new one. This one seemed more caring and feeling like Johnathon which was a welcome change. Johnathon and Lana moved off into the house. Tom had to admit it was a hell of a lot more pleasant with her around.

Tom was putting everything away when a unknown younger mage flashed in. Erecting his shields, Tom awaited either a message or an attack. Bowing low, the mage stepped forward. “I’m looking for Tom Timmings,” he said.

“You are speaking to him and you are?” Tom asked, his eyebrows raised. This young man was either an idiot, was not caring, or had suffered a recent tragedy and just didn’t care. Reaching out, Tom found he was a bounty hunter for the council. At once on his guard, the younger man opened his mouth to speak.

“I am Tyrome Greenstick. I have come to see Johnathon. I heard he was in trouble.” Tyrome said.

Drawing himself up to his full height, Tom’s power bristled. This man was no slough as his power had recently been raised although Tom knew not how. Reaching in, Tom brought his wild magic to the surface.

“If you are here to take Johnathon, you will find it a lot harder than you think.” Tom growled.

To his credit, the younger mage didn’t move. “Huh? Sir, I’m really not sure what you mean,” the man sadly said. It was in that moment that Tom could feel the losses the man had: a partner, a woman mage he’d been desperately in love with, and many of the few friends he had. What the hell?!!! This was the mage that had finally put Cedric away? “I know you are a bounty hunter for the council. If you think to take Johnathon, then it will be over my dead body!” Tom growled even louder. Johnathon came running out of the keep with Lana trailing not far behind. Holy shit! His father was powered up WITH his wild magic. Johnathon had brought his up also thinking they were under attack. Running to his father’s side, Johnathon was looking around when he spotted Tyrome.

Shocked a moment, Johnathon lowered his power and told his father it was ok. “Tyrome? Why are you here? After the battle with Cedric, I thought you were in hiding trying to recover.” A look of concern was on Johnathon’s face.

“I was but I can’t anymore. I have to get back out there. I have to get Tyler’s death out of my mind.” Tyrome said. Johnathon’s mouth hung open ... Tyler was dead? What was going on? Sitting down, Tyrome told Lana and Johnathon everything that happened. The whole time, his eyes held a haunted look. Lana had only heard of Tyrome a few times. Even the vampire world had heard of the council bounty hunters.

“So why are you here?” Johnathon asked.

“I am supposed to report to Ben Timmings, something about reassignment. I heard on the way here that you were in trouble and thought I’d loan you a hand if you want.” Tyrome offered. Johnathon thought for a bit and then leaned over and whispered to Tyrome. Lana listened in, her eyes getting huge and then a smile lit up her face.

“I know you are in a lot of pain. I can’t really do that much right now even with your heightened power. Although mom is a very experienced healer, and she could help you.” Johnathon suggested. Again, Tyrome sadly nodded. Crap, Johnathon thought, this is really eating him up. Tom had been listening the whole time. This mage knew Ben? Hmmm, many of the things Johnathon had suggested made a lot of sense.

Tom stepped away and called Ben. A moment later, he appeared. “How go things with the council?” Tom asked. “They’re like a bunch of doddering old women. They seem to be trying to stick their noses into everything. How goes the training?” Ben asked.

“I believe he may be ready sooner than we thought. By the way, we have a visitor. He said he was looking to report to you.” Tom said, showing Ben the man talking to Johnathon and Lana.

Ben hissed, “Do you know who that is! He’s by far the greatest bounty hunter of the council! He’s also the trickiest I have ever seen. Hell, even I have a hard time against him. I heard the council started an enforcer school being taught by the best of the last group of enforcers. Tom, we can’t let him take Johnathon!”

“It’s alright, Johnathon and Tyrome are friends. Apparently, they were in school together.” Tom explained.

“WHAT!!!???” Ben shouted drawing the attention of the three on the bench. Johnathon looked up and smiled speaking to Tyrome. They all three rose and walked to the two men.