《Elements of Change》


 Elements of Change

    The sun¡¯s first light fell on Distria¡¯s largest city and Ezo stretched tired limbs. He sat up and watched Dezra¡¯s gates open. Even from this distance, he could see the crowd that waited outside to get in to the markets. Ezo might miss a comfortable bed from time to time, but he didn¡¯t miss the press of bodies all around and the crowding of the city streets.


    He stumbled down the small hill to wash his face in the cool river below. He sat down by the water¡¯s edge and let his hair down, running his fingers through it before pulling the black mass back with a leather tie. He thought about staying the morning under the small copse of trees but decided against it. He¡¯d been traveling the country for three months now, but there was still so much to do.


    He stood up and dusted his pants off, tugging at his shirt. He was hours from the nearest village and it was too hot to worry about the vest and sash. Even with the rising sun, the summer¡¯s heat had begun.


    Ezo walked up the hill and looked back at Dezra one last time. He had hoped to find answers with the nobles and elementalists of the great city, but all he got was escorted to the gate for asking too many questions.


    They were supposed to be there for the people. They were supposed to help. So where had they been when the earthquake had ripped his village apart? Where were the elementalists who could have used their magic to reconnect the earth and stop the flooding of the nearby river? Where were the promised soldiers to help rebuild their community and roads?


    Ezo knew, even if they refused to answer. Distria rested too uneasily in its newfound peace to send soldiers out to help civilians when trouble could be brewing with any of its neighbors. The soldiers and elementalists themselves were too tired, exhausted from years of battle and sacrifice.


    It strengthened his resolve and Ezo stood a little straighter as he turned away from the city. There was a world full of villages, like his own, that needed help.


    He was self-taught, dismissed by the elementalists because of his lack of formal training, but he¡¯d show them. His uncle had been a great man and he¡¯s taught Ezo everything he could before he passed away. Ezo would have been content to take his place in the village, helping everyone and putting things to rights when it was needed, but there was nothing left.


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    A lake stood over his village now, with chimney tops sticking out over the tranquil waters in random intervals. The old clock tower - the pride of their town - still ticked away, a grim reminder of what they¡¯d lost.


    Ezo refused to let the drowning of the town destroy him though. There was nothing he could do for the people that had been lost, but there was a world of people that needed him. If he had to travel to find them, he would.


    He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, centering himself as he reached down and touched the earth at his feet. His finger dug in, and he pushed the image in his mind into the soil. He could feel the rush of power that came with the command, and stone and earth tumbled together to form a bridge over the river he¡¯d slept by.


    He opened his eyes and smiled. If he walked to the closest bridge, it would add another day to his travels. This would save him time and help the people of the village as well when they needed to take their wares to the city for trade and market.


    He left the hilltop and crossed the bridge, stopping in the middle. It was large enough for a horse-pulled cart and there were railings on each side for safety. He pressed his fingers into the top of the railing and left his mark; the stone formed a small circle with an owl in the center, the moon just behind its head. Once it was formed he ran his fingers over it, thinking of his uncle who had used the same mark on all his works.


    ¡°An elementalist¡¯s job isn¡¯t to change the elements and bend them to his will,¡± Uncle Jacob said as Ezo gazed at the book in his hand.


    Uncle Jacob was the town elementalist and Ezo had never known anyone as interesting or as important as him. Ezo wanted to be just like him when he grew up.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you do?¡± he asked. He concentrated on the stone in his hand and kept his fist closed tight until it was a perfect, smooth circle. He opened his hand and showed it to his uncle.


    ¡°Yes, that is what we do. But I want to ask, why did you make the stone a perfect circle? What was wrong with the form it had before?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°I was just practicing.¡±


    ¡°It takes a long time to study to be an elementalist, but knowing how to change something, and knowing when to do it are two different things. Elementalists change nature and subvert it into our own needs, but we must remember that we were graced with these powers to help others. The true purpose of an elementalist isn¡¯t to change the elements around us, but to be the elements of change that make the world a better place.¡±


    He looked down at the bridge and smiled to himself. ¡°Let¡¯s see what other good we can do, Uncle.¡±


    He crossed the river and didn¡¯t look back again. The world called and it was his duty as an elementalist to answer.

 Mason Creek

    Ezo shivered in the evening chill as he trudged up the muddy hill. Rain poured around him and he was wet all the way through. His good coat which he¡¯d treated against the rain could only do so much. Water dripped down his neck and back and even his boots had gotten soggy. Sure, he could use magic to repel the water, but there was a limit to any man¡¯s strength and slogging through the mud took most of his attention.


    There were days when he wished he¡¯d bought himself a horse, but he wasn¡¯t a horseman, and he preferred his own two feet to a creature that had its own opinions.


    He reached the inn and opened the door but lost his grip as the wind caught it and slammed it shut. The wind roared even louder than the bloated river beside the inn and Ezo looked uneasily at it as he tried the door once more.


    Light spilled across the wet streets as he managed to get a decent grip on the handle this time. He rushed inside and swept off the hood that had barely managed to keep the rain from his face. Finally, away from the downpour, he closed his eyes and imagined the water pulling away from his clothes and sliding under the door.


    He had to concentrate harder when he worked with the element of water, but he was still proficient. Earth was his natural calling, but Uncle Jacob had been adamant that a good elementalist should never neglect any element. Ezo learned it wasn¡¯t a popular belief though. When he¡¯d gone to Malla City, the elementalists had looked aghast that he focused on more than one.


    Idiots, the bunch of them. No wonder Jacob had stayed in the village whenever he could.


    The water left his clothes and his hair dried, but when he moved the dried mud was still caked on his clothes and the fabric was stiff. He needed to get a room and change before he thought about food. And his stomach was reminding him - loudly - that he hadn¡¯t eaten much as he walked through the rain all day.


    ¡°Can I get a room?¡± he asked as he looked towards the bar.


    He should have paid attention before he started to do magic, but he was still learning. Not every village took to elementalists as his own had. The inn was mostly empty, except for a few travelers, the keeper, and the maids. All eyes were on him, and silence settled uneasily around the room.


    ¡°Can I get a room to clean up?¡± He stepped towards the bar and smiled. ¡°And something to eat when I finish wouldn¡¯t be remiss.¡±


    ¡°You got coin?¡± The woman wiped her hands on her apron and bit her lower lip.


    ¡°Of course. How could I pay for the room if I didn¡¯t have coin?¡±


    ¡°Somes come through thinking they have a right. Elementalists. Soldiers.¡±


    A snort rang out from one corner of the room, but Ezo ignored it in favor of smiling again. ¡°And they would be wrong to do so.¡± He dug under the jacket and vest and the extra layers of fabric he wore until he had a handful of coins. He placed them on the bar for her. ¡°Which way?¡±


    ¡°Maggie, show him.¡±


    The maid came forward and eyed him up and down before she led him to the back of the inn where steps took them up to the guest rooms. She stopped in front of the last door on the right and opened it for him. He¡¯d seen it before. They placed him as far away from others as they could.


    Uncle Jacob taught him how to use the elements and the role of elementalists in the world. What he didn¡¯t teach was how the world actually worked. People revered elementalists, or they hated elementalists, but people wanted to be elementalists. They held power, and people wanted what they didn¡¯t have and feared it in equal measure.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said to the maid, slipping another coin to her for the trouble. He didn¡¯t have a lot, but sometimes it was worth the coin to leave a good impression.


    She took the coin but narrowed her eyes when she looked at it. She turned away without a word and left him outside his room. He shook his head, then stepped into the room.


    It was clean and warm, and most importantly, dry. There was a lumpy-looking bed in the corner and a table with two chairs pulled up beside it. A stand next to the door held a basin, water pitcher, and mirror. He moved to the end of the room and pulled the curtain back to look out over the bloated river. The rains had been good this year, but here it had been too much. He covered the curtains and refused to let the memories of his lost home take his mind from the present.


    Instead, he dropped his bag to the floor and began stripping out of his clothes. The pitcher was full, and he poured water into the basin. He used a washcloth to clean up and dressed in clean clothes. He¡¯d deal with the rest of it later. He ran his fingers through his hair and redid the tie before he headed down. He felt presentable at least, with clean trousers and shirt, his favorite green vest, and his sash tied around his waist.


    When he joined the others downstairs, the innkeeper motioned him towards a table in the corner. As much as he would have preferred to join one of the others to learn about their travels, he let them lead him away. Warm food beckoned and it wasn¡¯t worth a fight for a little conversation. Not yet anyway. Maybe after his belly was full and his feet finally warmed.


    Food was a generous portion of fish stew, bread, and ale. He ate quickly, keeping his head down, but listening to the sparse conversation in the tavern.


    The table next to him held a traveler who seemed less interested in others than the quality of his ale. When the maid came around, he asked for more, threw a couple more coins on the table, and turned his eyes back to a journal. His voice was rough, but as the man coughed, Ezo thought it might be from a lack of use.


    Ezo wouldn¡¯t have given the man any heed if it weren¡¯t for the journal. In the cities, something like that was a luxury, but it was common for elementalists to keep one. He continued to eat, but the man drew his attention.


    Older than Ezo, but only by a few years. His brown hair curled about his shoulders. The clothes he wore were a grey so dark it was almost black, except for the red cloak he wore around his shoulders. The jacket underneath buttoned up the side like the uniform of the War-Sworn but wasn¡¯t the right design or color. Jacob had hated the War-Sworn and warned Ezo off about them. Ezo could never imagine dedicating his magic to the art of war, but he also understood the sacrifice such elementalists went through to do so. Ezo didn¡¯t hate them, but he pitied a man who could turn such a gift into a weapon.


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    He must have been doing a poor job of keeping his observation to himself because the man looked over at him and scowled. The traveler closed his journal and tucked it in a pouch under his cloak. He grabbed his mug and took the pitcher from the maid before he looked back at Ezo. His eyes were cold, but his face was handsome. Ezo thought if he smiled, he might even be called striking. He watched as the traveler looked him over. His eyes paused on Ezo¡¯s left hand, until Ezo covered it with his right hand. The traveler dismissed him then and headed up the stairs.


    Ezo turned his attention back to his food and was happy to tuck into the cheese and fruit Maggie set down for him. She gave him a small smile before she walked away. At least someone was warming up to him.


    He turned his attention to his food and let the rest of the miserable day fade into the background.


    ###


    Maggie refilled his ale when he finished with his meal and he was content as he was; a full belly, a warm fire nearby, and a bed to turn to when he was ready. If the rain let up, he¡¯d head on in the morning. It was obvious from his reception at the inn that his sort of help wouldn¡¯t be welcomed here.


    A loud crash outside made him jump out of his seat.


    ¡°Thunder and lightning of all things,¡± Maggie complained as she covered her ears.


    Ezo ran to the door and out into the muddy streets. Lightning lit the sky, but it wasn¡¯t thunder Maggie had heard and Ezo could see the wash of muck in the river above the town. A bell at the other end of town began to ring out, but it was barely audible over the rush of water and the crack of thunder that followed.


    Someone slid past Ezo but grabbed his arm to stop himself. ¡°Get to higher ground,¡± the man shouted over the rain. ¡°The dam broke!¡±


    Ezo pushed away from him and rushed towards the river. It was already swollen from the rain and lapped against the embankment. It was too late to evacuate the town. There had to be something else he could do. There was no place to divert the water, and even if there was, he didn¡¯t have the strength to pull that off.


    He closed his eyes and crouched down to touch the earth. Mud squelched between his fingers as he centered himself and pulled the mud from the raging waters to form a higher wall around the water¡¯s edge. He pulled from the earth at his feet, digging deeper under the river to keep building a new wall between the town and the dam waters.


    The wall raised higher, and he could no longer see the coming flood, but he could feel the power behind it. He shivered in the cold, clenched his fists deeper into the earth, and fought against the ache that began to creep up his spine.


    He was drawing too much power from himself. He wouldn¡¯t last much longer before it overcame him completely and he blacked out. He knew his limits, but he couldn¡¯t stop.


    People shouted behind him, but he pushed them out of his awareness. Earth moved in his mind, and he felt it in his body as the waters began to strike the walls he¡¯d built.


    ¡°Bloody idiot! Are you trying to get yourself killed?¡±


    A warm hand pushed against his neck, and another slid beneath his shirt to touch his side. He was immediately filled with strength though he had been wavering a moment before. He didn¡¯t know who it was, but he pressed into the connection with the other elementalist. The spirit that pushed into his consciousness was fight and fire, a will indomitable, with a grief so deep it could bury him. He was strong. Stronger than any elementalist Ezo had ever met, even if he could feel the fatigue pulling at the other man¡¯s reserves already.


    Ezo pushed away from that recognition and back towards the raging waters. He was in control of the flow of power, and he used the extra resources to push the earth even higher. He felt the water crash against it, felt the walls hold against the onslaught of sludge and water and debris from the areas swept away above. And then his strength give way to darkness, and strong arms pulled him close when he fell.


    ###


    Ezo woke slowly, blinking gritty eyes to stare up at the rafters. He tried to get up, but the room spun, and he decided it was best to stay on his back for a bit. When he opened his eyes again, the traveler from earlier was above him. Green eyes regarded him, and his lips were drawn tight.


    ¡°Well, what do you know. You didn¡¯t kill yourself after all.¡±


    Ezo wanted to reply to that, but the man moved away, and he was too tired to look for him. He fell back to sleep and drifted in and out, sometimes finding the green-eyed man watching him. When he woke the next morning though, he was in his bed, warm, clean, and alone.


    Someone had changed him into clean clothes and when he looked in the mirror, even his hair had been washed.


    ¡°I must have really been out of it,¡± he said to his reflection. He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled on his boots before he threw on his coat and walked down the stairs.


    The inn was bursting with people, and he nearly fell when the first patron slapped him on the back, raising his glass to him. The room cheered loudly, and he flinched, covering his eyes. He was recovered enough to be out of bed, but the backlash of controlling that much magic still lingered. Everything was overwhelming him.


    He felt strong arms pull him away from the crowd and heard the hush that fell over them. He was pushed down onto a bench and a mug was placed in his hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t drink that yet,¡± the gruff voice said. He felt something tap against the mug and he knew what it was. When hands directed him to put the mug to his lips, he drank.


    The ale didn¡¯t hide the bitter taste of the powder that had been added, but it improved the flavor. When he drank it to the dregs, he felt calmer. More centered. He opened his eyes and found himself at the corner table.


    ¡°It was you,¡± Ezo said to the traveler who was assisting him. ¡°You¡¯re the elementalist.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in better hands than mine now,¡± the man said. ¡°You have more leria powder?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re not quite as dumb as I thought you were.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°Take care of yourself, Raven.¡±


    Before Ezo could ask what he meant by that the innkeeper interrupted him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have some food out for you in just a minute,¡± she said, wringing her hands on a small bag she held. ¡°Best of what I have, I promise you that.¡± She handed the bag to him, and he could feel the weight of coins. ¡°We all chipped in. It isn¡¯t much, but we¡¯d have lost everything if you hadn¡¯t come by.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it for the money,¡± he said.


    ¡°Take it,¡± the traveler said as he moved towards the door. ¡°Too many people don¡¯t pay for the service. Even an elementalist has to eat.¡± He left the inn before Ezo could respond.


    Ezo started to get up, but the keeper was in his way, motioning him back down. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry. We gave him coin as well since he helped you. But we don¡¯t want no War-Sworn here in Mason Creek.¡±


    He wanted to follow, but he knew he was in no shape to travel just yet. Instead, he smiled at the keeper. ¡°Perhaps I could take food in my room? I need to lie down again.¡±


    She shooed everyone out of his way as he trudged back up the stairs, but he barely noticed. His mind was swirling. War-Sworn. An elementalist who had pledged their services to the art of war. The War-Sworn were Distria¡¯s first and last line of defense against invasion. The nobles were even said to have them on paid retainer. Those who had seen battle though had been rumored to be exhausted beyond simple healing.


    That explained the exhaustion he had found in the other man. And, maybe, the grief as well.


    Ezo sat on the edge of the bed and tried not to think about it. But he could still feel the man¡¯s presence in the back of his head. War-Sworn or not, he¡¯d come to Ezo¡¯s aid. He owed the man a debt and he would find him someday to repay it.

 The Festival of Tides

    The port city of Nivet was one of the oldest ports in Distria, with a towering lighthouse and markets unparalleled in the Seven Nations.


    Ezo had been there once as a child to help his uncle gather supplies and trade for goods needed by their village. He¡¯d stared at everything with wide eyes and asked a hundred questions as they walked through the stalls. It was nothing compared to Nivet during Nivala, the great Festival of Tides.


    Nivala was celebrated across Distria, but if there was a home to the great sea spirit, it was the waters of Nivet Bay. Legend said that Nosah created a great nest to lay her eggs there. When the eggs cracked, she coddled her brood and created the walls and sands of Nivet Bay. After the serpents had fed from Nosah, they fled in all directions. The shells created the mountains and peaks of the earth and her life¡¯s blood had filled the oceans. Thus, all life came from the ocean and all life returned to it.


    Every stall in Nivet was decorated with hanging lanterns and kites decorated to look like serpents. Ezo stopped to get a meat pie at a stall, then took it to the hillside above the port. The view was amazing, but by the time he reached the top, he was licking his fingers clean of the meat pie¡¯s juices.


    The beach below him was full of laughing children and vendors hawking their trades. People created the likeness of Nosah and her children in colored sand sculptures for everyone to marvel at.


    Ezo closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He had been traveling hard the last few months and had nearly overtaxed himself a few times. Growing up, he¡¯d never come close to his limits, and it wasn¡¯t until he started traveling that he began to learn them. The hard way, often, but he was smart, and he didn¡¯t make the same mistake twice. He was very good at making all new ones though.


    Today was a chance to relax. He¡¯d made note of a few things he might be able to help with in the coming days if he chose to stay, but he wasn¡¯t going to make a single offer today. Not even a mention of being an elementalist.


    He could almost hear Uncle Jacob laughing at him.


    From the hilltop, he could see the mountains that surrounded the seaport, and on the other side, an amphitheater had been carved out of the rising foothills. A wagon was pulled up and a band of traveling players was performing. The audience broke into applause and Ezo thought he might try to catch a performance later in the afternoon. For now, he wanted nothing more than to enjoy the warm sun and the cool breeze.


    And if he happened to fall asleep, his weren¡¯t the only snores on the hillside.


    ###


    ¡°Damn it!¡± They were the first words out of Ezo¡¯s mouth as he woke to screams. He jumped up and turned around, looking for trouble. The noise came from the docks and Ezo began running towards them. The docks were set to the east side of the city where the mountains ended in deep caves. The jut of the caverns created a natural break from the tides and protected the boats and the city.


    He ran through the crowd and finally stepped onto the docks. It was chaos. The air moved with a swarm of small creatures. As he ran closer, he could see the long scaled tail and feathered wings of the beasts that harassed the crowd.


    Amphithere.


    Full-grown amphithere were small and these feathered serpents were still youngsters.


    People ducked away and covered their heads, while sailors concealed their day¡¯s catch as best as they could. He watched the swarm turn and attack a young man who covered a wagon full of fish fresh from a ship.


    Ezo closed his eyes and focused on the world around him, pushing aside the swarm and the people. He felt the earth beneath his feet, always ready for his call. The water at his side pulled for his attention as well, but it was the wind that rushed through his hair and brought the scent of the sea that he reached for. There was so much power around him and the desire to fill himself with it was tempting but dangerous. He pulled at the wind, using his magic to divert a small part of it away from its path. He opened his eyes and directed the air into the swarm.


    The creatures squawked and broke apart, then regrouped. Ezo pushed another strand of air towards them and made it stronger, knocking them further away from the docks and the people around them.


    ¡°Send them to sea!¡± someone called behind him.


    Ezo released his hold on the element as he watched the swarm fly away from them and towards the mountain above.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± An old man turned towards him, glaring. ¡°Why did you stop?¡±


    ¡°I drove them away.¡± He watched the man and realized a few others gathered behind him. They all wore the same scowl.


    ¡°You could have done more than that!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t need to,¡± he answered. ¡°They stopped and are returning to wherever they came from.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll be back! They¡¯re a menace!¡± One of the women behind him pointed towards the mountains where the creatures had gone. ¡°Get rid of them!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, calm down.¡± The crowd that was beginning to form moved aside as three people came forward. The woman in the center nodded in way of greeting Ezo. ¡°You¡¯ve done us a service. Please forgive their less than appreciative words. Since the weather has turned, the winds have brought this pestilence upon us. You have sent them away, and for that we are thankful, but our people long for a permanent release from their presence.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, you could join us, Elementalist?¡± The man at her right side motioned back towards the town. ¡°We would like to discuss a proposition.¡±


    ¡°If you want me to kill them, I won¡¯t do it.¡±


    The crowd grumbled around him, but the third man stepped closer to Ezo. ¡°We want them to leave us alone. If we can do so in a peaceful manner, we would prefer it. We just haven¡¯t found a way ourselves. We didn¡¯t have an elementalist though.¡±


    ¡°Did you notify the capital that you needed one?¡±


    The man smiled, but it wasn¡¯t warm. It was condescending, as was his voice. ¡°Of course, but the elementalists of the capital are busy defending the realm or recovering from their duties. They don¡¯t have anyone to spare.¡±


    Ezo rolled his eyes but didn¡¯t comment. What was the point of having the academies in Dezra and Malla City if people couldn¡¯t call on them in need? ¡°So, you want me to find a way to remove them?¡±


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    ¡°We would pay you handsomely for it,¡± the woman said.


    He thought back, months ago, to the inn in Mason Creek and the traveler¡¯s words. He hadn¡¯t been wrong. Between here and there, Ezo had tightened his belts a few times before he found paying work. The city was well off and could afford his services. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do. You have someone that knows the mountain?¡±


    ###


    Two hours later and they were still arguing over who would be best to take him. He walked away from the debate to find food at one of the stalls. The festival was back in swing, but it was a bit quieter. The traveling players were loose among the streets, performing tricks of acrobatics and singing songs. He took a meat skewer and dropped two fresh apples into his pouch as he walked towards the hill and saw the three elders still in a heated discussion. He took a seat in the top row of the empty amphitheater.


    ¡°So, you want to go to the mountain?¡±


    He startled, almost dropping his skewer as one of the crew from the traveling players moved past him to sit a few rows below. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear you.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to bother you,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°I heard what was happening though, and from what I¡¯ve seen in this town, they¡¯ll argue until the next sun before they agree on anything.¡±


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    ¡°I might have something that would help though. Or, someone.¡±


    Ezo turned to look when she motioned two boys over to them. The oldest was maybe ten and had a straw hat on his head that was popular with farmers. The younger looked just like him, with freckles, blond hair, green eyes, and clothes that had seen better days even though he could see they¡¯d been freshly washed.


    ¡°These two have been helping me since we arrived two weeks ago. Mathis and Tamis. They¡¯re street whelps, but smart as a whip.¡±


    ¡°We can help you,¡± the younger of the two boys said. ¡°We know the mountains better than any!¡±


    The older boy nodded. ¡°We go up and pick berries or herbs to sell at the market. We go into the caves too sometimes. There isn¡¯t any place up there Tamis and I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going up there to see what¡¯s happening with the amphithere that attacked this morning. It could be dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Nah, the fledglings leave us alone.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen them before?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Tamis nodded. ¡°They have nests up in the mountains.¡±


    ¡°Get me there and back, and I promise you some coin for it.¡±


    The boys both smiled and looked over at the woman.


    ¡°I¡¯m Alvrey,¡± she said. ¡°If you need anything, come find me with the players. I¡¯m a healer. I¡¯ll see you right if you need it. Just take care of these boys. They¡¯ve done a good job for me, and I don¡¯t want to be missing them tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. Sounds like they take pretty good care of themselves though.¡± They nodded, but before they could start telling him just how well they took care of themselves, he stood up. ¡°Ready to lead the way?¡±


    The boys took off in a run and Ezo laughed as he tried to catch up.


    ###


    The brothers led the way, only stopping to show him their usual haunts. They were nearing the higher peaks in the bay¡¯s range, but Ezo hadn¡¯t seen sight of the creatures yet.


    ¡°This is where you normally see the amphithere?¡± It had taken them the better part of two hours to reach the clearing.


    ¡°Used to,¡± Tamis answered. ¡°This spring when we came up, they weren¡¯t here.¡±


    ¡°Where did they come from? Did you see that?¡± Ezo asked. He looked around but there was no clear nest in view, nor were the creatures out.


    ¡°Not now. Before they used to come from Mallen¡¯s Peak. We had an earthquake last year and it fell into the sea.¡± Mathis pointed to the east. ¡°Over that way.¡±


    ¡°And you didn¡¯t see them after that?¡±


    ¡°Not until they started to attack the docks.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s always the docks?¡±


    Both boys nodded.


    ¡°What are you doing to do?¡± Mathis asked as the boys stopped to strip a bush of its fruit. They ate as much as they saved, but they¡¯d given him a handkerchief filled with red berries as well.


    ¡°I think I need to end this game of hide and seek,¡± he said as he popped the last berry into his mouth. He walked a little further away from the boys where he had a clear view of the peaks around them. ¡°Mathis, Tamis, stay low to the ground. It¡¯s going to get a bit windy.¡±


    He watched them crouch down before he reached out with his senses and felt the wind rushing around him. He pulled flows of air towards him and then flung it out towards the nearest peak. It wrapped around the summit, and he pushed it towards the next. Nothing happened there either and he pulled more wind into his stream and pushed it towards a third peak. The wind burrowed into hidden crevices, making a whistling moan as it sped through. He felt something moving on the breeze and he pulled back to see the first creature break away from the air current he¡¯d created.


    ¡°There you are,¡± he said softly.


    ¡°You found them!¡± Tamis called out.


    ¡°What are you gonna do now? You aren¡¯t really gonna kill them, are you?¡± Mathis asked.


    ¡°No. You said they were here before, right? And they never hurt anyone?¡± The boys nodded. ¡°I think they used to nest in the fallen peak. They built a new nest closer to the town and their feeding grounds changed. We just need to move the nest. If I can keep the queen with the nest, the rest should follow.¡±


    ¡°How are you gonna do that?¡± Tamis asked.


    ¡°First I have to get to the nest and find her.¡± Ezo fished a few coins out of his pouch. ¡°You two head back into town. I expect you¡¯ll be able to find the best fruit pies before I get back tomorrow, right?¡±


    The coins were more than enough to feed the boys well tonight and leave them extra for their guidance. Mathis started to protest, but Tamis ran off and he waved instead, calling after his brother as he did.


    Ezo watched them go, then headed up towards the peak where he¡¯d spooked the creature. Towards the eastern edge of the clearing was an animal trail and Ezo took that towards the peak. It wasn¡¯t a long climb from where he was. Since he¡¯d disrupted the nest earlier, there had been a continual stream of amphithere floating around the peak.


    After thirty minutes he found a place where he could watch the nest. The dominant female of the group stayed close to the nest and didn¡¯t venture out often. He watched the nest and found a small nook in one of the rock walls to protect himself from the night¡¯s winds.


    He didn¡¯t sleep but spent the night in remembrance of his uncle¡¯s lessons. He rose before the sun began to cast the sky with rays of gold and pink. The amphithere had calmed throughout the night and were sleeping soundly. It was the best time to attempt the move. In other circumstances, he wouldn¡¯t try it. The poor amphithere had lost their home once and didn¡¯t deserve this, but the people of the town would resort to more permanent means if they weren¡¯t moved.


    He slowly pulled at the wind around the nest and built a shield of air around it to keep the amphithere from being disturbed. When he was sure he had it built up enough, he slowly shifted the shield away from its rocky cavern and began to move it to a new location. It was slow going, but even when a few of the amphithere flew away from the nest, the female stayed. So long as she did, the others would follow. As the morning sun was high in the sky, the nest finally landed in its home.


    Ezo used the last of his strength to push into the water below the peak. He forced a wave onto the rocky shore below, beaching a small school of fish, hoping the amphithere would find their new feeding grounds quickly.


    Finished with his task and exhausted, Ezo settled back into his nook. He dumped a healthy helping of leria powder into his canteen, drank it deeply, then took a much-needed nap.


    ###


    Ezo entered the town late afternoon and was met with matching yells.


    ¡°Ezo!¡± Mathis and Tamis ran to him. Tamis grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the town while Mathis grinned broadly at him.


    ¡°Alvrey was worried about you,¡± Mathis told him. ¡°She told us to send you to her, right away!¡±


    Ezo didn¡¯t argue with them. Instead, he followed them through town and towards the amphitheater where the players had just finished a show. They led him towards a wagon in the back and he was set on a stool to wait. A few minutes later, Alvrey showed up with a bowl of stew and a stern face.


    ¡°You take too many risks, elementalist. What if you¡¯d been hurt?¡±


    Ezo smiled at the concern. ¡°I¡¯ve been traveling alone for a while now. I¡¯ve managed just fine.¡±


    Alvrey looked behind her and the boys came in, bowls of their own to join him. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll just have to take all three of you then.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ezo mumbled the words, his mouth full of stew.


    ¡°Mathis and Tamis have decided to join us on our travels. I think it might be a good idea to keep an eye on you too.¡±


    Ezo was about to decline, but as he swallowed his stew, he thought about it. He wanted to travel the world, and the players would help him do that. He could leave whenever he wanted, but they were more experienced in the world than he was. He could always leave if it wasn¡¯t a comfortable fit.


    ¡°What about the rest of the players? They¡¯d agree to take on another mouth to feed?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You¡¯re an elementalist. I doubt you¡¯ll have any trouble earning your keep.¡±


    He looked at the brothers who were watching him closely and he smiled at them. ¡°I think some company on the road would make the journey much more interesting.¡±

 The War-Sworn

    Jaroh¡¯s Traveling Players moved through the countryside in a meandering path, city to village to seaport without a plan that Ezo could tell. In the month since he¡¯d joined them, they¡¯d visited three towns and stopped at a questionable seaport before they decided to head on without performing. Jaroh wasn¡¯t skittish, but he was a superstitious man and when the train ran into a swollen bridge coming into the area, he declared it omen number 1. Ezo had quickly fixed the bridge, but it didn¡¯t change Jaroh¡¯s opinion about the area. It had improved his feeling about Ezo though.


    An attempted robbery at night and the appearance of a fire in the seaport as they broke the ridge convinced Jaroh to leave that one alone. He let his people go into the port for supplies and to take an afternoon to make coin however they saw fit, but he didn¡¯t take the caravan down and he made certain there were enough people to guard it in case of trouble.


    Today¡¯s slow pace ate at him. He wanted to see the world but the traveling players, while great company, were not the fastest way to get places. In fact, he¡¯d traveled much further on his own two feet than they did on any given day. And that was without wagon and horse troubles. Their most common delay, to date, had simply been the players themselves. If they passed a large stream, it was time to stop and wash clothes. They disagreed about where to travel next. They argued about when and where to stop for supplies.


    ¡°I know that look,¡± Alvrey said as she took a seat next to him at the back of the slowly moving wagon.


    ¡°You let Mathis drive?¡±


    ¡°Tamis. Mathis is teaching him.¡± She opened her hand, and a white light filled the air above it. Unlike the element of air which looked like a pure cold white to him, the light of healing was warmed with other colors.


    ¡°So, you decided it was time to teach me as well?¡± he asked. He opened his hand though and concentrated. It wasn¡¯t like using the elements as he was used to. There was no calling on an individual power. He had to focus inward, instead of pulling from the elements around him. When he opened his eyes, there was a small light. It was nothing compared to the brilliance of Alvrey¡¯s power, but it was something.


    ¡°One thing the players have taught me is to take the time when you get it.¡± She poked at his power with a finger and sighed. ¡°You have to stop using too much earth. You have to pull from them all equally.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the one I pull on naturally,¡± he confided, not for the first time. ¡°It¡¯s gonna take a while to stop that habit.¡±


    She laughed. ¡°That¡¯s why healers aren¡¯t elementalists. We use our magic differently. Most people can¡¯t do both.¡±


    ¡°Well, most elementalists don¡¯t use more than one element. Maybe that¡¯s why?¡± he asked.


    She closed her hand and looked behind her shoulder, silent and still. A moment later the wagon stopped moving.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s hurt.¡±


    ¡°You can feel it?¡±


    ¡°Only when I¡¯ve opened myself to healing, as I do when I teach you.¡±


    They moved through the wagon to the front where Tamis and Mathis were sitting. Jaroh was already running towards them when Alvrey hopped down from the cabin to see what he needed.


    ¡°Alvrey, we came across a camp. The men there might need your help. We didn¡¯t speak to them yet, but they are War-Sworn.¡±


    Ezo watched as Alvrey looked towards the front of the wagons. There were six in all, each carrying players and the basic necessities of their nomadic life. Alvrey was assessing the safety of the wagon against the lives of men who were considered little more than weapons.


    Even thinking of the War-Sworn, Ezo could feel strong hands pressed against his skin and warmth filling him. He shook his head and tried to clear it of the remembrance, but the memory clung to his bones.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take the wagons ahead?¡± Ezo offered. ¡°I can stay with Alvrey if she wants to offer her help.¡±


    Alvrey reached a hand out to touch his wrist and he gave her a small smile.


    ¡°If Ezo will stay with me, then I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Jaroh opened his mouth to argue, but Alvrey shook her head. ¡°It is my calling, Jaroh. I won¡¯t ask you to endanger the players, but I will make the offer.¡±


    He huffed but looked back towards the front. ¡°We¡¯ll move up the road. Kester scouted ahead and said there¡¯s a good place to camp. We¡¯ll wait for you there.¡±


    He left them and Ezo looked up at Tamis and Mathis. ¡°You heard that? You boys drive the wagon ahead with the others. We¡¯ll catch up.¡±


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    ¡°What if something happens?¡± Mathis asked.


    ¡°If we aren¡¯t back by morning, you come check on us, okay?¡±


    The wagon in front of them started moving and the brothers had to follow. Ezo waved at them, but Alvrey frowned at him. ¡°If we aren¡¯t there by morning, something bad will have happened Ezo. You shouldn¡¯t have said it.¡±


    ¡°Just because they¡¯re soldiers doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯ll hurt us. Besides, you think Jaroh won¡¯t be keeping an eye on them while we¡¯re gone? He won¡¯t let them out of his sight once they get to camp tonight.¡±


    Alvrey nodded, then looked over to the small trail of smoke they could see from the distance to the other camp. She started towards it and Ezo admired her bravery. Too many people thought poorly of the War-Sworn, but she was facing her fear to offer her help anyway.


    He followed her towards the camp, and they stopped when they reached it. Four men sat around a low-burning campfire, all in the navy blue color of the War-Sworn. One of them stood quickly, but two of them sat up to watch them closer. Ezo ignored them for the fourth who had quietly called his magic to himself.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want any trouble.¡± Ezo spoke before Alvrey could, as he pulled his own element to him.


    ¡°Then what do you want?¡± the man with the magic asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m a healer,¡± Alvrey said. ¡°I wanted to offer my services if anyone needed it.¡±


    They stared at her, but no one spoke until the other man stood up. He looked at Ezo and the magic curling over his fingers but dropped the flows of air that he had called. Ezo nodded and followed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure there is anything you can do,¡± the man who had jumped up said. ¡°There isn¡¯t a cure for fatigue.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps not,¡± Alvrey said as she walked closer, ¡°but I can help with the every day aches and pains that make it so much worse.¡±


    The man in charge nodded and the others began talking softly to Alvrey. Ezo watched to be sure they were treating her right, but now that they had accepted her into their camp, they were respectful and courteous to her. One found a fallen log to bring over to let her sit and they stoked the fire for her as she brought out a pouch of herbs that she used as well as her magic.


    ¡°You were with the players?¡± The man asked.


    Ezo nodded. ¡°They¡¯re good people. Don¡¯t judge them for being cautious.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful they allowed their healer to stop.¡±


    He was sincere and Ezo hated that these men had turned their gifts into a weapon, only to be ostracized by the people they had gone to protect. He offered the man his hand. ¡°I¡¯m Ezo. The healer is Alvrey. How long have you been home?¡± he asked.


    The man clapped hands with him and gave him a small nod. ¡°Barley. We left the border of Shafra six months ago. It¡¯s been a long journey, but we take the road slowly. You should be careful if you¡¯re continuing on this path. Bandits have been known to patrol it. They left us alone, but we¡¯ve heard stories.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the warning.¡±


    Ezo watched as Alvrey called her magic to her. It felt wholesome, even from this distance and he let out a small breath. He wasn¡¯t a soldier, but even his friendly disposition had been taxed lately. Maybe it was being around so many people after months of being alone on the road.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t War-Sworn,¡± Barley said.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ve lived most of my life in a small village. When we lost it in a flood, I decided to travel. Get out into the world.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been to the academy?¡±


    ¡°No. My uncle taught me.¡±


    ¡°How did the academy miss you?¡±


    Ezo shrugged. He didn¡¯t want to tell anyone that his uncle had purposely kept anyone outside their village from learning about his powers. ¡°We were a small village. There wasn¡¯t any reason for someone to travel there to look, I guess.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been touched.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ezo had no idea what Barley was talking about, but it didn¡¯t sound like something good.


    The other man put a hand on Ezo¡¯s shoulder and looked into his eyes. ¡°I can feel the vow on you, though not as I¡¯ve felt it anywhere else.¡±


    ¡°What vow?¡±


    ¡°The vow we take when we become War-Sworn. It wraps around your bones, like ore settling around you, making you stronger. The vow makes us more powerful. This is strange.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never taken a vow to anything,¡± Ezo said in confusion.


    Barley nodded and released his shoulder as Alvrey came over to them. ¡°Commander Barley?¡± she asked. ¡°What can I heal for you?¡±


    ¡°Are you feeling okay?¡± Ezo asked. He could see she was tired, but she smiled at them both.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Commander, please let me help you.¡±


    Barley tapped his leg. ¡°It¡¯s been a problem for some months. I wouldn¡¯t ask, but since you¡¯ve offered, I would owe you a service.¡±


    ¡°Have a seat, please.¡±


    Alvrey sat in front of him and took his leg in her hands. Ezo watched as the warm light of healing spread from her palms. He could see her weakness, but she pushed past it, working to heal Barley¡¯s old injury. He reached a hand towards her, remembering the way the traveler had helped him all those months ago. As tired as Ezo had been, the addition of the other man¡¯s magic had bolstered him enough that they¡¯d been able to stop a flood from taking the village.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Barley barked the order and Ezo pulled his hand away quickly. ¡°You definitely haven¡¯t been to the academy,¡± the man mumbled through a hiss as Alvrey worked. ¡°We are at our most vulnerable when we do magic. You don¡¯t know what a touch like that will do.¡±


    He stepped back at his words, but prepared to rush in to help if Alvrey needed. She never wavered from her task. When she raised her hands from Barley¡¯s leg and let her magic drop around her, she leaned to the side, but Ezo caught her. She smiled at him. ¡°Leria powder, please.¡±


    One of the other men handed him a mug of water and Ezo tapped the white powder into it. She sipped at it, making a face each time she drank it. ¡°Ezo, how can you drink this so often? It¡¯s disgusting. You¡¯d think the taste alone would make you remember your limits.¡±


    Barley raised a brow at that, but Ezo just shrugged it off with a smile. ¡°I don¡¯t do it on purpose. But when the circumstances are grave, you do what you can.¡±


    He was clapped on the back by one of the other War-Sworn and Ezo smiled at him. ¡°Sounds like he took the vow himself, doesn¡¯t it?¡± the man teased.


    They all laughed at him, but Ezo felt the commander¡¯s eyes on him again. There was something the man knew that he wasn¡¯t saying, and Ezo didn¡¯t think he could get it out of him. Instead, he enjoyed the fire and the company. When Alvrey was feeling strong enough, they took to the road again to reach their wagons.


    Ezo walked quietly and Alvrey didn¡¯t seem to notice his mood. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder about Barley¡¯s words. What did it mean that he could feel the vow on him? Was it a common purpose, or did it mean something more? And did it have anything to do with the traveler and the way they¡¯d joined magic all those months ago?

 Kammon, the Calamity

    It started like a pull at the back of Ezo¡¯s mind. Like someone had tied a piece of string to his brain and was gently trying to rush him down the path. Ezo was never one to be deterred from his curiosities, but he was on the road to rejoin Jaroh¡¯s Traveling Players. It¡¯d been ten days since he¡¯d left to visit the village of Northsea. It was too small to hold the player¡¯s interest, but there had been plenty of work for him to do and he was richer than when he¡¯d gone in. Not everyone was happy to see an elementalist in town, but he did enough work to make it worth the time. Now, he just wanted to join up with the players, check in with Alvrey, and listen to Mathis and Tamis tell him about their adventures of the past few days.


    Thankfully, the pull was leading him in the general direction he wanted to go.


    The road was joined by smaller paths and eventually led to the grand roads of Desra. This section of the road was barely big enough for a village cart, let alone the larger wagons that sometimes made their way from the capital city to the outlying areas. The forest had encroached over the years. As Distria fought against its bordering neighbors, the interior roads that weren¡¯t routinely used by the military were neglected. A handful of earth-gifted elementalists could clear the whole section of the road in a few days, pushing the forest back and building a safe road for travelers, but it was a story he heard too often.


    The War-Sworn were too important - and too tired - to deal with insignificant trouble. Ezo didn¡¯t know how the safe travel of the roads in the kingdom was insignificant, but he did what he could when he could. This wasn¡¯t something one man could fix though, no matter how strong he was. Instead, the villages in the area had learned to hire soldiers to guard their wagons and make sure they reached their destination safely.


    It was midday when the pull in Ezo¡¯s brain pointed him towards a path that steered southward. There was nothing special about the path. It was one of many smaller paths that he¡¯d passed as he traveled. No mystical fog begged him to follow, and no dire omens sat before him, warning him of danger. He just felt the pull to walk that path.


    He¡¯d taken detours for less reasons, so he decided to follow.


    It was a pleasant walk at first, but after an hour, he caught signs of recent struggles. A large wagon wheel was tossed on its side with signs of fire damage. A trough dug into the earth large enough that he needed to summon the earth to close the gap before he could walk across it. The destruction of fire in the woods that was far too focused to have been a natural fire.


    He came across a wagon that had been ripped in two. He knelt to the ground and ran his fingers over the wood.


    ¡°Stay where you are!¡±


    Ezo froze. He hadn¡¯t heard anyone coming. He closed his eyes and shifted slightly to get to the earth under his feet.


    ¡°I said don¡¯t move!¡±


    Ezo turned his head to look back at the man because he recognized the voice. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± He stood, watching the elementalist he¡¯d met in Mason Creek so many months ago.


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    ¡°You?¡± The man seemed offended by his presence and Ezo scowled.


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I asked you first.¡± He wasn¡¯t normally argumentative, but there was something about the other man that riled him up. Or maybe it was the other way around. Something about Ezo riled the other man up, and he returned the sentiment.


    The man frowned but he looked away from Ezo. ¡°I was hired to find raiders that have been attacking a local town¡¯s wagons. They¡¯ve lost two trade caravans that were heading out. One was heading to Desra, and one to Nivet Bay.¡±


    ¡°Barley warned us about them.¡±


    The other man turned his head sharply. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°We met a group of War-Sworn on the road when I was with Jaroh¡¯s Traveling Players. Barley was their commander.¡±


    ¡°I know who Barley is.¡±


    ¡°How do you-¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. He warned you about the raiders, but didn¡¯t do anything about it himself?¡±


    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know you,¡± Ezo said as he crossed his arms over his chest. ¡°But those men were exhausted. I¡¯m not sure any of them could have held a flame for more than a minute, let alone defeat an enemy.¡±


    ¡°He was in that bad a shape?¡± The man¡¯s voice has softened, and the words seemed more to himself than a question to Ezo.


    ¡°The players have a healer with them. If it helps, she stopped and healed what she could. They need time to rest and heal, but Barley and his men were sticking together, taking care of one another. I think they¡¯ll be okay. But now I¡¯m worried about the players. I was meeting up with them on the road north. Are the raiders heading that way?¡±


    The man nodded. ¡°That¡¯s where their path is leading. If your friends are there, it could be trouble. They would be too big a target for the raiders to resist. Do they have protection on the road?¡±


    Ezo shook his head. ¡°A couple of their guys are good in a fight, but that¡¯s always been enough from what they say. In the few months I¡¯ve been riding with them, I haven¡¯t seen any trouble either.¡±


    ¡°The raiders have ignored anyone with an elementalist in the company.¡±


    ¡°They must have one as well, then.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. They would have left the players alone while you were with them.¡±


    Ezo felt guilt settle in his gut. ¡°Then when I left, I made them a target.¡±


    The man watched him for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Then we had best find them.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll help me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the best lead to where the raiders will be heading next. If they are both heading north, their passes will cross eventually.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The other man just nodded as they began to walk. They were back to his original crossroad before the man touched his wrist. Ezo stopped, feeling a strike of lightning in his veins at the brief contact.


    The man¡¯s eyes widened and tightened quickly, but he ignored the sensation. ¡°Kammon.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You said you don¡¯t know me. My name is Kammon.¡±


    ¡°Ezo,¡± he answered with a small smile.


    The man started walking again, but then the name caught up to Ezo. ¡°Wait. Kammon? As in Kammon, the Calamity?¡±


    Kammon stopped in his tracks but didn¡¯t look back at Ezo. Ezo watched the rise and fall of his shoulders but didn¡¯t dare speak again.


    ¡°Are you coming or not, Raven?¡±


    When Kammon began forward, Ezo ran to catch up. His mind was racing though. Kammon the Calamity. The most destructive force of fire the world had ever seen. The man had done more for the war efforts than any other soldier. And, according to story, after he arrived and single-handedly ended a month-long stalemate, he disappeared without a trace.


    Kammon. The man who had helped him protect the people of Mason Creek from a flood. The same people who had all but tossed him out because they knew he¡¯d been War-Sworn.


    Ezo caught up to the soldier and braved a glance at him. When Kammon returned the look, he gave another small smile. It wasn¡¯t much, but he could see the man¡¯s shoulders relax just a little bit. Ezo felt his own unease settle as well.


    And whatever that pull at the back of his head was, at least they were all three going in the right direction.

 Traces

    Ezo had never wanted to run more in his entire life, but Kammon was adamant about their pace. He didn¡¯t take them at a slow speed, but he was tracking the raiders and wouldn¡¯t be rushed. They didn¡¯t stop for a midday meal but ate as they walked. It was only when night fell that Kammon called them to a stop.


    ¡°I can¡¯t track them anymore and if your friends left any signs you¡¯ll miss them as well,¡± Kammon said as he stopped in a small clearing. It was a little off the path, but there were thick bushes around them. It wouldn¡¯t stop someone from seeing the light of a fire. Ezo was going to ask if they should skip the fire, but Kammon was already surrounded by the red swirls of magic. This had been someone¡¯s camp before them, and he relit the wood that had been left in the pit.


    ¡°We could be seen,¡± Ezo reminded him.


    ¡°They¡¯ll have a hard time getting through the bushes before either of us noticed them. If the raiders come, then we¡¯ll end the chase quicker than I thought.¡±


    Ezo didn¡¯t say anything as he collected a few fallen branches and brought them back to the fire. He began snapping the smaller twigs and tossing them on their small flames, leaving the larger branches for now.


    ¡°What we need is something to cook on,¡± Kammon mentioned as he looked around the clearing.


    ¡°What about something to cook?¡±


    Kammon shook his head. ¡°What kind of soldier is dumb enough to travel without food?¡±


    It felt like a competition and Ezo narrowed his eyes. He took two stones away from the outer circle of the fire and pulled his magic to him. He concentrated on the stones and felt them merge and mold into the image in his head. When he was finished, a stone pot sat before him. He smirked up at Kammon. ¡°So where is that food?¡±


    Kammon grabbed the stone pot. Ezo used some of the other stones around the fire to crisscross over the top of the flames. Kammon nodded his approval and set the pot on top of it. He didn¡¯t say anything as he opened his pack and pulled out food. Ezo saw what he was doing and did the same. In no time, they¡¯d chopped and added root vegetables to the pot as well as thick slices of dried meat that Kammon supplied.


    ¡°Water?¡± Ezo asked. Kammon didn¡¯t know he could use water as well as the earth element, but before he could mention it, Kammon had pulled the elements to him again. This time, it was the blue-tinged light of water.


    Ezo gasped as water formed into a ball above the pot before raining into it. ¡°You used water.¡±


    ¡°Very observant,¡± As Kammon sat, he switched to fire again and the flames grew warmer, licking at the pot that held their dinner.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never met anyone else that could use more than one,¡± he confessed.


    ¡°And you can?¡± Kammon looked at him, but it wasn¡¯t doubt in his eyes. He was reassessing Ezo.


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    ¡°I wasn¡¯t taught at the university,¡± he explained. ¡°My uncle was an elementalist. He believed you should know how to use all of them, not just the one that came easiest to you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous. Few people take the time to learn the flows properly. And of those, even less survive the training.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about that.¡± Ezo threw a small stick into the fire in frustration. ¡°My uncle taught me how to be an elementalist, but it¡¯s not the way I¡¯m supposed to do it. Not by everyone else¡¯s standards. When I went to Malla City, they wouldn¡¯t even listen to me. I tried to explain, but they refused to believe me.¡±


    Kammon scoffed. ¡°Malla City is full of fools, and the university there even more so.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been there?¡±


    ¡°I grew up there. They realized I was gifted with the elements and sent me to the university when I was 7. The magic I do I learned once I left Malla City. I traveled and experimented on my own. Got into all kinds of trouble too,¡± he added, a small smile on his face as he said it. The first Ezo had seen.


    He was right back in Mason Creek. He was striking when he smiled.


    ¡°But¡­ you became War-Sworn.¡±


    Kammon looked at him, all trace of the smile gone. ¡°I thought it was my duty to defend my country.¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t now?¡±


    ¡°This country doesn¡¯t need defending. It¡¯s run by men who want power and they sent us to the border to expand their lands by killing the people living on it. When I realized the truth, I left.¡±


    ¡°But they say-¡±


    ¡°Believe what you want, Raven. I¡¯m not going to argue politics.¡±


    ¡°You took a vow though.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You took a vow.¡±


    ¡°How do you know that?¡± Kammon¡¯s voice had dropped lower, and he sat forward, watching Ezo intently.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Only the War-Sworn know about the vow. How do you know about it?¡±


    ¡°The soldiers,¡± he said, trying to placate the other man. He wasn¡¯t afraid, but Kammon the Calamity had a reputation and Ezo had no desire to be on the other end of his temper. ¡°Barley. He said I was touched. I don¡¯t know what that means, and he wouldn¡¯t explain it. He said ¡­ he said he felt the vow on me. One of the other soldiers said it too, though he was joking. Barley was unsettled by it though.¡±


    Kammon¡¯s eyes were wide, and he leaned back. ¡°You must have earned their trust for them to speak of it so openly.¡±


    ¡°You know what he meant. Why Barley said it.¡± There was no question. Whatever was happening, Kammon understood.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± He got up and stirred the food in the pot as if he could end the conversation so easily. He obviously didn¡¯t know Ezo.


    ¡°This has to do with what happened that night, doesn¡¯t it? The flood. When you joined your magic to mine?¡±


    Kammon went still, but a moment later he let out a shuddered breath. ¡°It¡¯s temporary. Sometimes the magic leaves a trace of itself. That¡¯s all. It can be discomforting to some. It¡¯s one of the reasons most won¡¯t attempt a joining.¡±


    ¡°And the other?¡±


    ¡°Both parties have to trust enough to let it happen. Elementalists tend to keep to themselves and our treatment in the world makes most cynics at best. We don¡¯t trust easily, and we trust with our magic less.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I noticed that part.¡±


    ¡°Just know that it won¡¯t linger much longer, whatever you¡¯re feeling. I didn¡¯t know you were unaware. I¡¯m sorry for assuming you understood when I joined with you.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t noticed anything,¡± Ezo admitted. ¡°It was just what Barley said that¡¯s had me wondering.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Raven. We¡¯ll find your friends tomorrow and our paths will diverge again. You¡¯ll be done with me.¡±


    Ezo watched the other man hovering over the food, his change of attention as good as any dismissal. It was more than he¡¯d thought to hear out of the man after a day of mostly silence, but he wasn¡¯t satisfied with the answers.


    Not that he thought Kammon was lying, but there were so many things that Jacob had left unexplained. Had he known? Or had he willfully kept the truth from Ezo?


    And how much more could Kammon teach him, if he could just convince the elementalist to stick around?

 Taking a Risk

    Ezo woke with an itch in the back of his mind. He knew that brand of itch. Curiosity. He bit his tongue and broke camp, keeping the thoughts to himself. He wasn¡¯t sure how well it worked though. Whenever Kammon turned to look at him, Ezo was staring back. The other man scowled every time it happened.


    Kammon might be War-Sworn but he was a brilliant elementalist. All the stories agreed on that fact, whether they painted him as a warrior for the people or a traitor to the capital. Beyond the stories, Ezo witnessed him using water and fire elements and there had been no other elementalist he¡¯d met that could. Ezo was as impressed with his abilities as he was curious about his past. How had a man that was so gifted turn to blood-craft?


    It ate at his thoughts as they continued their journey. It was mid-morning and they¡¯d had no sign of the players yet. Kammon has been taciturn and answered Ezo¡¯s inquisitiveness with grunts and one-word answers. The few times he spoke, it had been sarcastic and morose.


    Ezo''s thoughts turned to the months he¡¯d been traveling and the people he¡¯d met. His Uncle Jacob had taught him that it was his duty to do good, but he¡¯d kept Ezo secluded from the world of elementalists intentionally. Since he¡¯d gone into the world though, he realized he might not have understood his uncle as well as he thought.


    Ezo was gifted in the elements for more than one reason. An incident in his childhood had done more than shape his magic. It had shaped his future with a gift his uncle had believed could change the world. Ezo had no hope of living up to that expectation, but he would do the most good he could.


    ¡°You can use air, yes?¡±


    Ezo was pulled out of his thoughts and stopped walking as he saw Kammon stooped to the forest ground, fingers resting on the dirt path.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I can feel something, but I can¡¯t recognize a shape. It could be a trap. Can you sense anything here?¡±


    Ezo crouched down beside Kammon and closed his eyes. He wanted to ask Kammon why he didn¡¯t, if he saw the flow of elements differently, but now wasn¡¯t the time. Instead, he concentrated on the feel of the light breeze against his skin.


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    The other elements were just at the edge of his senses, but he pushed them to the side of his consciousness. He always talked of pulling the elements towards him when he explained it to people, but that wasn¡¯t a true depiction of what happened. When Ezo called the elements, it was more an opening of his inner self and the elements rushed to fill the void within his spirit.


    It was intoxicating and dangerous. The pull of magic was strong and too many elementalists had exhausted themselves by drawing on too much magic. Like the wick on a candle, they could only burn so long and so bright.


    Ezo felt the rustle of the wind at his fingertips and as he pushed it out, he could sense what Kammon had. The feeling of pressure against his mind where there was nothing to see. There was no form but as Ezo wrapped air around the area, his magic bumped against the edges of something.


    ¡°Found it,¡± he said as he opened his eyes. There was still nothing to see, except the cold white light of the air element that was visible to him. When he looked at Kammon, he could see the other man watching as well.


    ¡°You can see it?¡±


    Kammon nodded as he moved closer. ¡°A simple warning, triggered by anyone walking this way.¡±


    ¡°We could set it off and follow it back to its source?¡± Ezo suggested.


    ¡°Are you willing to chance it? What if the raiders are more than we can handle?¡±


    Ezo looked at the other man. ¡°You¡¯re War-Sworn. Is there such thing as an enemy you can¡¯t fight?¡±


    Kammon glared at him. ¡°I am Disavowed, no longer one of the War-Sworn, but even I¡¯m smart enough not to fight a battle without knowing my enemy first. If we trigger this, we bring down their trap.¡±


    ¡°My friends could already be caught by them. I¡¯m willing to risk it.¡±


    Kammon continued to stare at him. Ezo balled his fingers into a fist and glared back. ¡°I can hold my own in a fight.¡±


    ¡°There is a difference between evoking the elements and using them to kill. Are you prepared to fight against whatever they throw at us? To defend at any cost? Because these raiders are looting and killing the people on these roads. They won¡¯t back down. Once we trip their warning, they¡¯ll come for us.¡±


    Ezo had always been a fighter. He stood up for what he believed even when it meant a beating. He¡¯d grown stronger since those days. Faster. Was he willing to kill though?


    He thought of Jaroh and the players. Of Alvrey. Of Mathis and his little brother Tamis. Of all the unknown villagers who used these paths. He thought of a wagon bed ripped in half and a broken wagon wheel on the side of the road.


    This has to stop.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever I have to. If they don¡¯t back down, I won¡¯t either.¡±

 Revelations

    ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever I have to. If they don¡¯t back down, I won¡¯t either.¡±


    Kammon nodded once but didn¡¯t respond to Ezo¡¯s words. Instead, he stepped through the center of Ezo¡¯s magic, setting off the trap within. The touch of his magic made Ezo too aware of the former soldier.


    Ezo could feel the strength within him, but fatigue pulled at Kammon. Ezo remembered the way it had dragged at the other man when they¡¯d been joined at Mason Creek. It wasn¡¯t quite burn-out, but it could take years to recover. Without a flood raging around them, Ezo could concentrate on it. This wasn¡¯t the exhaustion of too much power drawn. It was something different. He wanted to understand, so the winds ripped around Kammon, and his magic passed through him.


    The sudden wall he hit stunned him and he dropped his magic.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Kammon demanded.


    ¡°Nothing. What was that?¡±


    ¡°Me, keeping you out. Knock it off.¡±


    He realized then that he¡¯d imitated what Kammon had done that night. Kammon had talked about joining the evening before and even apologized for his intrusion the night they¡¯d first met. Ezo didn¡¯t have an excuse for why he¡¯d done what he had. It wasn¡¯t his intention to join with him, but he was inquisitive by nature and it had always gotten him into trouble.  How could he tell Kammon he¡¯d tried a joining just for curiosity¡¯s sake?


    He nodded, too ashamed for words.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving. Anyone else who triggered this would do so unknowing. They¡¯d keep moving down the path. That¡¯s where the raiders will be waiting.¡±


    Kammon walked away and Ezo followed behind him. ¡°Will they come for us, with our magic?  Won¡¯t they stop when they sense us?¡±


    ¡°If they have an elementalist like we think, they¡¯ll still have to get close to us to know that we aren¡¯t common folk. We can catch them before they run.¡±


    ¡°You have a similar trap in mind?¡±


    ¡°No. An extra set of eyes.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± He looked around to see if Kammon had been laying some sort of trap of his own along the way but there was nothing. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    When Ezo turned around, a blood-red hawk rested on Kammon¡¯s forearm. He stepped closer and the hawk turned its head to look at him. The hawk¡¯s wings were tipped with a red so dark it was almost black. Its chest was a burnished orange and its underbelly was golden. It wasn¡¯t the strange coloring that drew him to the creature though. He could feel it. It was pure magic.


    ¡°Ember is my effigy.¡±


    ¡°Effigies are just a myth,¡± Ezo said before he could stop himself.


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    ¡°Your uncle told you that?¡± Kammon scoffed. ¡°They are rare, but not unreal. There are maybe 5 or 6 elementalists alive today that are strong enough to contain an effigy.¡±


    Ezo stepped closer and raised a hand to it, but Ember flared its wings and screeched. He pulled his hand back quickly.


    Kammon laughed, stroking the hawk¡¯s head to calm ir. There was genuine affection on his face as he looked at the effigy. Ezo was struck by how young he looked like that. Kammon couldn¡¯t be more than a few years older than him, but he hid his youth with the weight on his shoulders and the scowl on his face.


    ¡°Are there rules for touching it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Her. And the only rule is if Ember allows you to. She doesn¡¯t come close enough to meet most people. She flies above me normally, keeping a lookout.¡±


    ¡°If she allows me?  Isn¡¯t she a part of you?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s hard to explain. Effigies come to the most powerful elementalists. They are a part of us, but they are not us. Ember has a personality of her own. She is pure magic, and will often do as I ask, but it is always her choice in the end. In fact, there have been times when she has stood between me and the choices I was making.¡±


    Ezo was fascinated by Ember. There had always been stories about effigies but Jacob had told him they were just stories. People wanted to believe in someone so powerful they could create magic instead of use the magic that surrounded them. Ezo had always had reason to wonder about effigies. He¡¯d been able to do things with magic that bordered on creation, but his uncle has always insisted his powers were nothing like that. ¡°Can she speak to you?¡±


    ¡°Not words, but she makes herself known well enough.¡± Kammon looked at Ember then. ¡°Ember, watch for me. Give us notice if the raiders are coming.¡±


    She butted her head against his hand and when he threw his arm up, she leaped into the air.


    Ezo was mesmerized by her flight and watched as she rose above the treetops. ¡°She¡¯ll do as you asked?¡±


    Kammon started walking again and Ezo sped up to walk beside him. ¡°Yes. She wants to find these raiders as much as I do. I wouldn¡¯t take a job she didn¡¯t approve of.¡±


    ¡°And if the raiders run when they realize what we are?¡±


    ¡°Do you always ask this many questions? That¡¯s all you¡¯ve done since I met you.¡±


    ¡°Jacob use to say the same thing, so I guess it is.¡±


    ¡°Jacob?¡±


    ¡°My uncle.¡±


    ¡°Your uncle, the elementalist, was named Jacob?¡±


    He nodded. It was a strange way to ask about his uncle, but he had come to expect oddities from the other man. ¡°Yeah. He used to travel a lot when I was little. When my parents died, he came back to take care of me.¡±


    ¡°What do you know about him?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I knew a Jacob. An elementalist who ¡­ traveled. He didn¡¯t have a high opinion of the universities or the ruling class.¡±


    Ezo frowned. ¡°That would describe him.¡±


    ¡°He had a scar, across his left cheek?¡±


    Ezo nodded, too surprised to question how Kammon knew.


    ¡°What happened to him?¡±


    ¡°He got sick. No one knew what to do. Not even a healer could help him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. He was a good man.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    An uncomfortable silence settled between them as they walked. Ezo wanted to ask how Kammon knew his uncle and what he thought about the other man, but considering what he¡¯d already said, it wouldn¡¯t be welcomed. Instead, he pulled a small bag from his pack and opened it. He had dried fruits and nuts from the last village he¡¯d visited. He ate a few, then knocked his elbow into Kammon¡¯s and extended the bag to him. Kammon looked at him with a furrowed brow, then saw the bag in his hand. He took a handful, then gave Ezo a small smile.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Ezo nodded back. The silence between them became companionable as they walked, sharing the bag between them.


    It was almost empty when Kammon held out a hand in front of Ezo and stopped. His eyes were directed upward and Ezo waited. A second later, Kammon looked at him.


    ¡°They stopped. Ember saw them approach, but they¡¯re turning around.¡±


    ¡°Can we follow them?¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll find them, and we end this.¡±

 The Fight

    Ezo crept behind Kammon, trying to imitate the man¡¯s movements as they got closer to the raider¡¯s camp. Above the trees, he spotted a flash of red that quickly disappeared. Ember had vanished but every so often she made herself seen in brief bursts of color. If he wasn¡¯t looking for her, he wouldn¡¯t have seen her at all.


    The camp was two miles from the road and he could see a couple wagons on the outside of their camp. It was hard to see inside it, but the clearing was small enough that it couldn¡¯t be a large group. They had an elementalist though and he and Kammon needed to keep an eye out for that. He could sense the elementalist somewhere, but that meant if the other was looking, they could sense Ezo and Kammon as well.


    Kammon stopped and motioned Ezo to his side. ¡°I¡¯ll go in first. Watch my back,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°What if you need help in there?¡±


    Kammon glared. ¡°This isn¡¯t my first battle, Ezo. It is yours though. You might be good with a natural disaster, but you haven¡¯t fought anything that fights back.¡±


    Ezo wanted to argue, but Kammon had it right. He was inexperienced. He let Kammon take the lead, but he wasn¡¯t going to be far behind him. He nodded.


    Kammon¡¯s eyes thinned, like he was waiting for Ezo to argue, then he huffed. ¡°Just do as I say.¡± Kammon stayed crouched along the tree line and moved closer.


    As they approached, Ezo could see that the wagons created a wall around their camp. He caught Kammon¡¯s hand and stopped him. He recognized the wagon he¡¯d been traveling in. It was Alvrey¡¯s.


    Kammon¡¯s brows furrowed as he looked at Ezo. Ezo pointed to the wagon. Kammon mouthed the word ¡°Yours?¡± and Ezo nodded. Kammon¡¯s mouth turned down and his frown softened to something more like sympathy. Ezo didn¡¯t see the other wagons from the players though and that had to mean something, right? He refused to think the raiders had killed his friends. Until he found proof, he would keep looking.


    Kammon gave him a minute, but as they continued to look at each other, the elementalist nodded at him with a question in his eyes. Ezo returned the nod. He was ready.


    Kammon closed in on the opening in the wagons and Ezo stayed behind him, giving him space to work. Ezo watched the red spiral of flames circle around him as he stood up straight and walked into the camp.


    There were loud shouts from inside and Ezo saw Kammon pull air around him. It jumped from Kammon¡¯s hands in a large blast. At the same time, he felt magic behind him. He turned, bringing a shield of earth up between him and the magic. It broke on the wall of earth, and Ezo sidestepped it to see what was coming for him. The elementalist that had joined the raiders was juggling the white-blue spheres of air around him as he prepared another attack.


    Ezo didn¡¯t wait.  He ran, closing the distance between them, and used his magic to pick up the earth around him, throwing it in darts at the other man. He dodged, but more than one hit his extremities. Ezo saw blood welling on more than one spot but he didn¡¯t have time for remorse. He reached the man and cocked his fist back, striking him square in the nose. The man stumbled back and swiped out with a wild burst of air that pushed Ezo back.


    Ezo dug his hands into the ground and it started to shake where the man was standing. He struggled to get his footing, but Ezo didn¡¯t give him time. He pulled a block of earth from the ground and aimed it at the man¡¯s head. It hit with a heavy thunk and the man fell unconscious to the ground.


    Ezo built another block of earth around him, pinning him to the ground in case he woke.


    When he looked behind him, he froze.


    There wasn¡¯t one elementalist with the raiders. There were four, and three of them were attacking Kammon. The man¡¯s magic whirled around him in feats that Ezo couldn¡¯t begin to understand. Fire danced among water and air pushed at his enemies. Kammon wasn¡¯t just holding his own, he was winning.


    But it couldn¡¯t last. Ezo could still feel the echoes of him from their first bonding. He didn¡¯t have the stamina to keep up this fight.


    Ezo couldn¡¯t take his place, couldn¡¯t even understand how Kammon was using the elements as he was, but he could give him the power he needed to fight.


    He ran forward, pulling his gloves off as he screamed Kammon¡¯s name so he didn¡¯t startle the man into attacking him. He pressed a hand against Kammon¡¯s back to brace himself and used the other to touch the nape of the man¡¯s neck. As soon as his magic touched the bare skin, he felt the bond flare between them again.


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    He pushed his magic into Kammon and felt the other man accept the magic, felt the pull as their strength combined and Kammon fought off the other elementalists. He wasn¡¯t aware of how Kammon used the elements separately but at the same time, he instinctively reached for them with Kammon¡¯s consciousness to guide him.


    One of the elementalists was caught in a sphere of water. Ezo¡¯s horror was distanced by Kammon¡¯s need to contain his enemies. As the man passed out, the water broke around him and reformed, digging into the earth below another, turning it into sludge that caused the man to stumble as he tried to cast his magic.


    Fire continued to rage against the third elementalist. He was the strongest, holding off Kammon¡¯s attacks. As the other elementalist fell into the mud, Ezo tried to call out to Kammon, but he had no voice. Instead, Kammon seemed to feel his urgency and earth surrounded the man, crushing him into the ground until he stopped moving.


    With the others out of the fight, Kammon turned his full attention to the last elementalist. It was a fight of strength and stamina. The other man wasn¡¯t near as strong as Kammon, but Kammon was worn from the battle while the raider had saved his strength until now.


    He felt something moving in Kammon but didn¡¯t understand what it was. Then, as he looked around Kammon¡¯s body to the other elementalist, he saw it. A streak of red and gold as Ember flew from her perch above the fight. She dove from behind the other man and Ezo saw the moment she became an arrow, piercing the man¡¯s chest and emerging on the other side.


    The man fell and Ember disappeared in a spray of blood.


    Kammon stumbled and Ezo lost contact with him. The man fell to his knees and Ezo barely kept his own feet as the bond was released. He felt bile rise in his throat, but he swallowed it down as he grabbed Kammon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Kammon nodded and brushed his hand away, but he didn¡¯t get up. Ezo walked away from him and stepped properly into the raider¡¯s camp. There were three men on the ground, weapons fallen into the pools of blood that surrounded them. There was no one else there. He lumbered over to Alvrey¡¯s wagon and opened the door of the cabin area. It was empty and he was torn between relief that they weren¡¯t there, and fear of what had happened to them on the road.


    He closed his eyes, but everything hit at once, and he staggered to the corner and held himself upright on the wagon as his stomach emptied.


    He sat heavily on the wagon¡¯s footboard and took a deep breath.  He told Kammon he¡¯d do what he had to, but he¡¯d never really believed the raiders would fight like that.


    A canteen was placed in his hand and he looked up at Kammon. He hadn¡¯t heard the other man approach. He looked pale and Ezo saw the tremor in his hand as he handed the water over, but he was upright. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he echoed Ezo¡¯s earlier words.


    He took a drink before he answered. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry it came to this.¡±


    ¡°What happened to them?¡± he asked, pointing to the other bodies.


    ¡°When I stepped in I realized there was more than one elementalist. I didn¡¯t have time to do anything else. I used a blast of air to knock them all to the ground. The blast killed the raiders, except the elementalists that managed to shield themselves.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t try to subdue them. Just kill.¡±


    ¡°Should I have waited for one of them to stick a knife in me while I fought off three elementalists? Knowing you were fighting a fourth behind me?¡± He scoffed at the idea. ¡°I don¡¯t want to kill, but I will not risk my life for murdering raiders. They won¡¯t harm the locals any longer, and that¡¯s what I came here to do.¡±


    Ezo wasn¡¯t even sure he could argue. When he was bonded to Kammon, it had been a fight for survival. He didn¡¯t blame the man. He just never wanted to see this side of a fight before.


    ¡°Your friends?¡± Kammon asked as he sat on the other side of the footboard.


    ¡°Not here.¡±


    ¡°Was this the most ornate of their wagons?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ezo said as he looked up at it. ¡°In fact, this was the most basic. Alvrey¡¯s wagon was for healing, not for the show. Why would they have taken this and not the others?¡±


    Kammon looked behind him and peered through the door. ¡°There doesn¡¯t seem to be any damage done to it either. I think we still need to find your friends. They may still be ahead of us on the road.¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡±


    ¡°I think the wagon would have more damage if there was a fight. We¡¯ll rest tonight and pack what we can into the wagon, then take it to the next village, along with the surviving raiders. Hopefully, we¡¯ll meet your friends on the road.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Do you know any of these herbs?¡± Kammon asked as he climbed into Alvrey¡¯s wagon. ¡°Would any of them knock our prisoners out?¡±


    Ezo nodded. ¡°I know how to make a sleep tonic that should do it.¡±


    ¡°You start on that and I¡¯ll start cleaning up the camp.¡±


    He knew what that meant and he grabbed his hand before he could walk away. Kammon looked at the hand on his and slowly met Ezo¡¯s eyes. ¡°And later you¡¯ll be explaining that.¡±


    He swallowed against a tight throat but ignored Kammon¡¯s words. ¡°Can you do what you need alone?¡±


    Kammon looked away, staring at the ground before he answered. ¡°No. The bond is strong enough to stay open without touch right now. Will you allow it?¡±


    It was another thing his uncle said was impossible.  ¡°How?¡±


    Kammon looked at him then and pressed his hands together in front of his chest. As the magic came to Kammon, it reached toward him. Ezo held his hands out in the same manner and pulled his own magic around him.  He met the faltering wisps of Kammon¡¯s magic with his own. He felt the bonding then and let out a deep breath.


    Kammon lowered his head as he spoke. ¡°Thank you.¡± He walked off before Ezo could respond.


    He felt Kammon in the back of his head though, and in his soul, like a ghost hiding in Ezo¡¯s mind. He looked down at his hand and thought of all the impossible things Jacob had spoken of. Of all the things Kammon was showing him to be untrue.


    He didn¡¯t want to have that conversation, but after everything else, he owed Kammon the truth.


    Even if Jacob had warned that the truth in the wrong hands could cost him his life.

 Not Everyone Can Be Healed

    ¡°You¡¯ve put it off long enough. Talk.¡±


    Ezo watched the sun filter through the branches of the trees around him, trying to ignore Kammon. It wouldn¡¯t work, but he needed a few moments to get his thoughts together. He was surprised Kammon had let it go as long as he had. Last night, they¡¯d cleaned up the raider¡¯s camp, Ezo made the tonic, and their two captives were put to sleep. Then Kammon had used the raider¡¯s supplies to make a stew far better than anything Ezo had eaten in weeks.


    And Kammon had remained silent. In the morning, as they filled Alvrey¡¯s wagon and tied the two captives in the back, he still didn¡¯t say anything.


    As the afternoon wore on though, the silence between them grew thick. Ezo rode on the wagon, steering the horse and Kammon walked beside it. Now, he hopped up onto the wagon and sat next to Ezo. As much as he wanted to avoid the conversation, he knew he¡¯d dragged it out as long as he could.


    He draped the reins over the edge of the railing, secured enough that they wouldn¡¯t fall, then pulled the glove off his left hand.


    To most people, they wouldn¡¯t notice anything strange. Ezo wasn¡¯t sure himself how he did it. It had been instinctive at the time and it was a part of him. He held it up for Kammon to view. His hand looked paler than the rest of his skin, but most people didn¡¯t give it any mind. If they had, they might have noticed that the lines of his hand were too delicate for their size and the pads of his fingers were too smooth.


    ¡°That¡¯s incredible,¡± Kammon murmured.


    Ezo wanted to throw his glove back on to cover it up, but he resisted the urge.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know how old I was when the accident happened. We had a large farm with lots of people coming in and out to help with the farm animals. A local kid had just realized he had magic and he was showing off. He spooked the horses by sending a wave of earth towards them. I got knocked down in the middle of them. I was too little to get away and-¡± he shrugged ¡°The doctor amputated my hand, but when I woke the next morning, I had this.¡± A hand made of magic. It worked the same as the other, without any effort or thought of his own. He turned his hand, looking at it.


    ¡°You did it unconsciously?¡±


    Ezo nodded. ¡°My parents paid the doctor to keep it a secret. They put it in a cast to hide it away from everyone until I should have ¡®recovered¡¯ from my injuries. Uncle Jacob came then. He told my parents that I couldn¡¯t ever be allowed around other elementalists or they¡¯d see it.¡±


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    ¡°That explains a lot,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Jacob was trying to keep you close to home. He didn¡¯t want you going out into the world, but he wanted you strong enough to defend yourself. He gave you a great amount of instruction in how to use your magic, but he kept you from the parts of the world that would make you seek it out.¡±


    There was censure in his words and Ezo frowned. ¡°You don¡¯t think he was right to keep me from the University?¡±


    ¡°Oh, he was right about that. They¡¯d have locked you in a room and kept you there until they could figure out how you did it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just like ¡­ you with Ember, right? It¡¯s just a part of you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it is. As much as Ember was born of my power, she is her own creature and I didn¡¯t create her. Elemental magic can¡¯t create. It only manipulates. What you did is impossible.¡±


    Ezo pulled his hand back and shook his head. ¡°When did you know?¡±


    ¡°I felt it in Mason Creek. There was something ¡­ off¡­ about you. There aren¡¯t many strong enough to notice, but you covered your hand when you saw me looking. I knew then there was more to your story.¡±


    ¡°I could say the same about you, even if you haven¡¯t told me your story yet.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Ezo gave him a crooked smile as he took the reins again and pushed the horses to walk faster. He wasn¡¯t ever going to be a fan of horses, but steering a wagon was far better than trying to ride one. ¡°You¡¯re so gruff and mean to people, but when they need you, you do the right thing. You can say you¡¯re Disavowed, but I don¡¯t think you¡¯re the kind of man who can leave the fight behind. It¡¯s why you¡¯re out here right now, looking for raiders.¡±


    ¡°I did that for coin.¡±


    ¡°As powerful as you are, you could walk into any city in Distria - any castle - and demand your price. People would line up to be taught by someone like you.¡±


    Kammon surprised Ezo by throwing his head back and laughing. The passing smiles he¡¯d seen so far were nothing to this, the way his smile grew across his face and his eyes lit up from it. The warmth of his voice as he laughed unrestrained. When he stopped, he looked at Ezo, still grinning.


    ¡°I am the worst teacher you¡¯ll ever meet. I don¡¯t have the patience or the aptitude for it. At the University we all had to teach and they learned quickly enough that I was not made for it. They began sending me problematic students and hoped they would quit under my tutelage. And they almost all did.¡±


    Ezo smiled. ¡°You seem patient enough to me.¡±


    Kammon rolled his eyes. ¡°You test my patience constantly.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t thrown a rock at me yet.¡±


    ¡°Is that the sign that it¡¯s too much? Good to know. I¡¯ll keep a rock handy from now on.¡±


    They settled into comfortable silence then. After a few minutes, Ember flew down and landed on the top of the wagon.


    ¡°Do you know how long until we reach the next village?¡±


    ¡°Before sunset. We should make it in time to see if your friends are there and find someone to take these raiders off our hands.¡±


    ¡°You really think the players made it safely there?¡±


    Kammon patted the bench they were sitting on. ¡°This is a fine wagon, but if I were to guess, your friends left it behind to block the path long enough to get to safety. It was a smart move. Your healer must have sensed the trap and acted fast.¡±


    ¡°Alvrey is an amazing healer.¡±


    ¡°You have said.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she can heal you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need healed,¡± Kammon¡¯s voice grew icy, and before Ezo could say anything the other man jumped off the wagon to walk beside it again. ¡°Perhaps you got your miracle, Ezo, but not everyone can be healed.¡±

 Deliveries

    When they arrived at the village there was no sign of Jaroh and the players, nor of a jailor willing to keep two elementalist under lock and key until someone could come for them. They spent the night, then headed towards Pramas, a large city to the north. The trip was uneventful.


    So were the conversations.


    Whatever camaraderie had grown between Ezo and Kammon was muted now. Since Ezo¡¯s words about healing, Kammon was distant and kept to himself. They took turns driving the wagon or walking beside it. They ate their meals in silence. Ezo would take pleasure in the fact that Ember had flown at his side and landed next to him multiple times, but Kammon scowled whenever it happened.


    They reached the city in the late morning.


    ¡°How big is this place?¡± Ezo asked as he stared up at the enclosed city.


    ¡°Not as big as they pretend it is.¡± Kammon pointed to the wall. ¡°Pramas wanted to be one of the greater cities of Distria, but it never realized its ambitions. They built the wall around Pramas, but it isn¡¯t near the borders. There was never any chance of enemy attacks. It became a center for trade, but it could never rival the central markets. The people here don¡¯t seem to know that though,¡± he warned.


    ¡°Are they dangerous?¡±


    ¡°Pretentious, and quick to anger. But no more dangerous than any other.¡± Kammon jumped onto the wagon seat and took the reins from Ezo.  ¡°Just stay close.¡±


    The walls were twelve feet high, but there was no one manning them. They drove through and no one questioned what they wanted or why they were there. Kammon seemed to know where he was headed because he drove the wagon without hesitation, until he finally pulled it to a stop in front of a plain stone building. Ezo waited with the wagon as Kammon went inside. He wasn¡¯t gone long before he came out with three men. They didn¡¯t say anything to Ezo, but he heard them open the back of the wagon. They carried one of the raiders in and two other men came out to carry the last one. When Kammon joined him back at the front of the wagon he took the reins again and pulled away from the building.


    ¡°That¡¯s a job well done. Now we should be able to find a decent bed for tonight and some good food. Tomorrow we¡¯ll head out to find your friends.¡±


    It was the most Kammon had said to him in two days. Ezo wanted to ask what had changed the man¡¯s humors, but it wasn¡¯t the time. ¡°How do you know they aren¡¯t here?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°The jailors hadn¡¯t heard of them. If they were in the city they would have known. We can ask around today though, once we find a place to stable this monstrosity,¡± he said with an affectionate pat to the wagon.


    They found a tavern with a stable that would hold the wagon and Kammon paid for two rooms. Once they had set their belongings down, they went down to the main room to find food. Lunch was roast beef and peas with a fresh loaf of bread. The cheese was too mild for his tastes, but the ale was good. As much as Ezo wanted to ask Kammon about the city and what their next step was, he was aware of the eyes of the other patrons upon them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind them,¡± Kammon said without looking up from his plate.  ¡°They know who I am. What I am.¡±


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    ¡°A good man?¡±


    Kammon looked up at that with a snort. ¡°A danger.¡±


    There was something in Kammon¡¯s voice that Ezo didn¡¯t like. Resignation. Like he had grown so accustomed to people¡¯s unfounded fears that he had just accepted them. ¡°And what does that make me?¡±


    ¡°Stupid. Ignorant. A thrill seeker or maybe a braggart.¡±


    ¡°Just shows they don¡¯t know a thing. I guess I won¡¯t pay attention to what they think they know, after all.¡±


    Kammon watched him for a moment longer before he lowered his head and returned to his food. There was a small quirk at the corner of his lips though and Ezo decided to take that as a win.


    They were just finishing up their meal when three men came into the common room of the tavern. They were dressed in fine cloth even if it was plainly worn. Probably some noble¡¯s retainers. He ignored them as he finished the last of his ale. When he looked at Kammon the man was scowling at something over Ezo¡¯s shoulder. When he looked back, the retainers were looking at him and coming his way.


    ¡°Good sirs,¡± the man said as he reached their table. ¡°The eques requests the pleasure of your company for dinner this evening.¡±


    ¡°Why would he want that?¡± Ezo asked.


    Kammon kicked him hard under the table and Ezo yelped, but the retainers didn¡¯t seem to notice as Kammon stood up and spoke. ¡°We are honored by the request and humbly accept.¡± He gave a slight bow that Ezo thought was really too much, but the retainer smiled before he handed a letter to Kammon. He walked out then, with the two silent retainers trailing behind him.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you kick me?¡±


    ¡°Did Jacob teach you anything about the world?¡± He didn¡¯t wait for an answer as he opened the letter. ¡°We are in a fortified city. When the eques requests your attendance, it is a politely worded order. But still an order.¡±


    Ezo rolled his eyes as he leaned forward to see what the letter said.  Kammon shook his head and tossed it to Ezo. ¡°It appears the eques is looking for elementalists to put on retainer.¡±


    ¡°I thought they didn¡¯t like you?¡±


    Kammon gave him a sharp smile, but there was nothing warm or friendly about it. ¡°They don¡¯t, but if they can put me on their leash, then everyone will fear them.¡±


    ¡°You know the eques?¡±


    ¡°He is eques by birthright. Unlike the elder generation or some of his more honorable contemporaries who earned the title through war and battle, he has lived his life safely surrounded by these walls without a day in the trenches.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to like the eques very much either.¡±


    ¡°I came to Pramas soon after I became Disavowed. The nobles spread the word quickly. My skill set, untethered from the military ranks, made them nervous.¡± He took a long drink from his ale and dropped the mug onto the table. ¡°And I was not in the mood to make anyone comfortable when I arrived here.¡±


    ¡°Then why are we going to this dinner tonight? You don¡¯t think they¡¯d try to keep us against our will?¡±


    Kammon leaned forward and a smile - a truly mischievous smile - appeared on his face. ¡°Do you really think these walls, even with his best men, could keep you and I out if we combined strength?¡±


    Ezo thought of what he could do to that wall on his own, and what they could do if they were bound at the moment, and he smiled back at Kammon. ¡°No, I¡¯m not sure there is any wall in Distria that could.¡±


    Kammon nodded as he sat back. ¡°So we¡¯ll go have some very fine food, be entertained by the eques, and see what he has to offer.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything that he could offer, that would make you stay?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°No, but I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll be making a true offer to me. If I had come alone, I doubt they would have reached out at all. It will be you that they tempt.¡±


    Ezo shook his head. ¡°I set my mind to travel the world and I have not done near enough. I have no desire to stay behind walls.¡±


    ¡°Just wait to see what they have to offer you, Ezo. Many elementalists make a fine life in a place like this.¡±


    There was no judgment in Kammon, though Ezo knew the other man would never accept such an invitation himself. ¡°I guess it¡¯s a good thing I came here with you then. If they make me an offer you can let me know if it¡¯s a good one or not.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything they could offer you to make you stay?¡± Kammon repeated his question back to him.


    Ezo shook his head. ¡°No, but at least I¡¯ll have a full belly before they realize it.¡±

 Good Company

    Ezo had spent the afternoon cleaning up for the appearance before the eques. After he received the summons, the tavern keeper offered the use of a bathing room for him.


    ¡°For both of us, I think,¡± Kammon said, tossing coin to the man for the use of the bathing room.


    ¡°You seem to have a lot of money to spend these days,¡± Ezo mentioned. Kammon had complained before about people not paying elementalists for their work, but he¡¯d paid for Ezo¡¯s room and food before Ezo could bring out his own coin purse.


    ¡°There was a reward for the bandits when I brought them to the jailor. I¡¯ll give you your share once I¡¯ve had a chance to count it out. Until then, enjoy the bath. The eques is rather prickly and will be offended if we don¡¯t show up properly polished.¡±


    Ezo rolled his eyes. ¡°I might not have met a nobleman before, but that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t know how to behave.¡±


    Kammon laughed as he stood from the table. ¡°Tonight will be entertaining, I think. I¡¯ll have the tavern keeper prepare a carriage for us to the castle.¡±


    He left the table and Ezo decided it was best to take advantage of the bath. He was led to a small room that held two large wooden bathtubs. They had been recently drawn and were still warm and he quickly undressed and settled into one. The warm water was a luxury he didn¡¯t normally afford himself. He was used to bathing in streams and lakes as he traveled. The chance to soak tired muscles in the warmth was welcome and he relaxed in the heat and the soft scent of the lightly oiled waters.


    When he was done, he went to his room and pulled the water from his hair. He used a wooden comb and worked through the knots, leaving it loose down his back, instead of pulling it into a leather tie as he usually did. He took his finest clothes out of his pack and set them out, brushing them as clean as he could. Thankfully they had been cleaned just before he left the players. He wasn¡¯t sure it was grand enough for the eques but it was the best he had.  Kammon would probably show up in his dusty jacket anyway, just to be disagreeable. If he didn¡¯t drive Ezo crazy half the time, he might admire that quality about the man.


    When the afternoon began to fall, he dressed and ran his fingers through his hair one more time. His boots were freshly cleaned and he wore his brown vest with his best green over-vest. He had a jacket but it wasn¡¯t the sort of thing to wear to an appearance with a noble. Jaroh had warned him that some day they¡¯d come face to face with a noble and he¡¯d wish he¡¯d bought a jacket for the occasion. He¡¯d have to tell Jaroh, when he finally found him.


    A sharp knock at the door told him it was time to go. He took a deep breath and looked himself over one more time before he opened the door.


    ¡°Damn,¡± he mumbled as he stepped out and saw Kammon waiting for him. The man was dressed in a dark gray jacket like usual, but this was a nicer jacket with black piping around the neck and edges. A brown leather utility belt encircled his waist. The other elementalist had a clean-shaven face and he looked well rested for once. He was breathtaking and Ezo found his mouth suddenly dry.


    Kammon turned to look at him and his eyes widened. ¡°Your hair!¡±


    ¡°What? Is something wrong with it?¡± True, not many people wore their hair as long as he did. In truth few women wore their hair as long as he did, let alone men. He liked it though and he wasn¡¯t going to cut it to make some noble happy.


    ¡°Uh ¡­ no.¡± Kammon stammered the words out and Ezo might have worried except Kammon grabbed him by the elbow and pulled him along the hallway. ¡°Eques Lestan tried to procure my services more than once and he isn¡¯t fond of me. It''s well known in his court. If someone says something, ignore it.¡±


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    ¡°Why are we going if you hate him so much?¡±


    Kammon stopped walking and looked at Ezo. ¡°You don¡¯t refuse invitations from the nobility if you ever want to set foot in their lands again. Pramas might not be Dezra, but there is work for an elementalist here, and the best trade for weeks. It won¡¯t hurt your reputation either. People will be speaking of you after this.¡±


    ¡°Eques Lestan doesn¡¯t know anything about me and neither does his court. Why would they be talking about me?¡±


    ¡°They know you were with me when we delivered the raiders. That¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°How is that enough?¡±


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t suffer fools well.¡±


    When Kammon grabbed his elbow again and began walking it dismissed any further questioning. They arrived at the front where a carriage waited for them. It was small and Ezo was reminded of why he hated carriages. Unlike Alvrey¡¯s wagon, there was no space and his knees knocked into Kammon¡¯s at every bump and dip in the road.


    ¡°Please tell me it isn¡¯t far.¡±


    He wished he¡¯d paid better attention to the route when they came into the city. He looked at Kammon and squinted slightly. ¡°Do you know the layout of all the cities you¡¯ve been too?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kammon said as he looked out the window.


    Ezo followed his gaze and saw a winding road that lead to the hilltop where the castle of Pramas sat. ¡°Is that a soldier thing, or is that just you?¡±


    Kammon looked over at him. ¡°A bit of both, I think. Why do you ask?¡±


    Ezo shrugged. ¡°I was just thinking it¡¯s smart to know the city before you go in. I tend to jump in without thinking. You seem like the kind of guy that plans everything out.¡±


    ¡°With backups, should I need them,¡± Kammon agreed.


    It wasn¡¯t long before they arrived at the castle and their carriage pulled to a stop. A servant opened the door and let them out into the fresh night air. On the hilltop, it was a bit chilly with the winds whipping around him. For a moment he envied Kammon the thick fabric of his jacket, but once they sat for dinner he¡¯d be glad he didn¡¯t have one.


    Another servant came forward and led them through the courtyard and into the castle proper. Kammon walked with a stiff back and his hands held tightly behind his back. His eyes scanned the area constantly though. Even when they were going after the raiders, Ezo hadn¡¯t seen such a level of hyper-vigilance in the former soldier. Ezo bit his tongue to stop the many questions he had from erupting. Instead, he took stock of their surroundings.


    The castle was old and had obviously been around longer than the wall that surrounded it. The hallway was wide and decorated with expensive tapestries with small built in shelves to display vases and sculptures of different sorts. Ezo wasn¡¯t an artist but he could see the quality in each piece as he passed them by. What he also noticed were that the servants that he passed by were in course cloth, many that had been mended multiple times. Whoever the eques was he cared more about his treasures than his people.


    He wished it were an uncommon story, but it seemed to be the rule rather than the exception.


    When they arrived at the great hall, they were announced, but there was no one at the table on the dias at the end of the room to notice them. Kammon looked at him and rolled his eyes but didn¡¯t say anything.


    They were shown to their seats and a glass of wine was poured for them as they waited for their host. More people were announced and Ezo watched as they were escorted to their tables. There were four tables in the hall, as well as the table for the eques.


    ¡°At least the wine is good,¡± Kammon said as he took a long drink.


    Ezo picked up his own and took a sip, grateful for the chilled wine.  He turned to look at Kammon, unable to hold back his questions any longer, but then something caught his eye.


    ¡°What are they doing here?¡±


    Kammon caught his arm before he could rise out of his seat and Ezo leaned closer. ¡°Mathis and Tamis are here! You said the players weren¡¯t here.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was told,¡± Kammon turned to look at the boys Ezo was staring at.  Mathis was talking to a young boy close to his age and Tamis was sitting on the floor next to him, playing with a small dog that had followed the boy into the hall.


    ¡°We really do meet in the strangest places,¡± a voice said behind him.


    Ezo turned and nearly knocked his chair over as he reached up and pulled the woman into a tight embrace.


    ¡°Alvrey! We¡¯ve been looking for you,¡± he said as he stepped back. ¡°Where is everyone?¡±


    ¡°Looking for you,¡± she said. She looked beside him and Ezo realized that Kammon had stood with him. ¡°But you seem to have found some company of your own.¡±

 Good Results

    ¡°Kammon, this is Alvrey.¡±


    Alvrey¡¯s eyes went wide as she recognized the name, but Kammon gave her a small bow.


    ¡°It is an honor to meet you, Alvrey. Ezo speaks very highly of you and he¡¯s been worried for you. We found your wagon and hoped to return it at the end of our journey.¡±


    Alvrey made a graceful curtsy. ¡°I thought my wagon was lost. We had no choice but to abandon it. It bought us time to get away from the raiders in the woods, but I¡¯ve lamented the loss. I never expected to get it back. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°What made you come here?¡± Ezo interrupted.


    ¡°It was a simple gamble,¡± she said. ¡°You knew the path we were headed and Jaroh said you¡¯d continue this way. He said you would find us here, or word of your magic would reach the city and we¡¯d hear of you.¡±


    ¡°Jaroh seems like a smart man,¡± Kammon offered. ¡°But we had no word of a company of players in the city. We asked when we arrived.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°We have been coming in quietly, asking questions. Trying to see if we could find you. Jaroh doesn¡¯t like the look of this walled city. He wanted to investigate more before he offered Jaroh¡¯s Traveling Players to the eques. He arranged an invitation for me with a friend so that I could see the eques firsthand.¡±


    ¡°Jaroh must have a lot of friends.¡±


    Alvrey laughed. ¡°He¡¯s been guiding the players across Distria for a long time and he¡¯s made many interesting companions along the way. I should join my partner for the evening before he grows upset and complains to Jaroh. I¡¯ll be staying at the Builder¡¯s Basket for the night and heading back to Jaroh in the morning. Will you join me?¡±


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    Ezo smiled. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll meet you there if I can¡¯t steal you away before then.¡±


    Alvrey laughed as she walked away, but when Ezo looked at Kammon, he was looking away with a frown on his face.


    Horns blew from a side entrance and Ezo was stunned by the sheer volume in the dining hall. Everyone else took that as a sign to stand and Ezo followed their line of sight. Through the grand doors, the eques entered the feast. He wore a resplendent outfit of sapphire blue with rich embroidery over the hems and edges. His shirt was high-collared and sat stiffly against his neck to show off gold and scarlet designs.


    In all his travels, Ezo had never seen such a display of wealth, or such a waste of money.


    The entire display was extravagant, with servants running from table to table with no thanks and little notice from the people sitting at them. From the food set in front of them to the chilling of the wine, everything was rich and lavish. His village had probably never seen half of the coin the eques spent on tonight¡¯s display. It left a bad taste in his mouth that no amount of wine - expensive as it was - could cover.


    The eques stood at the table on the main dais and his family followed after him with little pomp; a wife with a sour look on her face, a son dressed in similar flare as his father, and three girls that settled as far from the eques as possible.


    When the eques sat, the room sat with him. Ezo sat and reached for his wine, but Kammon touched his wrist. When Ezo looked, the other elementalist shook his head. When he looked, the others were still waiting on the eques.


    Eques Lestan stood again, this time with a raised cup. ¡°Good evening, Lords and Ladies, and visitors from across our fair Distria. We welcome you to the great city of Pramas.¡±


    Everyone drank then and Ezo decided to just follow Kammon¡¯s lead. Kammon had been in Pramas previously and even if he didn¡¯t get along with the eques, the man had tried to employ Kammon multiple times. He must have learned enough etiquette to get them through the night. And following Kammon¡¯s direction had led them to fairly good results so far. What could go wrong tonight?

 Burning Bridges

    The food was amazing. If nothing else, Eques Lestan knew how to feed his audience. Ezo had no taste for fine wine. He couldn¡¯t tell by drinking if it was aged properly or what notes he was supposed to taste - he was sure they weren¡¯t talking music but that¡¯s all he understood - but the wine was well paired with the food courses that were brought before them and it was all delicious. Musicians played throughout the meal and a troupe came in to perform a short play about mistaken identities and love. Ezo caught Alvrey¡¯s gaze during the play and he rolled his eyes, sharing his opinion that Jaroh¡¯s players were far superior. Alvrey¡¯s answering smile said she agreed.


    After that people began to mingle. And by mingle, he meant they seemed to fall upon him like a mudslide.


    ¡°You are, of course, the elementalist that Eques Lestan was speaking of this morning,¡± a man said as he stood in front of Ezo¡¯s table.


    Ezo had stayed seated as much as possible because they seemed to stream to him even worse when he tried to move around. As much as the earlier part of the evening had been enjoyable, as soon as the players had gone Ezo quickly grew tired of the same trite conversations.


    ¡°There are two of us here,¡± Ezo said as he looked over at Kammon who was, once again, ignoring anyone that approached by filling his wine glass. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how you¡¯d know which of us he was speaking of?¡±


    ¡°The Calamity is well known in Pramas,¡± the man said without looking at Kammon.


    Ezo was done with this. Next would be some insinuation that the eques was looking for men of good standing and had given Ezo¡¯s description to them so they would know him at first glance.


    Then they would work the conversation around and make innuendos about people who leave before the job is done, trying to get a rise out of Kammon. It would fail miserably, but Ezo had traveled with him enough to see the minute tightening of the mouth and the way his fingers clenched just a tad harder. The only sign that these men¡¯s words were even heard.


    Finally, there would be a comment about the sort of life a man like him, untethered, could make in the right place.


    ¡°Kammon should be known,¡± Ezo said, standing up and bracing a hand on Kammon¡¯s chair. ¡°The stories I¡¯ve heard, and the things I¡¯ve seen are¡­ memorable.¡±


    He turned to walk away and find Alvrey - they might leave Kammon alone if Ezo wasn¡¯t standing next to him - when he realized he was face to face with Eques Lestan. The man himself had come to meet Ezo.


    ¡°Elementalist.¡± The man had a hyena¡¯s smile.


    ¡°Eques Lestan,¡± he said, remembering to bow properly.


    He saw Kammon stand and turn to face the eques with him, but the man ignored him, even when he gave the requisite bow. ¡°Elementalist, let us walk for a moment.¡±


    Ezo wanted to say no, but Kammon had reminded him often enough that the night belonged to the eques and they had agreed to dinner so that Ezo could hear him out. He had just never realized how awful it would be to live in a city like this. He liked the idea of setting down roots at some point, but a place like this would stifle him.


    He wanted to follow Kammon¡¯s example in this - enjoy the food and wine and let everything else fade away - but their words grated. Even more so because Kammon listened to every comment and kept silent. The eques walked away from the tables and out onto a veranda. His entourage followed, as did Kammon.


    The veranda was lit by magic and Ezo wanted to roll his eyes at the waste, but it was to be expected. It had been the same inside. Instead of candles, he could feel elementalists around the room keeping the small fires lit. It was a show of power and opulence. Would that be the sort of work he would ask of Ezo? To keep pathways lit when wax and a few moments to set the flame were all that was needed? To play trophy to a man¡¯s greed and arrogance? What did these people do all day long? Were they allowed to explore their own works, or did the eques demand all of their attention?


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    ¡°There has been talk of a wild elementalist, roaming our countryside,¡± Eques Lestan said as he strolled slowly from one ivy-covered pillar to another with a wine glass in one hand. There was no magic in Lestan, but at least four of his retainers not only had magic but had it called at the ready.


    Ezo looked back at them, then past them to Kammon who walked a few steps behind. He had no magic at the ready, but Ezo knew the man was ever prepared for battle.


    ¡°Do not worry about them,¡± Lestan said with a grin. ¡°They are¡­ overzealous with my protection.¡±


    Or ordered to put on a show of force that would make Ezo nervous. The way the men looked back at Kammon it was clear they knew they were no match for him. Ezo didn¡¯t think he¡¯d have much trouble with them either. They didn¡¯t know that though.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize there was a need for protection so far from the borders of Distria. Surely, you are safe in Pramas,¡± Ezo said.


    ¡°There is always danger in the world. Those of us in power are frequent targets from foreign agents who would disrupt the ruling of Distria.¡±


    Ezo almost laughed. Kammon had said the city thought it was bigger than it was. Eques Lestan certain thought himself far more important than his position granted. Not even the Council in Dezra seemed as arrogant. ¡°I suppose. I¡¯m from a small village though and walled cities and politics are far from my way of life. I will count myself lucky to have seen it before I travel on though.¡±


    ¡°And what do you plan, Elementalist?¡± Eques Lestan asked. ¡°Do you mean to leave the city soon?¡±


    Ezo looked over his shoulder and was surprised to see Kammon had fallen behind and was talking to Tamis and Mathis. The boys listened intently, then ran off back toward the feast. When Kammon looked back at him, their eyes met and he nodded his head once. Ezo wasn¡¯t entirely sure what that was about, but he felt settled suddenly. Like some burden had been lifted from his shoulders.


    ¡°If you are concerned, you do not need to travel with the Disavowed.¡± The eques misinterpreted Ezo¡¯s look and there was a slight smirk on his lips as he spoke. ¡°The War-Sworn are useful men to have on your side, that is to be certain, but there are few cases as sad as that of Kammon Harbinger.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± he said, stopping to face the eques.


    The eques turned and looked at Ezo. ¡°A soldier called to battle, who leaves the battle. There can be no greater dishonor than that of the Disavowed. He was once a man of power and authority. Now he is nothing more than a homeless vagabond, working for coin. You don¡¯t need to suffer that fate.¡±


    ¡°That fate?¡±


    ¡°There is a place here, for good men, strong elementalists who are loyal.¡±


    It was the last straw for Ezo. He¡¯d never been good at keeping his tongue, but he could almost feel Kammon¡¯s pain as the eques called his service into question. ¡°Where is your loyalty, Eques?¡± he asked. ¡°Where is your loyalty to the men who kept your borders safe while you hid behind these walls?¡±


    ¡°Ezo,¡± Kammon called to him, but Ezo was beyond angry.


    ¡°You use magic like it¡¯s a game, a toy, something shiny to display when you should use it to help your people! Where were your elementalists when the roads were unsafe and your people couldn¡¯t make it to your walls safely?¡±


    ¡°Ezo, stop!¡± Kammon grabbed him by the arm and pulled him around and away from the eques. Magic sprang at them as he spun, but a blast of air broke the weak wall of earth that had come toward them from the eques¡¯s men. The men fell backward, most sprawling on the ground, including the eques.


    ¡°You would attack the eques!¡± one of the men roared.


    ¡°You did this!¡± Ezo yelled. ¡°We defended ourselves. Don¡¯t act innocent.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, we need to leave now!¡± Kammon grabbed him and pulled him down the veranda.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let them escape!¡± Someone called out.


    They took off running and Kammon didn¡¯t need to keep hold of his arm anymore. ¡°What about Alvrey?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I told Tamis and Mathis to get her out quickly and quietly. I was worried something might happen.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked as they sped between rows of perfectly manicured rose bushes.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m affecting you too much.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Kammon frowned at him. ¡°They were using me to get to you. I warned you.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t go back to the Inn,¡± Ezo realized.


    ¡°Alvrey will get our things before the eques can think to send people after them.¡±


    ¡°Then where are we going?¡±


    ¡°The players have to be waiting past the north gate. We¡¯ll meet them there.¡±


    ¡°And the gate?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll burn that bridge when we get to it.¡±

 Crumbling Down

    The north gate of Pramas looked no different than the south gate had, except that this gate was closed and men defended it. They were still scrambling to get there and it was obvious even to Ezo¡¯s inexperienced eyes that they weren¡¯t used to being called to duty like this.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I got us into this, Kammon,¡± Ezo said as they stared through the gaps in the crates left behind the baker¡¯s stall where they were hiding.


    Kammon looked at him and shook his head before he turned back to the gate. ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry. Just tell me how you think we can get out of this.¡±


    ¡°You said it, before. If we want out, they can¡¯t keep us.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯d prefer not to do it with the blood of innocent men.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The men on that wall. Do you really think we can take that down without hurting them?¡±


    ¡°There must be a way. What if we tunneled under?¡± He was strong in earth. He could dig a tunnel quick enough. If they were combined, it would be much quicker.


    ¡°Then you leave the entire city¡¯s defenses compromised if something really did attack them,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°Do you care? Lestan is an ass.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m not fond of the people of this city in general,¡± Kammon said, ¡°but I won¡¯t have more blood on my hands, no matter how willfully ignorant I find them.¡±


    ¡°Hide in a passing trader¡¯s wagon?¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t wait that long to search for us.¡±


    ¡°Knock out a guard and disguise ourselves as them and run out when no one is looking?¡±


    Kammon laughed at that as he looked at Ezo. ¡°Jacob taught you the strangest way of thinking.¡±


    Ezo smiled. Even if they were in a bind, he felt if they were in this together they¡¯d manage to get out of it. ¡°Then what would you suggest?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind pulling the gate down. Just not the wall.¡±


    ¡°And doing that without killing anyone?¡±


    ¡°Where are you strongest, Raven?¡± Kammon asked. ¡°What do you use most comfortably?¡±


    ¡°Earth and air.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°Air it is then. Can you project a wall around us and shield us?¡±


    ¡°I can do that.¡±


    ¡°From their arrows? And any magic that might come at us?¡±


    ¡°Are we combining powers?¡±


    Kammon closed his eyes and nodded. He looked incredibly sad when he opened them again. ¡°I don¡¯t think we have a choice in that anymore.¡±


    ¡°Then yes, I can. What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°You keep us safe. And I¡¯m going to take the damn gate down.¡±


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t want to leave them compromised?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll have time to build a new gate. If we undermined the walls with a tunnel they¡¯d never know it.¡±


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    Ezo nodded. He reached for the elements and felt the bond between himself and Kammon as soon as his magic came to him. He watched Kammon as the bond expanded and felt whatever it was he¡¯d seen behind his eyes. He didn¡¯t know what caused such pain in the man, but he could feel it like his own. Tears welled up in his eyes but Kammon gripped his shoulder and shook him slightly.


    ¡°Ezo, can you do this?¡±


    He nodded. The bond had never felt so secure or so full before. He could feel so much more of Kammon now. He felt beyond the overall exhaustion and daily aches and pains. He could feel the emotional turmoil that was the man. War-Sworn. The Calamity. The first and last defense of Distria. A good man, buried under a mountain of ash and gravestones.


    He steadied himself by thinking of Jacob and his teachings, of Alvrey. Of the pure white flow of healing and the calm and patience of her magic. He felt ready then. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±


    When Kammon stood, he came around the baker¡¯s stall with Ezo beside him. Ezo pulled a wall of air around them and above them. When they stopped before the gate the men on top targeted them with arrows but didn¡¯t shoot. The men that stood on the ground before it watched with swords drawn.


    From behind the arrows four men came to the front. Ezo could feel the strength in their magic from above him.


    ¡°You will not leave this city, Kammon Harbinger.¡±


    ¡°Do you plan to stop me, Salinger?¡±


    The man laughed and Ezo could feel the anger burning in Kammon.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re good, Kammon, but not even one of the Disavowed would take this many lives so selfishly.¡±


    ¡°You think he¡¯s good,¡± Ezo said as he looked around them. He could hear something in the distance and felt Kammon stiffen slightly. He felt something coming as well. They had to get this done. ¡°But wait until you see what we can do together.¡±


    There was no warning when Kammon unleashed flames at the gate. There was no showy throwing of balls of flame, just the ignition of wooden gates that fed Kammon¡¯s fire. Ezo¡¯s wall held back a barrage of arrows from above. As he watched, the soldiers on the ground began to move forward. He pushed a wall of earth up around them for protection.


    ¡°Keep it up. I¡¯m going to move it,¡± Kammon said.


    Ezo could feel the power moving around him and through him. As he kept the wall up, Kammon slowly moved the configuration forward toward the burning gates. Screams filled the air around them but he could hear the anger in it. It wasn¡¯t the pain of dying. He sensed the attack a moment before it hit, a stream of water trying to drown them in their earthen shelter. It slid off Ezo¡¯s wall and out around them. He felt the earth outside their mound turning to mud and realized Kammon was copying the trick he¡¯d used against the raiders to keep the soldiers outside their barricade off balance.


    ¡°The gate is ready,¡± Kammon said.


    He wasn¡¯t sure what his companion planned next, but Ezo pulled on the magic between them and strengthened his protections. Kammon stopped their motion and even through walls of earth and air, he could feel the heat of the flames. Kammon looked at him and pulled both arms up to his chest and pushed them out toward the gate. The earthen wall exploded before them, destroying the flame-eaten gate.


    Kammon pulled Ezo into a run as they left the city. Ezo kept the wall of air up around them to stop the arrows and he watched as earth spun around Kammon before it shored up the hole where the gate had just been.


    ¡°We need to get out of here before they send men through the other gates,¡± Kammon said. ¡°We¡¯re not far from some woods that should give us cover until we can meet up with your friends.¡±


    Ezo nodded, letting go of his magic. He felt magic stirring as soon as he released his hold on it though. A single strike. A blade of ice. Ezo grabbed the men behind them, surprised that all four elementalists dangled from bands of air in front of him. Kammon was on his knees, ice struck through his shoulder.


    Salinger glared at Ezo as he realized he was the one holding them.


    ¡°Are you cowards?¡± he yelled.


    ¡°There is no such thing as a coward in war,¡± Salinger said. ¡°There is only winning.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t war! We just wanted to leave!¡±


    Salinger laughed and Ezo had never wanted to punch anyone more. ¡°War never ends, Boy, and violence loves its harbinger. If you wanted days of peace, you¡¯d have found it easier with the eques.¡±


    ¡°Lestan wants war,¡± Kammon grunted out.


    Salinger smiled. ¡°Yes, but war follows you. He¡¯ll die in your wake, like all the others.¡±


    Before Ezo could answer that, a blast of air barreled into the other men, knocking them unconscious.


    Ezo glared at Kammon but dropped it when he watched the other man rise to his feet. He released the air holding the elementalists and wrapped an arm around his waist, helping him. ¡°You could have warned me.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± was all Kammon said.


    Ezo created a new wall around them, just in case, but there was no fresh danger. Ember appeared briefly, landing on Kammon, and pecking at his shoulder briefly before flying off. Ezo could see her every so often, circling over them, keeping watch. They reached the woods and a slow-flowing river. A couple fallen logs bound together with air gave them enough space to sit and they rode away from their pursuers, safe for the moment.

 What Cant Be Healed

    The river pulled Ezo further away from the city of Pramas and when he was sure they were safe from attack, he turned his attention from their surroundings to Kammon. ¡°How bad is it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kammon said, but his words were clipped and his lips were held in a tight line. ¡°It¡¯ll be just another scar before long.¡±


    ¡°And you thought Eques Lestan didn¡¯t like you enough to give you a parting present,¡± Ezo teased.


    Kammon gave him a small smile and that meant something. Ezo tried to think of what to do, but he¡¯d never been the sick type and Jacob hadn¡¯t been the healing type. He¡¯d learned a little from Alvrey over their travels, but not enough to fully heal something like this.


    Ember left her vantage point in the sky and landed on their makeshift raft between them. That, more than anything, made Ezo feel safe. Ember wouldn¡¯t leave them unguarded if there was a doubt about pursuit. Ezo didn¡¯t know if Lestan would follow them later, but for now, they were clear of the danger.


    He turned to face Kammon and let out a deep breath. ¡°I can¡¯t heal you, but I might be able to help a little,¡± he offered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Ezo,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°Then consider it a favor. Alvrey has been teaching me to heal but I¡¯ve never tried it on more than a scraped knee I got along the way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡°Really? We were attacked by an eques with a grudge against you. I¡¯m worried he¡¯d going to send soldiers out for us. I¡¯d like to know that you¡¯re ready to fight if they show up.¡±


    Kammon stared at him but when the soldier¡¯s eyes tightened ever so slightly, Ezo thought he might have won. ¡°The best I could probably do is stop the bleeding anyway. Maybe take a little of the pain.¡±


    For some reason, not being able to fully heal him seemed to be the argument that got Kammon to nod.


    ¡°When we got off this river,¡± Kammon agreed. ¡°I don¡¯t trust you not to capsize us both when you try.¡±


    It was a weak tease, but Ezo smiled at Kammon for the effort. ¡°I might leave you to bleed out, just for that.¡±


    Ember butted her head against Kammon¡¯s arm, then jumped back up into the air above them. ¡°She¡¯ll find us a safe place to land,¡± Kammon said while Ezo watched her flying high above them.


    It would be pretty amazing to have an effigy like that, a purely magical creature brought into the world by the sheer existence of your power. Sometimes he forgot who he was traveling with. Others, he was painfully reminded that Kammon was an elemental of far higher abilities than he¡¯d ever have.


    When Ember found a stable landing, Ezo used the water to bring them close enough and helped Kammon onto land again. They were in a clearing that was encircled by tall grass, hidden from anyone passing through. It was a good place to land. And a good place for healing.


    ¡°Have a seat,¡± he ordered Kammon. The man opened his mouth to protest but Ezo reached over and pushed on his shoulder. He was in more pain than Ezo had realized, or he¡¯d used up his reserves because Kammon went down with little resistance.


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    Kammon scowled at him, but Ezo put it out of his mind. Instead, he took a deep breath and calmed himself. He reached out for the magic around him, careful to pull equally on the elements. When he opened his eyes, he could see the warm light of healing that Alvrey had taught him. He was barely able to do anything with it, but he vowed to learn more now that he¡¯d found the players again. He wasn¡¯t going to go off on his own unprepared again.


    Kammon¡¯s eyes grew wide as he watched Ezo reach a hand to his shoulder. Ezo felt the magic rest against Kammon¡¯s skin, then he felt the healing as it began to seep into the wound.


    The ice blade had gone all the way through, but with its removal, Kammon¡¯s shoulder had bled freely. Ezo did a rudimentary job of stitching flesh and skin back together. He felt the bleeding stop and though it would need time to heal, it was the best he could do. It would scar if Alvrey didn¡¯t care for it, but they would be with her soon.


    He took a deep breath as he looked to make sure there were no other wounds hidden from him when he felt the pull of something deeper. He was drawn towards it and he edged closer. Something dark was buried within Kammon, like a snake wrapped around his spine, constricting him at the very core. It moved with Kammon¡¯s every breath, slithering across bone, etching itself even stronger in the man¡¯s magic. It was terrible and yet Ezo could feel the power that flowed from it; he reached toward it, the healing light against the venomous beast that wanted to swallow Kammon whole.


    Ezo¡¯s magic came closer and as it did, he felt the beast become aware of him like it was a living breathing creature. He wanted to confront it, to rip it from Kammon¡¯s core. As he turned his magic to the task, the darkness jumped at him.


    Ezo stumbled backward, magic failing as Ember flew into him, knocking him away from Kammon. He landed hard on the clearing floor.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Kammon demanded.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Ezo was too shaken to do anything but sit there, staring up at Kammon. The other man had his fists clenched and his face was pale.


    ¡°I warned you. Some things can¡¯t be healed. Do you have any idea what you would have done?¡±


    ¡°No! Tell me!¡±


    Kammon glared at him a moment before he turned away without answering. ¡°Get up. Your healing is done and we¡¯re leaving.¡±


    Kammon didn¡¯t wait for him but walked off as Ember landed on his shoulder. Ezo scrambled up, confused and exhausted from the day¡¯s use of magic, but he had to follow. The quicker they got to Alvrey the quicker he could make sense of what he''d felt. As he got closer to Kammon, Ember turned to look at him. The falcon screeched at him, then launched herself into the air.


    They walked quietly for a few minutes before Ezo couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Are you okay?¡±


    Kammon let out a deep breath, then stopped and turned to face him. ¡°The question is, are you? Do you feel different?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he said. ¡°I was worried about you. I must have hurt you for Ember to attack.¡±


    Kammon rolled his eyes and began walking. ¡°You¡¯re an idiot.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ezo caught up with him, ready for another fight, but he was surprised when Kammon just gave him a small smile.


    ¡°Ember didn¡¯t attack you. She was protecting you.¡±


    ¡°From what?¡±


    ¡°Something you don¡¯t need to worry about ever again.¡±


    ¡°Kammon, whatever that was, it¡¯s not good. You have to let us help you.¡±


    ¡°I know what you saw Ezo, and there is no healing it.¡±


    Ezo was about to ask Kammon to explain what it was but the other man must have sensed the question coming because he stopped Ezo with another comment.


    ¡°But thank you. The healing you did on my shoulder is good work. It feels much better.¡±


    It was an offer of truce and Ezo had spent enough time with the Disavowed to know that. If Ezo pushed it would only drive him away.


    ¡°It¡¯ll do. Until Alvrey can heal you at least.¡±


    They walked in silence for thirty minutes before they found the players on the road. Alvrey had returned before them. The wagon had been easy to get, however, she¡¯d had to distract the innkeeper while Mathis and Tamis broke into their rooms to steal their belongings back.


    When Alvrey took Kammon into her wagon for healing, Ezo sat on the outside, trying to relax. He wasn¡¯t worried about Eques Lestan anymore. Pramas could empty and they¡¯d deal with it if he had to, but the darkness creeping in Kammon¡¯s soul haunted Ezo.


    He clutched his left hand against his chest and could almost feel the hunger as it lunged for him. What would have happened if it had touched him? There was a lot he didn¡¯t know, but now more than ever he felt out of his element. He had to know more, and if Kammon wouldn¡¯t tell him, he¡¯d search the world until he found someone who would.

 Alone

    ¡°Kammon!¡± Ezo screamed the man¡¯s name even though he knew he wasn¡¯t at camp with them. He could feel the man¡¯s magic back in the village even though they¡¯d all stumbled back to the safety of their wagons together the night before.


    ¡°Ezo, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Alvrey came running towards him from her wagon. Her eyes were on him, looking him over for injury of any kind. He wasn¡¯t the one in danger though.


    ¡°Where is Kammon?¡±


    ¡°He went back into the village this morning,¡± she said.


    Tamis and Mathis had come running as well. Damn it! That meant they hadn¡¯t followed him either.


    ¡°That bastard! I told him not to go anywhere without me,¡± he said as he turned to run back to the village. Alvrey caught his arm though and pulled him to a stop.


    ¡°Ezo, he¡¯s fine. You need to leave him be.¡±


    ¡°Something¡¯s wrong.¡± It had only been three days since Alvrey had healed Kammon from their exit from Pramas. ¡°I can feel him under attack.¡±


    Alvrey gripped his arm harder. ¡°Ezo, you shouldn¡¯t feel anything from him.¡±


    He didn¡¯t try to explain but pushed her hands away and began to run. He knew she was following, and she wasn¡¯t alone, but he didn¡¯t care. He wasn¡¯t far when he saw Ember flash up in the sky above him. He ran in that direction, but before long he didn¡¯t need to look for her. He could hear people yelling.


    As he topped the small hill that separated the village from the rest of the countryside, he watched as a barrage of arrows soared toward Kammon. A wall of fire sprang up between him and his attackers. The arrows were decimated by the heat of the flames but Ezo could feel how tired Kammon was already. How long had he been fighting alone before Ezo had begun to feel the drain of his magic?


    A hand grabbed him again and he spun to find Jaroh had hold of him. ¡°This isn¡¯t your fight, Ezo,¡± the man said.


    ¡°Whose fight is it then?¡± he demanded. He could feel the strength of Jaroh¡¯s hold. The man had an iron grip, but Ezo wouldn¡¯t be held back. He pulled air up around him and used it to push the man backward. Jaroh couldn¡¯t see the magic that attacked him and he let go of Ezo to brace himself against it.


    Ezo didn¡¯t bother to apologize for his actions, and he wasn¡¯t sure he would even if he had the time. Instead, he ran to Kammon. He didn¡¯t need to touch the man to feel their magic combine. The flow between them had been steadily increasing the entire time he ran toward the village.


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    Seeing Kammon now though, feeling what he did, he slipped his glove off his right hand and pressed it to the nape of Kammon¡¯s neck. He felt the man shiver as strength flowed into him, an immersion in their growing magic.


    ¡°What are you doing, Ezo?¡± Kammon demanded.


    ¡°Saving your ass.¡± He felt the next wave of magic as Kammon prepared another firewall. ¡°I¡¯ve got this,¡± he said instead. He pulled the earth up from under the men that were attacking Kammon and watched them fall. The earth rose and they rolled down the other side. It wouldn¡¯t stop them for long, but it put something between them and Ezo pulled Kammon away, trying to get them away from the village.


    ¡°Ezo, stop. we can¡¯t run.¡±


    ¡°We can damn well try.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll just come after Jaroh and the players if we do,¡± Kammon said. ¡°There is no retreat together today.¡±


    ¡°Then what do we do?¡±


    ¡°You need to get the others out of here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you to fight them alone.¡±


    ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m incapable?¡± Kammon yelled at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re injured!¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re an idiot! I¡¯ll meet you in two days at the next village.¡±


    ¡°Kammon-¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re from Eques Lestan.¡±


    Ezo stopped arguing in his shock. The eques had done this?


    ¡°He sent men to the village to find me. Leave with Alvrey and the boys. I will meet you. It¡¯s the only way to keep Lestan from targeting the players as well.¡±


    Ezo wanted to argue but he had seen enough of the eques of Pramas to know the man was capable of it. ¡°How can I make sure you get away too?¡±


    Kammon relaxed at those words and he nodded at Ezo. ¡°Knock down the stable wall. My horse is in there,¡± Kammon answered.


    Ezo didn¡¯t wait but created a flash of fire on the wooden wall. As soon as the opening was large enough, he doused it with water. The horses that had been stabled ran out and Ezo saw one wearing a saddle from the player¡¯s camp. Ember flashed into sight next to it and herded it toward Kammon.


    ¡°Get going,¡± Kammon pushed him toward Alvrey, and Ezo stumbled away. He watched as Kammon sent a final wall of flame between himself and the men who had emerged on the other side of the dirt mound he¡¯d raised. As he did, the horse reached him. Kammon scrambled up quickly, looking back one last time at Ezo before he turned the horse the other way and put it to a run.


    Ezo looked back to where he had come and found that Alvrey was the only one still standing there.


    ¡°They went so the players would be moving before we reach them,¡± Alvrey said. ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time the players have needed a quick exit.¡±


    She pulled at his arm and Ezo began to run with her, but he looked over his shoulder one last time to see the destruction of flames on the grass surrounding the village. Kammon the Calamity could have destroyed the entire place with little effort. The village was a mass of flammable materials just waiting for a chance to ignite, but Kammon had held off.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with people?¡± he demanded as he ran.


    Two days. Kammon had said he¡¯d meet them in two days. Alvrey reached out a hand for him but he pulled away. She knew what lay hidden inside Kammon and knew the damage that had been done to him, and she¡¯d still tried to keep him from joining that fight. He couldn¡¯t forget it.


    Whatever else was going on, she knew more than she was telling him and he was tired of being in the dark. In two days, he¡¯d get answers from, or about, Kammon, or he¡¯d head back into the world alone.

 Friendship and Falsehoods

    Ezo stared out across the hillside, shadow and starlight giving him little to see by. He was up in the small watch tower, alone. No army had ever breached this far into the interior of Distria, but the former Eques of Pramas had demanded that villages of a certain size build and maintain a watch tower. They hadn¡¯t been manned in years, but Ezo enjoyed being up there. Tamis and Mathis kept him company most of the day, telling stories about their adventures when Ezo had been off with Kammon to find the raiders. Now, he was alone with his thoughts.


    Or not.


    He heard the soft footfall on the wooden landing and watched as Alvrey came to join him.


    The watch tower was small, nothing more than a one-room house on ground level with a spiral stair and walls high enough to see a long distance. A door at the top opened to a walkway that wrapped around the building and gave him a stunning view of the area. They said that an elementalist used to be stationed in the watch tower at all times to keep the people safe. Any child the village had with that sort of power though had been sent on to the universities years before and none were ever sent back to man the village in need. The villagers were happy to give him the space to wait for his missing friend.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t come down for dinner,¡± Alvrey said as she leaned over the railing and looked out.


    ¡°The villagers are very kind and they send food to the watch tower for me,¡± he answered. ¡°Tamis and Mathis had lunch up here this afternoon. It was a good way to spend the day.¡± He pulled a little magic to himself and let the red of flame dance across his fingers. He let out a deep breath, trying to relieve some of his tension with it. ¡°It was good weather for it.¡±


    He never thought he¡¯d be stuck trying to find kind words for Alvrey. The woman was warm and compassionate and a healer who never turned those in need away, even at her own peril. So, what happened here? He¡¯d seen her treat the War-Sworn and she¡¯d shown little concern of treating one of the Disavowed. Something had happened to make Kammon unwanted in her wagons and Ezo was tired of her attempts to placate him, instead of answer him.


    ¡°Jaroh thinks we could probably stay another night, maybe two, before the villagers no longer pay for our services.¡±


    He nodded but he didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Ezo-¡±


    ¡°I knew he was lying. Is that what you want? I knew he wasn¡¯t going to meet us here. Whatever else he was doing, he was going to draw them away from Jaroh to keep them all safe. And I let him because he and I brought that on the players, and I had to make sure you got away safe. It wasn¡¯t right though, to leave him. You and Jaroh both knew he was in a fight and tried to stop me. That wasn¡¯t right either.¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t right, what he¡¯s doing to you, Ezo,¡± Alvrey said. She stood up taller and he turned to face her. ¡°You don¡¯t understand! It might take years, but he can¡¯t win and he will destroy you to keep fighting.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve spent time with him, Alvrey. How can you say that? He¡¯s a good man!¡±


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    ¡°It¡¯s Blood-craft, Ezo! At its oldest, deepest, what he does is Blood-craft and he will kill everyone to win his battles! He is the Calamity! He¡¯s the Harbinger! Don¡¯t you pay attention to the stories?¡±


    Ezo was angry, so much more so than he¡¯d ever been. More so than when his uncle refused to let him travel when he was older. More than when the universities had turned him away. More so than when Kammon spoke the lie. ¡°I paid attention. The soldier is always the hero until he isn¡¯t. Until he¡¯s a liability or a danger or just too tired to be of use anymore. The soldier is always to be revered, so long as his back is straight and his eyes are sharp and the way ahead is clear. When his back is bent and the road is too bloody, he¡¯s something to shame. Kammon is fighting something I don¡¯t understand and I thought once you saw it with your healing, you¡¯d see why I need to help him. Instead, he turned away from me and you let him shut me out by allowing him to close your wagon to me.¡±


    He stopped then and the small bits of fire he held became a flame big enough to see her face clearly. To see the tears in her eyes and the white of her knuckles, fisted around her waist.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t let him,¡± he realized.


    ¡°I begged him,¡± she admitted. ¡°I begged him to leave you when we escaped Pramas. He said you¡¯d follow, but I told him to give it a few days. Once he was healed and you were annoyed enough with his avoidance, he could be a half day''s ride away before you noticed.¡±


    ¡°You were trying to separate us. And the village that morning?¡±


    ¡°He went in to get supplies he needing. We gave him everything we could, but he needed more leria. He went to the village to get the leaves so I could prepare them for him while he finished healing.¡±


    ¡°Why? Why would he agree to that?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°Because he knew I was right! You¡¯ve been warned about the bond, Ezo, but I saw the two of you. It¡¯s not just a bond. You¡¯re blending!¡±


    ¡°What does that even mean?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know anything?¡±


    ¡°Now you sound like Kammon!¡±


    ¡°At least he understood!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and you¡¯re both keeping it from me! At least he didn¡¯t call himself my friend!¡±


    ¡°Ezo,¡± Alvrey¡¯s voice broke and he looked away. ¡°I am your friend. You¡¯re like a brother to me. What else could I do?¡±


    ¡°Trust me to make my own choices.¡± Ezo walked past her on the walkway and began heading down the narrow, winding stairs that led back to the living area of the tower. Mathis and Tamis must have come with Alvrey, but they were asleep on his cot. He smiled at the boys, then pulled the blanket up over them as best he could. They¡¯d been skinny street rats when Jaroh took them in, but now they¡¯d grown out well and Mathis was starting to hit a growth spurt.


    ¡°Ezo, what are you going to do?¡± Alvrey asked as she followed him into the room.


    ¡°Have my dinner,¡± he said, taking up the pot that had been brought up for him. It had been resting by the fire and he sat by it. The night air had a stiff kick to it and he was happy to sit for a moment by the warmth of the flames.


    She waited for more, but he didn¡¯t say anything else. She¡¯d apparently said everything she planned as well because she made for the door.


    ¡°Tell Jaroh he doesn¡¯t need to stay in the village on my account. Neither of us can afford to wait any longer. I¡¯ll be going my own way. I¡¯ll send the boys on to you in the morning.¡±


    He saw the shake of her shoulders, but as much as he wanted to comfort his friend, there was nothing left to say. Alvrey had made her choice and so had Ezo. She left without another word and Ezo let his head rest back on the stone wall.


    Jaroh would try to talk to him in the morning once he saw the boys had returned and he knew Ezo was alone. Ezo had no intention of having that conversation. He sat up and grabbed his old, worn travel bag, and emptied it. He took stock of what he had, and what he needed. He¡¯d send the boys into town for supplies before he sent them back to Jaroh. The villagers had told him there was a reputable horse trainer an hour¡¯s walk south. It was in the wrong direction and he hated riding, but needs must and he¡¯d already lost too much time waiting.


    Tomorrow he¡¯d take to the road and start the search for Kammon.

 History Rewritten

    ¡°You¡¯re still a pain in my ass,¡± Ezo said as he handed a slice of apple to Rile. The horse took the apple and didn¡¯t comment on what he undoubtedly considered a compliment. Ezo gave him another affectionate pat as he handed him the last bit of fruit and left him in the stables.


    Ezo stretched as he walked out into the open air. He could have just walked that morning to the neighboring farm, but he was glad he hadn¡¯t. After a day¡¯s work helping them to raise a new barn, they¡¯d not only paid him handsomely, but they¡¯d offered him one of the best meals he¡¯d had in ages. The walk would have been very long after all that. Rile saved him a good hour and a half, even if he did make Ezo¡¯s back ache.


    He was aware it was the way he rode and not the horse, but he¡¯d never claimed to be a rider. It was something else to complain about to Kammon when he found him.


    Ezo was getting frustrated on that front. Kammon had been very loud as he headed northeast of Pramas and away from where Jaroh¡¯s Traveling Players were. Two months out and the rumors stopped. He just disappeared.


    Ezo refused to think something bad had happened. He remembered how quiet the man had been when they¡¯d met in Mason Creek. If he wanted to hide who he was, all he had to do was take off the damn coat and not a single person would think him War-Sworn or Disavowed. He¡¯d just be another tired traveler on the road.


    Besides, Ezo would know if anything happened to him. There was something, not awareness, but a feeling of something beyond. He¡¯d know if he was close enough. He¡¯d feel it like he had that morning when Kammon had been in battle without him.


    He opened the door to the inn and was met with the warm glow of a fire and the friendly call of his name. The innkeeper of the Broken Bat¡¯s Wing was a thin man with pocked cheeks and a smile bigger than his face.


    ¡°You came late, but I can still round you up some food, Sir!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, Ralwin,¡± he said as he took a seat at a table in the back. ¡°Just an ale please.¡±


    Ezo was barely seated when Ralwin came over with the ale and something wrapped in cloth.


    ¡°You got that barn up, did you?¡± Ralwin asked.


    ¡°Took a while but we managed,¡± Ezo said as he sipped the ale. It wasn¡¯t the best he¡¯d ever had, but Ralwin did a pretty decent job and he took pride in the brewing of it.


    ¡°Good. Good. I know you been asking questions. Discreetly of course, and a traveler came through. I saw this and thought it might be helpful for you. Take it on up when you¡¯re ready and have a peek. Not many folks would know a word of it, but I imagine you¡¯ll enjoy a good read.¡±


    Ezo thanked him and downed the ale before he took the strange package up to his room. When he was alone he pulled the worn fabric wrapping off and stared down at an old leather book. He ran his hand over the cover, feeling the texture of the lettering and admiring the artistry. Ezo had never met a book he didn¡¯t like, and he hadn¡¯t met near enough for his tastes. This, however, was more than appreciation of a well-crafted book. This was the awe of holding a book on the history of elemental magic.


    He wrapped it back up quickly and stuck it in his bag before he ran down the stairs. ¡°The man you got that from?¡± he asked Ralwin.


    ¡°Said he never paid for a roof when I offered and took off down the greenway.¡±


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Ezo called over his shoulder as he ran out the door. He probably should have planned a little better, but luck was with him. He hadn¡¯t gone twenty minutes outside the village when he caught sight of a small fire off the side of the road.


    ¡°Mind if I join you?¡± Ezo asked as he approached the trader and his camp. ¡°I¡¯m alone. The innkeeper got something from you, for me. I wanted to ask you about it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the reader then?¡± he asked.


    Ezo nodded. He didn¡¯t know if the innkeeper had mentioned he was an elementalist, but books were rare and the quality of that one had been superb. Any collector would want it. Good thing he¡¯d earned plenty of coin today. He was sure the book had put him back every bit of it.


    ¡°Where did you find it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing left there to find,¡± the man said as he poked at the fire. ¡°Just a cracked castle and the ghosts of the long dead.¡±


    ¡°Then it won¡¯t cost you anything to tell me,¡± Ezo said. ¡°That book is for a specific audience. I¡¯d be interested in tracing its history.¡±


    The man nodded. ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right. Nothing left there but the telling of stone. I was caught out in a storm or I¡¯d have never stumbled into the ruins. No one does. Rumor says you can hear the ghosts of the dead whispering to you at night if you sleep under those stones. Black dreams too.¡±


    Ezo smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in ghosts and what haunts my dreams is mine to face.¡±


    ¡°West of Desra, you¡¯ll find the Fire Born Castle. You heard of the Rising and the Razing?¡±


    Ezo nodded, but the other man waited. He let out a small laugh and began telling the tale. ¡°We were on the brink of war with both Nara and Galif. While most of Distria¡¯s forces were committed to the war on the eastern side against Shafra, Galif and Nara made an alliance and came to the joining of the Sanguine River. They were met by the armies of a single eques who had been left behind to watch the river. The eques had five War-Sworn with him and when the forces of Nara and Galif rose, the eques and his men razed the opposing army until there was nothing left except a single messenger to tell the tale to their leaders. They¡¯ve never crossed the river again without invitation,¡± Ezo answered.


    It was only one of many blood-soaked stories in Distria¡¯s past, but in his youth, he¡¯d loved to hear any story about the might of elementalists. The idea made him sick to his stomach now though. He respected the War-Sworn but he could never imagine what they went through for their oaths.


    ¡°Some of that might be true. Some might not. There were rumors about an uprising against us from our neighbors. Lots of people thought it was all a lie though. Some in Desra didn¡¯t like the eques. Said he was getting too big a head. He¡¯d been raised to his position and had his castle for barely twenty years and there was already talk about him joining the Council. People in power didn¡¯t like that at all.¡±


    ¡°You think he was killed?¡±


    ¡°Think as you like. But you look at the river and there¡¯s never been a sign of that kind of fire. But if you go to his home, to the Fire Born Castle, the rocks are blackened, where they aren¡¯t melted. Whatever happened there, battle followed him home.¡±


    ¡°So, what do you think happened?¡± Ezo asked. It was all speculation, but he¡¯d heard enough from Jacob to ask questions about history. There could only be so much truth in history books when the only one to tell the story was the man who won.


    ¡°The only thing I know for sure is the eques left behind a widow and a kid that no one ever heard from since. People call it the Fire Born Castle now, and no one goes near it.¡±


    ¡°Except you.¡±


    ¡°I told you; it was an emergency. That book was buried and I only found it because I was digging a fire pit. Don¡¯t know why it came up then and there, but it was meant for your hands. Nosah¡¯s hand in the world, perhaps,¡± he added.


    Ezo flipped the man a coin. ¡°Thanks for the story. I think it¡¯s time for me to go home and read the other one.¡±


    When Ezo arrived back at the Inn, Ralwin sent hot spiced wine to his room and Ezo opened the book. There weren¡¯t many history books that had survived Distria¡¯s past. The power grab for the throne had taken generations and when they finally settled into their current Council of Lords, they still contended with one another to take the ruling spot amongst themselves. Unfortunately, Distria¡¯s true past was often lost in those scuffles.


    To find a book of elemental magic that had survived was astounding. No matter where the man had found it, or what tales he spoke.


    This was the first step to the answers he was looking for. The vow. Bonding. Blending? He took a long sip of his wine, sat back in the quiet of his room, and started to read.

 Riverkeep

    Ezo spent two nights sleeping next to the rushing waters of the Sanguine River and he felt revived. The river fork was deep and wide, a natural border between three countries. He could see the ruins of two outposts on the other sides. They had long been abandoned and reclaimed by nature.


    Ezo needed the quiet and peace of the river after seeing the burnt-out ruins of Fire Born Castle.


    He¡¯d spent the last two days at the castle but retreated to the river at night. The castle was the stuff of nightmares but not for ghosts that the old peddler feared. Even now, Ezo could feel the pain that echoed along the walls. He didn¡¯t know how no one else sensed it, but this was no battle. The castle had been brought down by grief and suffering. A razing all right, but not of armies.


    He wouldn¡¯t go back, except that the book had brought him there and he kept searching for more. It was hard to imagine anything survived the fire when stone had melted, but he would turn the place upside down until he was certain there was no great treasure still hidden amidst the ash.


    Ezo touched the pack on his back, feeling the weight of the book pull at his shoulders. He hadn¡¯t finished reading it yet. It was a dense tome and he wanted to take his time, but he¡¯d sped through the pages, looking for key words that would help him in his search for specific knowledge. It was a true history of elemental magic and not one edited and whittled down by lesser men who wished to keep the secrets of magic to themselves.


    He¡¯d found what he wanted, but it wasn¡¯t at all what he thought it would be.


    Kammon. The bastard knew and he¡¯d run so damn hard. He had no idea how persistent Ezo could be, though, but he¡¯d find out soon enough.


    Right now, there was another call.


    Ezo pulled himself up onto Rile¡¯s back and the horse neighed softly to him. The horse wasn¡¯t spooked by the ruined castle. When Ezo had gone to buy a horse the man had sized him up and pointed him to Rile. Mild temperament, steady and easy. Rile could be fast when called upon for short bursts but Rile was meant for long trails and wasn¡¯t likely to scare easily. It had been a good call. Probably the only reason Ezo was still on horseback.


    It was a twenty-minute ride and Ezo felt a chill as he watched the Fire Born Castle appear around the trees as if it had been waiting. In some ways, he felt it had. There was a story there that no one was telling. Ezo wasn¡¯t sure he was the one who would figure it out, but it was a mystery he wanted to understand.


    Not as much as he hoped to find more books though.


    When he arrived, he set Rile to a rocky enclosure that was overgrown and full of greenery for the beast to eat, then headed in toward the back of the house.


    He¡¯d been systematically working room by room, trying to find anything that would help him understand the elements better. This had become Ezo¡¯s true quest. His uncle had given him knowledge, but not truth. He helped him grasp his magic, but not see the wider scope of it. Ezo¡¯s journey away from home had become a need to know the details that had been lost to him. And not just about magic.


    If Jacob knew Kammon, how could Jacob not believe in effigies? Why would he lie about it? Why hadn¡¯t he taught Ezo about sharing his magic with another elemental? About the bond? He had so many questions but one drove all the others from his head. What had his uncle really died from?


    Kammon had the answer to at least one of the questions that ran through Ezo¡¯s head on a continual loop.


    The back room of the house had been a study or family room. There was more left of this room than any other. Was it the furthest from the source of the fire? Saved by some purpose Ezo didn¡¯t know? Or was it simple luck?


    A tattered, smoke-stained curtain hung over a window and Ezo pulled it back to expose the area to sunlight. When he turned around, an old woman crept through the room, covered in ash and dust as if she¡¯d spent days rolling in it. He let out a startled noise and the woman turned wide eyes to look at him.


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    ¡°It was beautiful, once,¡± she confessed as she ran her fingers over the blackened furniture.


    He was afraid to scare her off, though she showed no signs of fear. There was something vulnerable about the way she looked at the castle around her.


    ¡°You knew it well?¡±


    ¡°It had its secrets. What castle in Distria doesn¡¯t?¡± she asked. ¡°But the family was strong and served and took care of the people. The castle stood as long as it could.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what happened here?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°No one lives when stones burn.¡±


    Ezo watched her wandering the room. She might have been graceful once, but whenever she touched stone, her body trembled and she flinched away, sometimes stumbling before she recovered herself enough to continue.


    As she walked around the room an eerie silence settled around them. Her eyes were glazed over like she was in a dream, but she knew her steps and only stone deterred her movements.


    ¡°I was given a book.¡± Ezo needed to break the quiet that had fallen. ¡°A peddler told me he found it here. It was a great find, a history book on elemental magic. I came, hoping to find another.¡±


    ¡°An elementalist?¡± the woman asked him.


    ¡°My name is Ezo,¡± he said. ¡°What is yours?¡±


    ¡°Kaiya. He loved books.¡±


    ¡°Who loved books?¡±


    ¡°The eques. It was my job and mine alone.¡±


    ¡°What was?¡±


    ¡°To protect what must be protected. He said I must protect what must be protected at all costs. I have. All these years. You understand, yes?¡± she asked. She dashed around the furniture and grabbed his vest, staring up at him with tears in her eyes. ¡°You understand?¡±


    He set a hand on hers and nodded. ¡°You protected what you had to.¡±


    She nodded as she let out a shuddered breath. ¡°You feel ¡­¡± she looked at him and smiled then. ¡°You feel right.¡±


    She ran to the other side of the room and Ezo watched in surprise as she pressed a dirty finger to her lips, then pushed on a broken stone on the fireplace. Ezo covered his ears as a horrible screech echoed through the room. When it stopped, the woman was gone. He gaped, then realized that something wasn¡¯t right with the fireplace. He moved closer to where she had been and found that the back wall of the fireplace was cracked open to one side.


    Ezo carefully pushed at the wall and found himself at the top of a long, narrow stair. Kaiya was smiling up at him a few feet down.


    ¡°Only those who seek can find,¡± she said as she ran down the stairs.


    Ezo followed at a much more sedated pace. As excited as he was, he was afraid of falling down the steep stairs. When the stairs ended, Ezo took a tunnel that began to lead up.


    He lost track of time in the tunnel and had to call on fire to light the way. Kaiya fled before the flames but stayed close to the circle of light as he followed her.


    ¡°They called him Riverkeeper as a joke, but they did not know,¡± Kaiya said softly. ¡°They could not know the truth.¡±


    Light broke into the tunnel from ahead and Ezo doused his flame. He walked forward, cautiously. Kaiya didn¡¯t seem to want to harm him, but he had no idea what she wanted, or who she was. There was a sad tale to her life and he wanted to help her. For now, all he could do was follow.


    The tunnel ended in a door with no lock and no knob. Light came from around it and as he looked at Kaiya she smiled at him.


    He leaned closer and touched the door, opening himself to his magic. It poured into him and this far from the castle, the ache and grief of stone were muted. He could feel the door¡¯s secret; one meant only for those who could work magic of more than one element.


    There was an insignia for earth on one corner of the door and he placed a hand there. He placed his other hand on air. When he released a gentle flow of each into the insignia, it opened.


    Kaiya squealed her happiness and Ezo smiled as he pushed the door open and stepped inside.


    There were no outer doors in the room, but a magnificent window showed that the tunnel¡¯s room ended on the backside of a waterfall. Riverkeep was inscribed over the top of the window. ¡°This is beautiful,¡± he whispered as he looked out.


    Kaiya took his hand and pulled him away from the waterfall and to a doorway on the right. It was a hallway and he found three bedrooms and a kitchen. She brought him to the furthest door on the other side of the hallway.


    ¡°You will find him. You will bring him,¡± she said. She pushed the door open and Ezo didn¡¯t have time to contemplate her words. He stepped into the study of Riverkeep.


    The room was as large as any common room he¡¯d ever been in. A fireplace sat at one end, giving warmth and light when needed, and tables made a line in the center of the room. On all other sides, the walls were covered with shelves. Some held elemental tools, others books. Some were empty but labeled and must have been lost.


    Ezo stepped inside, moving in far enough to brush a hand over the table. This was the secret that had called him here. This is why the eques had died, he was certain. He turned to thank Kaiya for bringing him, but she wasn¡¯t there. When he went back through the other rooms, he saw the door had been closed again, and her footsteps sounded down the darkened tunnel.


    It was still early and though he worried about the woman, she obviously knew her way around the castle. He went back to the study of Riverkeep. Shafts of light came from above, but he lit the fireplace as well in case the lights were blocked.


    He reached the first shelf and began to systematically explore the hidden space and the amazing things he hoped to find there.

 Quick to Follow

    It was back. Ezo didn¡¯t know why the itch was back, but it was and the last thing he wanted to do was leave Riverkeep. Ezo had been in the hidden elemental library for weeks, and there was still so much to learn. He¡¯d done his best not to get distracted by the knowledge that was there. He focused on the information he needed to learn and made note of the things that really interested him for later. He had barely touched the dragon¡¯s hoard of a treasure here.


    Except ¡­ the itch. Just as he had been guided to Kammon on the road when he was looking for Alvrey and the players, something was pulling at him to leave Fire Born Castle and return to the world. And Ezo had a much better idea of what that itch was.


    He didn¡¯t know why the bond was calling him towards Kammon now, but it was. If the books were correct and his understanding was true, the bond that he¡¯d established with Kammon was far greater than just some momentary sharing of magic. Kammon had known it. So had Alvrey. The War-Sworn Commander Barley had felt it on him as well.


    He needed to read more to truly understand but Ezo was starting from zero on this. Ezo had never known it was possible to temporarily bond and share magic until he¡¯d had Kammon¡¯s hands on his skin and his magic rushing through him in Mason Creek. Jacob had kept that from him.


    There were so many things that Jacob had hidden from him. Ezo didn¡¯t want to resent his uncle, but it was becoming harder to ignore the amount of information Jacob had refused to tell him.


    And why? Because of his hand? Jacob had taught him well enough to hide it when he could and Ezo would never forget that lesson. What else about that scared Jacob?


    Ezo pushed the thought from his head as he looked back at the scroll in front of him. A tale of an elementalist named Celan who had been one of the strongest elementalists of his age. The scroll was his account of his travels and subsequent bonding to the elementalist Shasana. Shasana had been a native of Shafra before the wars had broken out among the seven nations.


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    Ezo picked up the stones that held the parchment in place and carefully rolled the scroll back up and placed it in the stack of items he was still reading. He wasn¡¯t going to learn anything new today.


    No. There was an itch. He had a journey to make. It was time to find Kammon.


    Ezo looked around to make sure the library was properly cleaned up and he put the fires out before he closed the door behind him. He placed a simple trapping of air around the knob to make sure it wasn¡¯t disturbed while he was gone.


    He almost undid it when he thought about Kaiya, but the woman hadn¡¯t returned since she¡¯d shown him the library. He noticed things moved every so often but he wasn¡¯t sure if it was her or if he was just imagining it. He¡¯d gone to the nearest village when he noticed she was gone but no one had seen her there and they¡¯d all but shunned him when he mentioned journeying out to the Fire Born Castle. He hadn¡¯t mentioned it to the next village and he¡¯d been more warmly welcomed.


    Ezo packed a bag with his clothes, some food supplies, and one small book from the library. It looked almost like a child¡¯s primer, but there were things in it that Ezo had never learned so he¡¯d taken to reading it when his brain was twisted by some other concept that he couldn¡¯t seem to grasp.


    He left a simple note in the front room for Kaiya if she returned.


    Gone to find a friend. I¡¯ll return.


    It was the most he was willing to say, but he felt better for jotting the few words down for her. As much as he wanted to stay and ¡®protect what must be protected,¡¯ his friends were more important than a library of books, no matter how amazing the books were.


    He walked down the tunnel and through the ruins of the castle. He¡¯d become immune to their horror of weeping stone after a few days. He ran out to the field where he kept Rile. The horse was happily munching grass and Ezo pulled an apple out of his pack. Rile butted his head into Ezo¡¯s shoulder and he petted its neck for a moment before he fed Rile the apple and walked to the small earthen shed he¡¯d created.


    Ezo pulled the saddle from the shed and quickly prepared for the first leg of their journey. He wasn¡¯t sure which way Kammon was, but he¡¯d go to the village first and see what news he could get. Maybe Kammon had resurfaced after all.


    And if he had, trouble would be quick to follow.


    So would Ezo.

 Quarry

    Darby¡¯s Creek was a few days northeast of the castle, and the people were more than happy to welcome an elementalist. Ezo had a steady stream of employment. He¡¯d replenished his coin, which had steadily been used up for supplies at Riverkeep. There was good company, which he had been sorely missing. A large mill sat on the river that ran along the edge of town, and Ezo had spent the last two days clearing muck and debris from the area around the wheel to increase its efficiency. The mayor of the village said it hadn¡¯t run that well in years, and he was more than happy to keep Ezo in town as long as he wanted.


    While all those things were nice, it wasn¡¯t why Ezo stayed. A steady stream of travelers came through Darby¡¯s Creek, and every night, Ezo joined the villagers at the pub and listened to stories of the world around them, always on the lookout for rumors about Kammon and news of the Players. He might have parted ways with Alvrey, but he knew he¡¯d find them again in the future. The occasional comment kept him informed of where they were and how they were doing.


    It didn¡¯t look like Eques Lestan sent men for them after all. At least he and Kammon had done that right.


    The night was heavy with clouds, and the men in the room were well into their cups when a young traveler lifted his glass in toast to Ezo. ¡°To elementalists!¡± he called out. Ezo laughed and raised his mug.


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    ¡°To our kind friend Ezo,¡± the man continued before Ezo could take his drink. ¡°And to the bastard we met on the road. Nowhere near as nice as Ezo, but he did the job well enough, no matter how sick he was.¡±


    The bar downed their drinks, but Ezo got up and approached the man. ¡°You saw another elementalist on the road?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what I said?¡±


    ¡°Where did you find him? Why was he sick?¡±


    ¡°We were traveling up by the Three-Eyed Cliffs when he found us. Said he¡¯d heard bandits heading up that way. He rode with us for a few days. When they came for us, he stopped ¡®em. Shoulda seen it. They come at us with swords, and he just battered them around with the wind like it was nothing. And then, I¡¯ve never seen the likes, but one of them charged forward from behind. The elementalist circled him in flames and left him there. Said it was a fitting trial for what he¡¯d done along the way.¡±


    ¡°Did he get injured?¡±


    ¡°No, but he collapsed after that. We took him to the next village. He said he¡¯d traveled further west than he wanted to be. Grumpy, but the kids riding with us loved him. Even on his back, he kept doing little bits of magic to entertain them.¡±


    ¡°What was his name?¡±


    The guy shook his head. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t give it. Said he didn¡¯t need fame or accolades. He just wanted to be alone.¡±


    ¡°Where did you say you left him?¡±


    ¡°Tam¡¯s Flats. They got healing springs up there, they say. He was in good hands there.¡±


    Alvrey told him of the flats once, a place to rest and be healed. A place where even one of the War-Sworn might find a brief respite.


    ¡°This elementalist. Did he wear a red cloak?¡±


    ¡°He did!¡±


    Ezo gave him a smile, but his mind raced. It was too late to start tonight, but unless it rained heavily tomorrow, he had a new direction to head. Maybe he was getting closer to his quarry than he thought.

 I Do

    It was a week to Tam¡¯s Flat, even riding Rile as hard as Ezo and his poor horsemanship dared. If Kammon had passed out from a single use of magic, he was in bad shape. Or he¡¯d been using it a lot, and the other men hadn¡¯t seen it. Or perhaps they just had no concept of the cost of magic.


    No matter what caused it, Ezo was worried. Eques Lestan wouldn¡¯t have given up his desire to capture Kammon. Even if it was sheer luck Ezo had heard about a grumpy elementalist, the eques¡¯s soldiers could have heard the same story. If this was Kammon - and Ezo would say it was a long shot, except the itch kept urging him on - he was in danger without anyone to look out for him.


    He vowed not to let this happen again. This time, when he found Kammon, he wouldn¡¯t let the other man get away. No matter what the circumstances.


    As Ezo rode into town, people smiled and waved, which was both unsettling and welcoming at the same time. Even the men at the watch tower passed him by with a friendly smile. Most villages didn¡¯t like strangers and few received them with such open arms. He remembered Alvrey speaking of the place as a refuge for the wounded, though, so perhaps it was as simple as that.


    When he rode up to the village inn, a young man came running out to take Rile from him. ¡°Go on in, Elementalist. I¡¯ll care for your horse. They¡¯re expecting you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The young man pulled the saddlebags off Rile and handed them to him, pushing him towards the door of the Blooming Waters. Ezo stumbled up a step onto a long patio in front of the building and didn¡¯t have time to say anything before the man rounded the corner with his horse. Ezo readjusted his bags over his shoulder and decided he¡¯d best see what was waiting inside. They were sure to be upset when they realized he wasn¡¯t the one they were waiting for.


    He pushed open the doors to the large inn. Business in Tam¡¯s Flat was thriving. Though it wasn¡¯t a market or on a major road, they had two commodities that kept the village rather wealthy: the healing springs and leria. The flowers grew in great fields on the south side of the village that let off a light fragrance. Just seeing them as he rode past had eased his mind and made him feel lighter.


    The innkeeper was a stout-looking man with a full mustache that seemed to make up for his thinning beard. Ezo¡¯s stomach rumbled at the smell of freshly baked bread and roasting meats, reminding him that most of his meals had been eaten in his saddle for the last week.


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    ¡°Danya, he¡¯s here,¡± the innkeeper called through a set of doors.


    Ezo opened his mouth to say something, but the doors swung open from the back, and another man came out, an apron over his clothes with a tired smile on his face. ¡°Oh, we thought you might have gotten lost. He said it might be a few more days, but he¡¯s grown rather impatient, and we¡¯ve been afraid he wouldn¡¯t wait much longer.¡±


    Danya took Ezo¡¯s bags before he could protest and dropped them on the bar. ¡°Take care of those for me, won¡¯t you?¡± he asked the innkeeper.


    ¡°I know what to do with my customer¡¯s things,¡± he said with a quirk of an eyebrow that made Ezo wonder about their relationship. It was playful banter, and everything seemed good, except they had the wrong guy.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Ezo, correct?¡± Danya asked.


    ¡°Uh, yes, I am.¡±


    ¡°Right, then we need to get you moving before he comes out himself. Or runs. It¡¯s quite possible he¡¯d run, considering what little I¡¯ve been able to glean from him.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Is Kammon here?¡±


    ¡°Where do you think I¡¯m trying to take you?¡±


    Ezo was too confused to protest when Danya pushed him back through a side door and into the streets.


    How had Kammon known he was coming? Was that even possible? Ezo hadn¡¯t read that much about the bond. The itch had become more clear as he got closer, but it had quieted once he¡¯d reached the leria fields. But Ezo was still in the dark about that topic, and it was clear that Kammon knew far more than he did.


    There was a long, low building behind the inn. When the doors opened, they descended a set of stairs, and the scent of good, strong loam and leria surrounded him. They walked down the hallway to the last room, and Danya opened the door.


    It was modest, but clean, with a comfortable-looking bed, plush rugs, and simple but sturdy furniture. A bowl of fruits sat on a table nearby with a platter of cheese and bread. Ezo noticed those things, but his eyes were drawn to the other side of the room, where a large earthen tub was built out of the floor. Waters bubbled gently in the bath, and sitting ever so still was Kammon.


    ¡°Well, come on,¡± Danya pushed Ezo further in. Ezo was getting a little frustrated with all the pushing, but then Danya started grabbing at Ezo¡¯s clothes and trying to strip them off him.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally here. No need to be shy now,¡± Danya said. ¡°Nothing a healer hasn¡¯t seen before. Jump in. The water won¡¯t help either of you heal just by looking at it.¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡± Ezo demanded.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know!¡± Kammon¡¯s voice stopped Danya, and the room was still.


    Ezo turned to look at Kammon. ¡°Oh yes, I do.¡± And every bit of his frustration and anger must have shown on his face because Kammon paled. He ran a wet hand through his hair before slapping it back in the water again.


    ¡°Well. Fuck.¡±

 Truth Time

    Ezo stared at Kammon, who stared right back. Ezo had no idea what to say or do. You¡¯d think with all the time he¡¯d been searching for Kammon, Ezo would have something planned for this moment. There was nothing in his head right now except relief and anger now that he had proof that Kammon knew about the bond.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just leave you two to it then,¡± Danya broke the silence as he walked out and closed the door behind him.


    ¡°Ezo, I can explain-¡±


    ¡°Yes, you can, and you will. Why didn¡¯t you say something?¡±


    ¡°Can I get out and put some pants on before we have this conversation?¡± Kammon asked, motioning to the tub.


    ¡°No. Damn it, no, you can¡¯t! I had to chase you down because... I don¡¯t even know why. I don¡¯t know why you ran from this, but you did, and you knew I was coming, so you should have damn well been prepared before I showed up.¡±


    He threw himself into the chair by the table and looked over at Kammon. The other man watched him warily but didn¡¯t start speaking yet. He looked healthier today than he had when Ezo had last seen him. ¡°Healing springs?¡± he asked. ¡°How bad is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m doing better. I would have left a few days ago, but ...¡±


    ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°They were very persistent about me staying long enough to heal properly from my wounds and the exhaustion. They found and cared for me when I was at the lowest place of my life. If I were to call anyplace in the world home, it would be here.¡±


    ¡°They knew I was coming.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°I told them. The... the bond allows me to feel when you¡¯re getting closer. And Ember started tracking you,¡± he said. ¡°She kept me aware of your progress. Danya and Cassen know far more about elementalists than most healers I¡¯ve met. And Cassen has made it his business to learn about anything that might affect me. The busybody¡¯s taken a very strong interest in my healing.¡±


    Ezo snorted. ¡°So, what about me? Why am I the last to know? Jacob kept a lot from me, including the bond.¡±


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    ¡°But why did Jacob keep it from you, Ezo?¡± Kammon asked. ¡°That¡¯s been the biggest question. I knew him, and not just in passing. He wasn¡¯t the sort of man who would raise his nephew in ignorance. So why did he?¡±


    Ezo shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to figure that out, too. But it doesn¡¯t answer why you didn¡¯t tell me about the bond. Or why you ran from it.¡±


    ¡°The first time the bond formed, I thought it was temporary. Temporary bonds can happen sometimes in extreme events, and that night at Mason Creek, I thought that¡¯s what it was. Usually, the bond takes time to develop and grow before it solidifies. It allows elementalists to distance themselves from each other if they don¡¯t want to accept the connection.¡±


    ¡°But ours didn¡¯t go away.¡±


    ¡°No. When we traveled together to find the raiders, I could still feel it. I¡¯ll be honest, Ezo. This bond scares me.¡±


    ¡°I can tell.¡±


    Kammon leaned forward in the tub as he spoke. ¡°The bond connects us, allows us to ground each other when the magic or the call of it is too much. It tells us where our bondmate is in a general way. But you shouldn¡¯t have known I was fighting that morning in the village. And I should never have been able to pull from your power without you close enough to touch. I can feel you and your power under my skin all the time, though.¡±


    ¡°I feel it, too, and how exhausted you are.¡±


    Kammon sat up straight in the water. ¡°You can feel that?¡±


    ¡°Whatever that thing inside of you is, it¡¯s draining you. It¡¯s why you¡¯re always so exhausted.¡±


    Kammon frowned.  ¡°That... thing has been there a long time, Ezo. As long as I can remember. It was better after I took the Vow. I¡¯m Disavowed now, though, and stripped of that protection. I don¡¯t want this thing inside of me hurting you. Without understanding why our bond is different, how can I let you close? How could I allow this thing to have access to you through a bond that did the impossible already?¡±


    Ezo let out a tired sigh and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. ¡°I don¡¯t want to have to chase you anymore, Kammon. Whatever this is, we have to tackle it together.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°I tried to distance myself, hoping the connection would dissipate, but that was never going to work for us. The bond took as soon as I touched you in Mason Creek. For its own reasons, the magic has bound us.¡±


    Ezo let out a deep breath and nodded.


    ¡°Ezo, tell Cassen to feed you and set you up in the spring. When you come out, I¡¯ll be waiting at the Inn. We can talk more after you¡¯ve healed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sick.¡±


    Kammon smiled. ¡°I could tell from the way you walk that you¡¯ve been riding a horse, Ezo. You don¡¯t do it well.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Ezo said. He grabbed an apple off the table and threw it at Kammon. The other man caught it, took a bite, and his smile grew wider.


    ¡°Trust me, you¡¯ll feel a hundred times better after a soak. And Cassen has a tea that hides the taste of leria powder completely.¡±


    ¡°Can I trust that you won¡¯t leave me again?¡± Ezo asked.


    Kammon¡¯s smile dimmed slightly, but his humor still seemed to be intact. ¡°I¡¯m done running. I¡¯ll be waiting for you this time.¡±

 A Pretty Face

    Cassen was waiting for Ezo when he left Kammon¡¯s room. ¡°Danya is terribly sorry for the confusion,¡± he said as Ezo entered the corridor. ¡°Kammon told us about the bond, but we may have misjudged certain details.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry.¡± Ezo gave him a slight smile. He didn¡¯t know why they were trying to shove him in the water with Kammon, but there was no ill intent on their end. ¡°Kammon is the one to blame for the misunderstanding. Maybe now that I¡¯ve caught up to him, we¡¯ll all learn more about this bond.¡±


    Cassen grinned at Ezo. ¡°Good to hear it. Kammon can be ornery. It¡¯s nice to have someone to help me get through that hard skull of his.¡± Cassen opened the door next to Kammon¡¯s. ¡°Best room we have, Elementalist,¡± he said. ¡°The healing springs will take a couple days of travel off your back, even if there¡¯s nothing else to heal.¡±


    ¡°Kammon said if he were to call any place home, it would be here.¡± Ezo hoped he could get Cassen to talk about Kammon. Though they¡¯d traveled together, Ezo didn¡¯t know enough about the man he was - like it or not - bound to.


    ¡°Did he now?¡± Cassen asked. ¡°He¡¯s had a rough life. We see him as family around here. It¡¯s good to hear he realizes it. From what he¡¯s told us, I think you¡¯re good for him. You should know, though, that the moment I decide I¡¯m wrong, you¡¯ll be out on the road.¡±


    Ezo appreciated the honesty, and he laughed. ¡°You can¡¯t have been listening to him then because Kammon and I don¡¯t see eye to eye very often.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say you agreed with him. I said you were good for him. With Kammon, that¡¯s usually two different things. Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯ll send food over while you have a soak in the healing waters.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll eat in the main room when I finish. I¡¯d rather get back to Kammon before he flies off again.¡±


    ¡°I can promise you that one thing. He¡¯ll be here, even if I have to sit on him.¡±


    ###


    The bath was luxurious. The elements mingled around him as soon as he stepped into the balmy waters. The surface danced with magic and Ezo relaxed for the first time since he¡¯d taken to the road looking for raiders.


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    Under the peculiar waters, his hand blazed, and he watched as it disappeared under the magic, only to take color again when he raised it. It was disturbing not to see it when he could still feel the water rushing around it. He settled the feeling by leaning back and pulling his arms up to rest against the tub.


    As much as he wanted to soak longer, he needed to see Kammon. Kammon said he wouldn¡¯t run, but Ezo feared he would now that Ezo finally had him close.


    When he was dressed, he headed to the inn and found Kammon at a booth in the back, with Danya and Cassen sitting with him.


    ¡°Let me get you some supper, Elementalist,¡± Danya stood and left to find food for him while Cassen poured ale from a pitcher into an empty mug. He handed it to Ezo, who drank gratefully.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Alvrey mentioned the springs in Tam¡¯s Flat but not the hospitality. I¡¯m not sure which is more healing.¡±


    ¡°Alvrey?¡± Cassen asked with a pointed nonchalance.


    ¡°A healer Ezo met along the way,¡± Kammon answered. ¡°She was traveling with the players. I told you about her.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, so you did. I don¡¯t believe you mentioned they were close.¡± Cassen stood stiffly, eyeing Ezo.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that¡¯s any of your business, Cassen,¡± Kammon said, sipping his own ale.


    ¡°Suppose it isn¡¯t. I¡¯ll help Danya.¡±


    They were left alone, and Ezo was confused by Cassen¡¯s change of attitude. ¡°Sorry, but did I miss something?¡± he asked.


    ¡°They have¡­ ideas¡­ about what the bond means.¡±


    ¡°Like?¡±


    ¡°Jonhelm and Sisha. Maisy and Gues.¡±


    ¡°Those are the greatest love stories of all time,¡± Ezo said with a laugh.


    ¡°And Cassen believes the old stories hint those couples were bonded.¡±


    ¡°Wait, he thinks¡­¡±


    Kammon sipped his ale again, looking back at the kitchens where Danya and Cassen were taking an awfully long time to fetch his food.


    ¡°Well,¡± Ezo wouldn¡¯t lie and say he¡¯d never noticed how attractive Kammon was when he wasn¡¯t scowling. And he was a brilliant elementalist with a sharp intelligence and a certain wit that was appealing at times. But they weren¡¯t exactly a love story in the making, either.


    Instead of taking it too seriously, he laughed it off. ¡°That would explain why they were trying to shove me into your tub. I don¡¯t know how they came to that conclusion, though. I doubt you told them much good about me.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they think I¡¯d fall for a pretty face and all that hair, Raven,¡± Kammon said, pointing to Ezo¡¯s hair. It hung loose over one shoulder instead of being tied back in his usual fashion.


    ¡°I¡¯m more than a pretty face,¡± Ezo protested as he took a long pull from his mug.


    Kammon gave him a crooked smile as his eyes roamed over Ezo¡¯s body. ¡°I have noticed.¡±


    Ezo choked on his ale, tears burning in his eyes as he coughed and tried to get the liquid to go down the right pipe. He glared at Kammon the whole time. He had no right to make a comment like that. To insinuate ¡­ to act like ¡­. Oh hell.


    He took another drink. ¡°Cassen, are you bringing food anytime soon?¡±

 The Impossible

    The food came quickly when Cassen realized the conversation between Ezo and Kammon had stalled. Ezo was still trying to wrap his head around Kammon¡¯s flirting. Kammon knew it, too, from the way his lips curled up in the corner behind his cup.


    It was ridiculous to hold off on this discussion, though. As much as Kammon flustered him, Ezo wanted answers. He took a long drink from his mug, steeling himself for it. If Kammon continued flirting, it might break his brain.


    Now that he thought about it, that was probably why he did it.


    ¡°Tell me.¡± Ezo set his mug down but kept his fingers around it, playing with it as he looked at Kammon.


    Kammon let out a deep breath, tapping a finger over his lip as his eyes roamed the room. ¡°Did Jacob teach you anything about the bond?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. He never mentioned bonds or sharing power. Or blending.¡±


    Kammon sat up straight and glared at Ezo. ¡°Who the hell mentioned blending?¡±


    ¡°Alvrey. When I came for you at the last village, she said we were blending.¡±


    Kammon rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯d expect that sort of thing from the players, but not a healer. Blending is a myth. A superstition. A story to frighten young elementalists so they don¡¯t link their powers and cause too much trouble. Blending is two people sharing the same magic, bonded but no longer separate.¡±


    ¡°So, tell me about bonds, then.¡±


    ¡°You know that the more power we draw, the more it physically takes from us. Sometimes, an elementalist is powerful enough that the magic tries to buffer them from the effects. If two elementalists of similar power spend enough time together a bond might form. It allows the two to share not just the power but their reserves as well.¡±


    ¡°The drain is distributed between the two. In Mason Creek, I could use your strength, and you shared the burden of it,¡± Ezo said, remembering the feel of shared potential when Kammon had touched him for the first time.


    ¡°Exactly. The same in the fight against the raiders.¡±


    ¡°It was already starting to change, though,¡± Ezo said.


    Kammon stood up and walked around his chair. ¡°This is where it gets confusing, because this isn¡¯t happening how it¡¯s supposed to. Elemental theorists at the university say all elementalists can bond if they find a compatible soul, but most elementalists won¡¯t need one. It¡¯s the strength of the elementalist that determines the need to bond. When it happens, it¡¯s gradual. The bond is easily broken by distance in the beginning if two choose to do so.¡±


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    ¡°So why did ours happen like it did?¡±


    ¡°When I was at the university, they said I¡¯d die without a bond. Even the magic professors I respected believed the need to call too much of the elements to myself would kill me. They think I have an effigy because my magic was protecting me.¡±


    ¡°And there I was in Mason Creek, and I was such a perfect option that we bonded immediately?¡± Ezo asked. It was incredulous. They might both be strong, but that wasn¡¯t a reasonable basis for a bond.


    Kammon¡¯s eyes narrowed as he moved around the chair and leaned over the table. ¡°Ezo, do you realize how rare your strength is? And your flexibility in your use of the elements? Of all the elementalists and War-Sworn I¡¯ve known, only a few would do more than dabble at a second element, let alone mastery of all four.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a horrible basis for a lifetime bond.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, Cassen may be more correct in his studies than some of our prominent scholars.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean, it wasn¡¯t just strength alone. You run towards trouble, Ezo. You and I might disagree on specifics, but we both answer that call. We both want the same things. The magic wants us to bond, and it took steps of its own.¡±


    ¡°You talk like it¡¯s alive.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s not, right?¡± Ezo was intrigued by the idea, though. He¡¯d seen Ember act without orders from Kammon, and she was pure magic. Was it possible?


    Kammon hesitated before he answered. ¡°Not in a way we understand it, but it feels and reacts. No matter how much of a pain in the ass you can be, you and I are compatible. We see the world in very different ways, but they are complementary, not necessarily contradicting.¡±


    ¡°So just, what? Accept it? We¡¯re fated for this, and that¡¯s that?¡±


    Kammon sat in his chair again but pulled it around the side, closer to Ezo, and he leaned forward. ¡°Cassen believes that something from my past forced my magic to grow beyond what it would have naturally. The same thing happened when you lost your hand. The magic grew stronger for us, protected us, and from that moment, began looking for a way to save us from the doom that it caused.¡±


    ¡°What doom?¡±


    ¡°Look at the greatest elementalists of our history. What do they all have in common?¡±


    Flase. Mico. Jarva, Rayso, Ligna. Every child in Distria knew the tales. All phenomenal powers who had called on the elements too much or too often and died horrifically for it.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen my fate, Ezo, wrapped around my soul already and twisting. Maybe this happened to them also, but none of them had a bond. Maybe the magic is as afraid of me as everyone else. Maybe it¡¯s sent you to me to protect the world when I fall.¡±


    ¡°Well then, magic is just as stupid as you are because no one who knows you would believe you¡¯d hurt people.¡±


    Kammon sat back in his chair, shaking his head. ¡°Ezo, I am the greatest killer of our time. The Calamity. The Siege Breaker. I have killed more people than you have ever known.¡±


    ¡°That was war,¡± Ezo defended. He may not agree with the warmongering of Distria¡¯s history, but Ezo believed in the War-Sworn. ¡°And you carry that pain on your shoulders like a damn yoke.¡±


    Kammon stared at him for a long moment before he sighed deeply. When he looked away, it was to fill his drink. He topped off Ezo¡¯s as well. ¡°To idiots,¡± he said with a bitter smile. ¡°Because I believe magic sent you to protect the world from me and that you can. And you believe I am actually the something that needs saving.¡±


    He clinked the rim of his mug with Ezo¡¯s and took a drink before Ezo could complain. He watched Kammon, whose eyes never left his own, and decided not to argue.


    He would save Kammon from that thing inside him. If magic had set him here, he refused to believe it was to watch Kammon fall. Kammon said Ezo did the impossible when he created his hand as a child. He would do the impossible again then.


    He would not save the world from Kammon.


    He would save Kammon from the world or fall with him.

 Falling Asleep

    Ezo had never been good at letting things go. Some considered it a flaw. His uncle had said it was both his blessing and his curse. Ezo just knew it was true. And everything that had been said tonight continued to play over and over again in his brain. He¡¯d come back to his room, determined to read through the book he¡¯d brought. He wanted to get context for what he¡¯d learned, but he couldn¡¯t focus on the words.


    Ezo got up, poured another drink of water, and tried to clear his head. He could feel magic spill across the bond from the room next door. Just tiny bits, small enough that he probably wouldn¡¯t have felt it if he had been down the hall. Maybe. Or maybe he¡¯d have felt it all the way in Mason¡¯s Creek at this point. He was past the point of understanding anymore. Because Kammon was right. According to everything Ezo had read, what was happening between them wasn¡¯t possible.


    Ezo dropped the mug onto the table and decided if he couldn¡¯t do anything else productive, he¡¯d might as well take out his displeasure on Kammon one last time. That, at least, might allow him to sleep tonight.


    He left his room and banged on the next door. It opened after a moment, and Kammon peered out. Ezo pushed past him.


    ¡°Yes, Raven, please come in,¡± he said as he closed the door.


    Ezo rolled his eyes. ¡°What are you doing in here?¡±


    ¡°Trying to sleep,¡± Kammon answered.


    Ezo turned to look at him, and it stopped the words in his throat. Kammon had changed out of his customary gray pants and jacket, and was dressed only in a robe. It was tied closed at the waist but hung loose.


    ¡°What do you want, Ezo?¡±


    ¡°Why are you playing with magic right now?¡±


    Kammon¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Could you feel that?¡± Ezo nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kammon continued. ¡°It¡¯s an old technique from my university days that helps still my mind. One of the few things I actually learned there. I adapted it after I left, and it helps sometimes.¡±


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    ¡°What do you do?¡±


    Kammon sat on a rug on the floor, and Ezo watched as he pulled the smallest amount of the elements towards him. The candle on the table lit, but then Kammon blew it out with a gust of wind. The soil from one of the plants against the window grew into a tower, then fell. Healing water from the spring danced out of the tub and toward Kammon. At the last minute, it spun around Ezo, leaving the tiniest trace of moisture against his cheek. Then it spun back to the spring and fell in.


    Ezo wiped at his face, but at least it hadn¡¯t been a full-on attack. He reckoned Kammon was more worried about Cassen¡¯s retaliation than Ezo¡¯s. So was Ezo, which was why he left it alone. Instead, he sat on Kammon¡¯s bed and tried to concentrate. He pulled the elements to him, and recreated the exercise. Ezo did it in reverse order, though, starting with water and working his way back. He didn¡¯t touch Kammon with the flow, but when it came to the flame, he pulled it from the candle and let it circle the other man before snapping it out.


    Everything seemed to still around him and when Ezo opened his eyes, Kammon was standing in front of him. ¡°You are so damn infuriating,¡± Kammon said.


    Ezo didn¡¯t know what he¡¯d done to piss Kammon off this time, but the air was suddenly heavy with something he couldn¡¯t name. Ezo¡¯s eyes flickered down to Kammon¡¯s chest, and he noticed marks on his body. He pushed the robe open slightly and ran his fingers over a long scar on his side. It looked like a burn. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Kammon caught his hand, but Ezo didn¡¯t look up. ¡°War happened.¡±


    Ezo leaned his head in and rested his forehead on Kammon¡¯s chest. There was so much in Kammon¡¯s voice. Ezo wanted to wash all the pain and memories away, but there was no magic to make people forget their pasts. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Kammon¡¯s fingers ran through Ezo¡¯s hair and clutched at the back of his head, pulling him away. He looked up, but Kammon followed him, lips crashing into his as Ezo was thoroughly pinned to the bed. He didn¡¯t think about anything else then, war or scars or stupid bonds that filled him with so damn much. He pulled at the tie between them, and Kammon¡¯s robe fell open the rest of the way. It slid easily from his shoulders, and Ezo had an unobstructed path to Kammon¡¯s body.


    Kammon sat up, but Ezo chased after him, pressing in for another searing kiss. When they parted, it was only for Kammon to pull Ezo¡¯s shirt over his head before following him back down to the mattress again. After that, it was hands working together to strip each other of their clothes. It was kisses that stole Ezo¡¯s moans and left him breathless and demanding, fingers pressed hard enough to leave bruises. It was his name called sharply into the night, followed by whispered words of contentment and relief.


    It was being pulled under the covers and into Kammon¡¯s arms. The bond wrapped closer as he rested his head on Kammon¡¯s shoulder, eyes closed and palm pressed over his heart. Kammon¡¯s hand stroked through his hair until they both drifted off to sleep.

 Waking Up (Whose Turn to Run Now?)

    Ezo stirred at the first touch of light that fell through the window, as he always did. He sleepily regretted that his body wouldn¡¯t allow him to sleep in, but Jacob had woken him every morning, and the habit still stuck. He opened his eyes and stretched. And froze.


    This wasn¡¯t his room.


    That was most certainly a body behind him and an arm wrapping around his chest, pulling him closer. And he knew who that body belonged to. He didn¡¯t want to say it in his head because that would make it real, and Ezo couldn¡¯t deal with that now.


    He closed his eyes as lips kissed the back of his neck. Kammon wasn¡¯t awake, though. Ezo dragged Kammon¡¯s arm out from around him and slid out of bed. His pants had been kicked to the floor last night, and he quickly pulled them on. He clearly remembered Kammon tossing his shirt, and Ezo found it draped over the table. He pulled the shirt over his head and quietly left the room.


    He closed his own door behind him and turned around, trying to think.


    He couldn¡¯t. The space was too small, too confining. It was stealing the air from his lungs. Ezo ignored the pounding in his heart as he pushed his hair from his face. He found a tie and pulled his hair back. Damn, he was going to cut it all off if he couldn¡¯t get it to stay out of his face today. That would show Kammon! He stomped his way into his boots.


    He left his bag but ran out of the inn without looking back. He stopped running and set a slower pace when he was past the guard post. It was too much once he got to the Leria fields. He sat down near the flowers, took a deep breath, and let out a string of curses that would have made his uncle question who he¡¯d been talking with lately.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to deal with this,¡± he told himself after trying ineffectively to meditate the problem away. ¡°I have¡­ important things. Riverkeep, right? I have to get back to Riverkeep. I can¡¯t be¡­. Whatever. I¡¯m not¡­ it was just¡­ circumstances,¡± he finally said. ¡°The bond. It was¡­ how did he learn to kiss like that? If it wasn¡¯t for that, I could have kept my head. Or if he wasn¡¯t pulling my hair. How is a man supposed to think with all that going on?¡±


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    ¡°I thought we agreed to stop running.¡±


    Ezo kept his eyes closed because he didn¡¯t want to see the smirk on Kammon¡¯s face. And he knew he would, because Kammon had been listening in on his rant.


    ¡°You agreed to stop and talk. That was not talking last night, and I have every right to run.¡±


    He heard Kammon moving closer, and then something dropped into his lap. ¡°Cassen said you left without breakfast. You don¡¯t want to miss these. They¡¯re one of Cassen¡¯s specialties.¡±


    Ezo opened his eyes, and saw a towel had been neatly tied. He undid it and found four still-warm rolls. His stomach rumbled, and Ezo took a bite. He moaned as spicy sausage and thick gravy oozed out of the roll. Kammon gave a low chuckle, and Ezo threw a roll at him. ¡°Shut up.¡±


    Kammon caught it with another laugh, but fell onto his back and stared at the clouds, eating quietly.


    It was¡­ distractingly peaceful.


    When Ezo had finished eating, he leaned back, shoulder brushing Kammon¡¯s. The other man didn¡¯t look at him, but Kammon sighed. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have started this last night. With everything¡­¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s not that.¡±


    ¡°You ran. And you had cause.¡±


    ¡°I ran because I had the opportunity. That¡¯s not the same thing,¡± Ezo admitted.


    ¡°I¡¯m not good with this sort of thing, Ezo. I¡¯m not good with people. My earliest memories are of the streets until they sent me to the university when I was seven. It didn¡¯t make me more social. It made me more rebellious. I don¡¯t know how to get along. I¡¯m sorry you, of all people, got stuck with me.¡±


    Ezo turned onto his side and looked at Kammon. He didn¡¯t like the self-deprecating mood that had settled over Kammon and determined the best way to end it. ¡°Well, if last night was any indication, I know how you can make it up to me.¡±


    Kammon turned to look at him, mouth open and surprise wide in his eyes. Ezo was delighted to be able to shut Kammon up, so he rolled over and pinned the man to the ground. He pressed a kiss to Kammon¡¯s lips. Kammon wrapped his arms around Ezo¡¯s back and deepened the kiss until they were both breathless. When Kammon rolled them over again and settled between Ezo¡¯s knees, there was heat in Kammon¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Anyone could come riding out,¡± Ezo protested, but Kammon stole the words with a kiss. Ezo forgot all the reasons he shouldn¡¯t and fell into Kammon¡¯s hands once more.

 What to Believe

    ¡°So, where do we go now?¡± Ezo asked from his seat on the floor. He¡¯d been reviewing his oldest notes about the bond since they returned from their morning excursion.


    Danya and Cassen were less likely to bust into Ezo¡¯s room without warning, so they decided to spend the afternoon there. It was too quiet, though, and when Ezo looked up from his book, he saw the confused look on Kammon¡¯s face. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°There has to be someone out there who knows more about bonding than we do. Who can we go to and ask about it? And about that thing inside you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about what¡¯s inside me,¡± Kammon grumbled.


    Ezo had been poking him often with random questions about it all day. Kammon had no more patience for Ezo since they became lovers. ¡°Just the bond, then.¡±


    Kammon closed his journal and sat back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. ¡°You won¡¯t like what I have to say about this.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t usually like what comes out of your mouth,¡± Ezo clarified.


    Kammon rolled his eyes, but he kept talking. ¡°We could go to the Universities, but they¡¯ll only tell us what I already know. Even if they know something more about the bond, they won¡¯t share it with me. And since you never went to one of the universities, they¡¯ll want to learn more about you before sharing information.¡±


    ¡°Anyone else we can turn to?¡±


    ¡°I know of one person who studied bonding outside of the universities. He was War-Sworn before he left service and began his studies. His research was controversial, and he could only continue by joining the Imperium. He believed the Vow was related to bonding.¡±


    ¡°Interesting, but what was so questionable about his work?¡±


    ¡°He wanted to discontinue the use of the oath for the War-Sworn.¡±


    ¡°Why did he want that?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for certain. Bonds and the Oath were his areas of expertise, though.¡±


    ¡°So, where do we find this guy?¡±


    Kammon leaned forward and laced his fingers together, pressing his knuckles to his lips. Then, after a second, he continued, ¡°He died a few years ago, but he was a notorious note-taker. I think if we could track down his journals, there might be something that could help us.¡±


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    ¡°Do you know where his journals are?¡± Ezo was getting pissed. Kammon was dancing around something, and Ezo was tired of trying to drag it out of him.


    ¡°You really aren¡¯t going to like this part, Ezo.¡±


    ¡°Just tell me.¡±


    ¡°A small village east of Malla City.¡±


    Ezo crossed his arms over his chest. He realized what Kammon was implying, but there was no way it was true.


    ¡°The elementalist retired there,¡± Kammon said, ¡°but from what I hear, the whole village rests underwater now.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°Your uncle, Jacob, was War-Sworn, Ezo.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± He got up from his seat on the floor and stared at Kammon. ¡°Jacob made me swear I would never become War-Sworn. He hated the idea of them that much.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that, but he took the oath and served just like I did. When I met him, he was already a member of the Imperium. He spoke with me for a long time because of Ember and my strength.¡±


    ¡°Jacob was not a member of the ruling body of the universities, and he was not War-Sworn,¡± Ezo refuted. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder, though. His uncle had kept so much from him. Hidden him from so much. Was it possible that Jacob had kept that from him as well?


    Kammon stood and stepped around the table, grabbing his arms just above the elbows. ¡°Ezo, I¡¯m not lying. You know I wouldn¡¯t.¡±


    Ezo backed out of his reach. ¡°Why the hell didn¡¯t you tell me before? You knew, all the way back before Pramas. Why did you keep it from me, too?¡± It felt like a double betrayal. Because he did believe Kammon. It made so much sense. The secrets Jacob had kept, the half-truths and fallacies he¡¯d led Ezo to believe.


    Kammon made another step towards him, but when Ezo backed away again, he stood where he was, fists clenched at his side. ¡°Jacob was a good man and dedicated his life to helping the War-Sworn. I never understood his secrets, but I knew that. I don¡¯t know why he didn¡¯t tell you, but if anyone would have understood our bond, it would have been him.¡±


    Ezo closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.


    ¡°Ezo,¡± Kammon¡¯s voice was much closer now, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°When the flooding came, there wasn¡¯t time to save anything.¡± Ezo didn¡¯t want to talk about Jacob. He didn¡¯t want to think about it anymore right now. Kammon must have misunderstood. Jacob was just traveling with the War-sworn, or he¡¯d been researching for the Imperium, not a part of the nefarious ruling body he¡¯d taught Ezo to distrust.


    ¡°I was in the middle of the streets, knee deep in ground muck and trying to get everyone to safety,¡± Ezo continued speaking. ¡°I didn¡¯t have time to get any of my things out or Jacob¡¯s. His notes and whatever he hid from me are at the bottom of the lake.¡±


    Kammon shook his head. ¡°Jacob was meticulous with his journal. He would have protected them better than that.¡±


    ¡°You think he could have protected them from a flood?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°He was one of the strongest, smartest elementalists I¡¯ve ever met. And he didn¡¯t trust others easily. He could have protected them from the elements. It¡¯s the best place to start looking for answers. If we find his journals, at least we know the words written will be honest and true to what he learned and experienced in his lifetime.¡±


    Ezo let out a huff of bitter laughter. ¡°You tell me everything I knew about him was a lie in one breath, then say that his journals will give us the truth. I don¡¯t know which to believe.¡±


    Kammon¡¯s hand caught his chin and pulled his face up. ¡°Believe that whatever else he did, it was to protect you. If we can find his journals, maybe you¡¯ll find the answers to that as well.¡±

 A Fine Day for Traveling

    ¡°Are you trying to get yourself killed?¡±


    Ezo walked into the stables and stopped as soon as he heard the anger in Cassen¡¯s voice. The Innkeeper had been extremely helpful and kind while Ezo was there. He didn¡¯t realize the man had it in him to get this angry. Of course, if anyone could manage to piss off someone as even-tempered and compassionate as Cassen, it would be Kammon.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t going to get answers here,¡± Kammon answered, running a hand over his horse¡¯s neck. He¡¯d come out to saddle them while Ezo had gone to get a few last-minute supplies from Danya in the kitchen. Now, he wished he¡¯d come out here straight away.


    ¡°What is so damn important that you have to leave now?¡± Cassen demanded. ¡°You aren¡¯t recovered, and you know it.¡±


    ¡°My wound is gone.¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t what I¡¯m worried about.¡±


    ¡°What you¡¯re worried about, I will never recover from.¡± Kammon rounded on Cassen, and even in the low morning light, he could see the anger in his lover¡¯s eyes. ¡°There is nothing else I can do here. A hundred years in the baths won¡¯t heal what is happening to me. The longer I delay here, the more it drains me. The least I can do is seek some answers and perform what service I can to the people I meet along the way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of him,¡± Ezo said, interrupting Cassen¡¯s response. It felt wrong to listen to their conversation.


    Cassen turned to glare at Ezo, but Kammon didn¡¯t bother to look at him. Instead, he went back to his horse.


    ¡°And what do you know of it?¡± Cassen asked. ¡°Do you know how far he can push himself before the exhaustion is too much? Before he must drag himself back here nearly dead? Where were you when he needed you three months ago? Four months ago?¡±


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    ¡°Looking for him,¡± Ezo confessed. ¡°I can¡¯t say what¡¯s out there, but he isn¡¯t alone this time. I won¡¯t let it get like that.¡±


    Cassen rolled his eyes and walked to Ezo, stopping a step before him. ¡°I like you, Ezo. I hoped you¡¯d help us keep him until he had his strength back, but you¡¯re just as much a fool as he is. One of these days, it will be too much, and even our healing pools won¡¯t be enough to help him.¡±


    He left the stables, and Ezo looked back at Kammon. ¡°What the hell?¡±


    Kammon was looking past Ezo to the doorway, but he shrugged. ¡°He worries like this whenever I leave. And he yells when I come back. He knows he can¡¯t heal me, but he feels helpless.¡±


    ¡°You could stay.¡±


    ¡°I could, but that would mean hiding away here until I die. I won¡¯t recover. I¡¯ll just never get worse, and that¡¯s not how I want to live my life.¡±


    ¡°If it gets too much, we come back,¡± Ezo said as he walked over and handed a bag of Leria powder to Kammon.


    Kammon nodded. ¡°That¡¯s always the plan.¡±


    Ezo nodded as he approached Rile¡¯s stall and patted his neck. ¡°Time to get on the road, my friend.¡± He was ready to lead the horse out of the stable, but Danya appeared in the doorway, another bag in hand. He walked over to Kammon and handed him a bag. ¡°He worries,¡± Danya said to Kammon.


    ¡°Too much.¡±


    ¡°Maybe. Send word from time to time. See us when you can.¡±


    ¡°We will, Danya. And tell him I said thank you. He never lets me get the words out.¡±


    Danya stepped away, and Kammon led his horse out of the stables without waiting for Ezo. Danya smiled at Ezo; whatever else was happening, he knew he was still welcome there.


    ¡°He¡¯s always ready to leave. I can see it in you, too, the need to get back to the world. I hope you find the answers you seek.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Danya. I think you, Cassen, and I are all looking for the same thing now. If I find anything to help him, I¡¯ll send word.¡±


    ¡°It would be appreciated. Be welcome here, Elementalist. We look forward to your return.¡±


    Ezo caught up to Kammon a few minutes later. They traveled in silence for a few miles before Ezo finally spoke. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll find what you¡¯re looking for at the bottom of a lake.¡±


    ¡°Maybe not,¡± Kammon said as he looked at Ezo. ¡°But it¡¯s a place to start, and today looks like a fine day for traveling.¡±


    Ezo nodded, but it felt like he¡¯d swallowed a stone. He hadn¡¯t returned to his village since after the flood. Would anyone have returned to live on the banks of their ruined home? Would the lake stand as a monument to the death and destruction that had forced Ezo into the wide world? And did any of it have the answers he needed most about the truth of Jacob¡¯s past and how it had shaped Ezo¡¯s future?

 Where You Go I Go

    Ezo was in a horrible mood, and it was showing. Since their journey began, everything caused him to overreact. The closer they traveled towards his former home, the more the saddle caused him to ache, and the sun was too hot, or the nights too cold, or Kammon was just too Kammon.


    They were four days out of Tam''s Flat, and no matter where Kammon stopped, Ezo complained. Now, they were resting on the shore of a small, slow-flowing creek beside the road with plenty of shade. It was a well-used resting place, but Ezo kicked at the logs that set around an old fire pit.


    "What''s wrong now?" Kammon asked. He didn''t look up from where he filled his waterskin at the creek''s edge.


    "I didn''t say anything."


    "You''ve barely said anything at all today."


    "Are you complaining?" Ezo demanded.


    Kammon stood up and dusted his pants with one hand as he looked up at Ezo, who had the higher ground. "Normally, no, but something is upsetting you, and we both know it."


    "I don''t want to talk."


    "Good. I don''t want to hear it anyway," Kammon grumbled.


    "You''re infuriating!" Ezo yelled at him. "You want me to talk, but you don''t. Which is it? It''s not like we''re running headfirst into your destroyed childhood looking for something that will prove your life is even more of a lie than you knew!"


    He walked away from the riverbank and, more importantly, from Kammon. It wasn''t like Kammon didn¡¯t understand why he was upset. Kammon didn''t deserve his lashing out, but he seemed to try his best to cause it.


    "Ezo."


    There was nothing soft or consoling in his tone as he called Ezo''s name. When Ezo turned, he realized his lover wasn''t looking his way. A dust cloud rose softly behind them from the road they were heading down. Ezo offered Kammon a hand up from the small bank. Ezo was in no mood for company, but if someone interesting came to keep his mind from his worries, it might be a welcome reprieve.


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    They waited in silence for the travelers to reach them, but Ember came back and screeched once over Kammon''s head before she disappeared into the open sky.


    "What does that mean?"


    Kammon watched where she''d disappeared, but when he looked back at Ezo, he was frowning. "It was a warning. It''s too late to move now, though. They''ll see us no matter what we do."


    "She couldn''t have given us more time?" Ezo asked.


    "Apparently not. I think she''s avoiding me."


    "Why would she do that?" And how could she? She was a part of him and his magic.


    Kammon let out a snort. "She doesn''t like it when I''m in a bad mood. She likes it even less when you''re in a bad mood."


    Ezo glared at Kammon, but didn''t say anything. The dust cloud dissipated as the winds shifted around them. As soon as the riders were in sight, Kammon let out a string of curses that Ezo had only heard from the kids he''d met on the streets of Dezra. Kammon walked over to his horse and shrugged off his cloak, pushing it into a saddlebag. "Kammon?"


    "Don''t tell them any more than you have to, Ezo. And keep your hand hidden from them."


    "Who is it?"


    "The Imperium has sent someone from the university," Kammon said. "You can tell by the red cloaks."


    ¡°I don¡¯t think hiding your cloak will keep them from recognizing you, Kammon. You¡¯re hard to forget.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t work out if that was a compliment or not.¡± There was a slight tug at the corner of Kammon¡¯s lips as he said it.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t the damn jacket that made me think of you after Mason Creek.¡±


    ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Ezo was smiling as well. ¡°In all seriousness, though, why hide it?¡±


    ¡°The university is a big place, and there are a lot of people that come and go. Hopefully, it¡¯s just someone passing by, and it has nothing to do with you or me.¡±


    Ezo snorted, but Kammon continued speaking without addressing his interruption.


    ¡°If they¡¯ve come for us, we could be in for trouble.¡±


    ¡°Nothing we haven¡¯t faced before.¡±


    ¡°If they know who we are, they won¡¯t have sent idiots and charlatans to take us in. And Ezo, I am sworn to follow the Imperium¡¯s orders, Disavowed or not.¡± Kammon looked at him. ¡°You aren¡¯t, though. You can run. You don¡¯t have to follow.¡±


    ¡°Thought you knew by now,¡± Ezo said as he grabbed Kammon and pulled him close. ¡°Where you go, I go.¡± He pressed a kiss to his lover¡¯s lips and was surprised by how Kammon deepened it immediately. There was desperation in his kiss, though, and it worried Ezo more than any words his lover had already spoken.


    ¡°We¡¯ll manage whatever they throw at us, right?¡± Ezo said.


    Kammon nodded, but as they waited for the men to arrive, Ezo wondered why Jacob had been so determined to keep him from the halls of learning. What hid behind the polished halls? And how much did Kammon know that he had yet to reveal to Ezo?

 The Stupidest Thing Youve Ever Agreed To Do

    It wasn¡¯t long before the party Kammon and Ezo were waiting on stopped their horses before them. There were four War-Sworn among them and two men who sat with their red cloaks blowing behind them. Someone was subtly adding a breeze to make them look more impressive. It was an excellent show, but it was entirely wasted on Ezo, who had no desire or patience for theatrics.


    Kammon stood with his arms over his chest, his scowl firmly in place. He looked far more like the surly traveler he¡¯d first met than ever. Ezo just stared between them, waiting.


    ¡°Kammon Harbinger, you are called to the University at Dezra to answer for complaints of misdeeds and misconduct.¡±


    ¡°Who is laying those claims?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°Come to the University to face the charge, and you¡¯ll find out. We have the notice to bring you in, but we are not your jury of peers.¡±


    Ezo let out a snort at that. They certainly weren¡¯t. He could feel it in each of them; their magic strength didn¡¯t compare to Kammon¡¯s. They knew how overpowered they were, and Ezo saw it in how two of the War-Sworn fidgeted in their seats.


    ¡°Ezo, of Fairhills. You are called as well.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, not of Fairhills. Fairhills was destroyed, though I understand you must be confused. If you knew it was destroyed, you would have sent the help we asked for, right?¡±


    One of the cloaked men turned red in the face, and the other scowled at Ezo. He felt them move the air around him, but whatever they directed at him was cut short by a wall between them before Ezo could act. Kammon looked at Ezo before glancing pointedly at Ezo¡¯s right hand.


    Ezo let out a deep breath, and Kammon waited until Ezo nodded before he turned back around to face the others. ¡°Who is sitting in Dezra?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been called by Imperator Zera.¡±


    There was little outward sign of emotion on Kammon¡¯s part, but Ezo knew him well enough to see that he was happy about that.


    ¡°I accept the call,¡± Kammon said, ¡°but Ezo is not of the Imperium. He has no oath to fulfill and is not required to come at your call.¡±


    ¡°He claims the title elementalist, doesn¡¯t he?¡± One of the red cloaks asked. ¡°Then he has to answer for that title, whether he took an oath or not.¡±


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    Ezo was surprised to feel a buildup of power in Kammon, but before he did anything, Ember dashed out behind the men, brushing her wings over the backsides of two of their horses. The animals reared at the touch, and the four War-Sworn had to keep their mounts from dancing away from the path Ember had just taken.


    Kammon seemed to have calmed down with that show, but Ezo had no clue what had upset him. It wasn¡¯t a great sign that they were both worked up already. ¡°I follow where Kammon goes,¡± Ezo answered before Kammon could speak for him. ¡°If he is called, I¡¯ll come to Dezra. Though you might do well to remember that I tried to go to the University before, to seek your guidance. Your elementalists turned me away.¡±


    ¡°Return to your seats and tell them we come,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°We will escort you-¡±


    ¡°He is the Calamity,¡± one of the War-Sworn finally spoke. ¡°If he says he will come, he will. We have no need to escort him.¡±


    The soldiers turned their horses back to the trail and began riding past them toward Dezra. One man of the Imperium looked towards their retreating backs and, for an uncomfortable moment, seemed like they might say something more. Instead, he booted his horse harder than necessary and took off after the War-Sworn. The last looked at Kammon and Ezo. ¡°We¡¯ll expect you by day¡¯s end tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°The day after,¡± Kammon corrected. ¡°We have had hard miles. We¡¯ll see you in Dezra in two days.¡±


    The man shot off, grumbling under his breath, but Ezo didn¡¯t look away until all six were out of sight. ¡°What is that about?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure, but I would guess Lestan is behind it.¡±


    ¡°Why did you agree so easily, then? What if they try to hold us like he did?¡±


    Kammon gave him a small smile at that. ¡°Then we tear down their walls too, but they won¡¯t try, Ezo. I think we¡¯re being called to ensure we have a fair hearing.¡±


    ¡°How can you be sure?¡±


    ¡°Because it was Imperator Zera. She was a mentor to me at the University. And she was a friend of Jacob¡¯s. If we are going to get fair treatment in Dezra, it¡¯s with her.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this at all,¡± Ezo complained.


    ¡°I don¡¯t either.¡±


    ¡°Is that why Ember showed up again?¡±


    Kammon rolled his eyes. ¡°She showed up to keep me from losing my temper.¡± Ezo stared at him and waited for him to say more. After a second, Kammon looked away. ¡°I don¡¯t like the way he was threatening you. He was barely strong enough in his magic to gain the red robes, but he thought he could force your hand?¡±


    Ezo smiled widely at the confession. ¡°Why, Kammon, the great fearsome Calamity, I think you might like me!¡±


    Kammon swatted at him, and Ezo dodged, laughing as he did so. Nothing about the situation was funny, but something about Kammon, this feared soldier and man of the most uptight, rigid control, who lost all sense of it when Ezo was involved, tickled him anyway. He dodged around Rile, but his foot caught on a root, and he went flying.


    Kammon wrestled him to the ground from there.  Ezo would protest because he knew Kammon shifted the earth under his feet, but Kammon kissed him instead, and Ezo was happier about that than he had any right to be.


    When Kammon pulled back and rested his lips against Ezo¡¯s forehead, Ezo sighed. ¡°You don¡¯t get to say goodbye,¡± Ezo reminded him. ¡°You don¡¯t get to agree to whatever they ask. Where you go, I go. Remember that.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I remember,¡± Kammon said. ¡°Works both ways now, though. If you agree to something, I follow you too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s probably the stupidest thing you¡¯ve ever agreed to do.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± Kammon agreed.


    ¡°Hey!¡± But Kammon kissed him again, and Ezo let him win that argument. For the moment, anyway.

 Charming

    They reached Dezra midafternoon on the second day after they received the summons. Ezo refused to move past the bridge he¡¯d made until after they stopped for lunch. It might be petty, but Ezo felt no love towards the Imperium or the University. It was only out of begrudging respect for his uncle that he didn¡¯t suggest they take off. He knew Kammon wouldn¡¯t, but he hated that Kammon was still bound to the military, even after they¡¯d cast him aside.


    It was one yoke that Ezo would get Kammon free of. If he was Disavowed, why should he come to their call?


    The walls of the great city were just as massive as he remembered. It was impressive in its stature and its security. The turrets were manned, and he could feel the magic that wove around the men and women on the wall.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t like Pramas,¡± Kammon reminded him. ¡°My memories might not all be kind, but there were good years at the University.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to tell me there aren¡¯t any ¡®Salingers¡¯ and Lestans¡¯ here to cause trouble?¡±


    ¡°No, but I have friends who wouldn¡¯t hold me here without reason.¡±


    ¡°You have more faith in the Imperium than I do.¡±


    ¡°I have more faith in my brothers and sisters in arms.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll let you be the judge of that. I¡¯ve only met a handful of War-Sworn. Barley seemed like a good guy.¡±


    Kammon rolled his eyes, but smiled as they passed the gates and entered the city. He led them unerringly and didn¡¯t stop until they reached the tall walls of the university.


    Ezo had never been inside. They wouldn¡¯t even let him in the doors when he tried speaking to them. Now, he thought it was a blessing that the idiots hadn¡¯t been willing to listen to him. At the time, he¡¯d been furious. Ezo damn near showed them just how strong he was to get their attention.


    Someone ran forward to take their horses, and Ezo grabbed his bags before he gave Rile an affectionate pat and sent her off.


    Kammon hadn¡¯t named his horse. In Tam¡¯s Flat, he¡¯d confessed that Ember got jealous when he tried. Ezo was glad Ember had taken a liking to him. She had a wicked temper of her own when she unleashed it.


    The university was a large square building in the middle of the city that housed the school, its students, faculty, and the Imperium. A great double door was closed to the public.


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    Jacob had told him stories of a time when they had shared their knowledge freely before Distria had been bogged down in wars. Today, a small entrance to the right opened, and a woman with a red cloak stepped out, pulling the hood away to show her face.


    Kammon smiled as he walked away from Ezo and put his arms around the woman, pulling her close. ¡°Zera, this is a better welcome than I could have asked for.¡±


    ¡°Better than you deserve, I¡¯m sure,¡± she teased as she braced her hands on his shoulders and looked him over. ¡°Hard days, they said.¡±


    ¡°I came from the Blooming Waters. If it weren¡¯t for that, you¡¯d see a waste of a man before you. How could I dare show my face like that?¡±


    Ezo¡¯s mouth dropped open as he listened to Kammon.


    ¡°You¡¯re shameless, Kammon, but I expect no less from you.¡± Zera looked around Kammon¡¯s shoulder and saw Ezo standing there. ¡°Though it seems your companion has not seen the charming side of you.¡±


    ¡°He gets to see a different sort of charm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not charming,¡± Ezo disagreed. ¡°Not at all. You¡¯re a pain in the ass, and you know it.¡±


    Kammon smiled at the words, and Ezo found himself- stupidly- smiling back.


    ¡°Ezo, child of Jacob¡¯s line, you are welcome to the Great University of Dezra and the Imperium. I hope we¡¯ll leave a better impression than Kammon has. You must be tired from your travels, though. Let me lead you to your rooms.¡±


    Whispers and gossip followed their walk through the university like a wake. Zera stopped in front of a doorway.


    ¡°My old quarters?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°I thought you would prefer that. And since you locked the doors, no one has been able to open them.¡±


    Kammon grinned at Ezo. ¡°You think you can?¡±


    Ezo rolled his eyes and looked at the elements Kammon set around the door. It was a simple trigger, but put in the wrong order, the elements would backfire. ¡°Seriously?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to keep them out. Just...¡±


    ¡°Be a pain in the ass?¡± Ezo answered as he pulled his magic up. He started with earth, then moved on to wind, then water, before he finally added a bit of flame to it and pushed. The door creaked open, and Ezo walked in to see the rooms that Kammon had lived in while he¡¯d been a student and soldier. He dropped his bags on the bed and turned around to Zera¡¯s wide eyes and Kammon¡¯s smug grin.


    She recovered quickly. ¡°We have other quarters prepared for you, Ezo.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here,¡± Ezo answered.


    Kammon stepped in and took his bags towards a formal wardrobe, but didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Your rooms are across the hall. You won¡¯t be far from Kammon, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about. You are both safe here.¡±


    Ezo smiled at her as he walked back to her. ¡°Thank you, Imperator Zera.¡± Jacob had taught him how to address other elementalists, but he wasn¡¯t in the mood for company, especially when Kammon had greeted her so warmly. ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be more comfortable if I can keep Kammon within arm¡¯s reach. He¡¯s a bit too charming for his own good.¡± He hadn¡¯t planned on doing it, but he gave a slight bow to her, then firmly closed the door between them.


    He looked back at Kammon, who was opening his mouth to comment. Ezo decided it was his turn to win an argument for once so he did the only thing he knew to shut the man up. He threw his arms around Kammon¡¯s shoulders and kissed him senseless.

 Warnings

    Kammon couldn¡¯t believe his rooms were still untouched after all these years. It had to be more than the locking spell he¡¯d put on the door that kept the others out. There were enough masters at the University to counter anything he put in place. Even if it would have taken four of them to do it.


    Maybe that was it. Maybe none of them had been willing to admit they needed the help.


    He ran his fingers over old books and the left-behind treasures of his youth. As a child, having his own quarters had seemed luxurious - and wasteful. He didn¡¯t remember anything before the streets, no mother, or father to care for him before that. He¡¯d often found himself shoved into a small shelter with a dozen other street rats during the Distria winters to survive.


    Kammon had been grateful for the warm room, the clothes, and the ever-available food, but he¡¯d never got over his wariness of the people who had taken him in. He was mistrustful - whether by nature or environment, he would never know - but all his time within these walls hadn¡¯t made a difference. Not here, and not in Malla City¡¯s University, either.


    A knock at the door pulled him away from his thoughts, and he looked back to see if the noise had disturbed his lover. Ezo was, predictably, still asleep. He spared a moment to wish he could rejoin Ezo in bed, but he knew better.


    Imperator Zera had been one of his most patient teachers, but even she would knock down his door if she thought he was being impudent or rude.


    He stepped out quickly and Zera was waiting for him. As fast as he pulled the door closed, he watched her eyes widen as she saw Ezo in the bed behind him. He ignored her but locked the entrance again like he had many years ago. If nothing else, he could keep anyone from trying to sneak into the room to surprise his lover.


    ¡°Good morning, Zera,¡± he said as he turned to walk down the hall.


    ¡°Kammon.¡±


    ¡°I assume you have something of importance to discuss this morning?¡±


    ¡°Do we need to worry about the young man you left behind?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Why would you?¡±


    She stopped walking and stared at him as he looked at her. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s different about him, Kammon, but I felt it when I saw him. What did you bring into our halls?¡±


    ¡°You demanded we both come. Trust me, I wouldn¡¯t have brought Ezo within ten miles of the University if I could avoid it.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he means us harm?¡± she asked.


    He scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m not worried about you.¡±


    ¡°Kammon, we are here to educate. We don¡¯t harm anyone.¡±


    ¡°No, you just taught us to kill. You fed us lies about the greater good, and threw us at the world with the Vow fresh on our lips and power surging in our veins.¡±


    ¡°I am not to blame for who you became, Kammon.¡±


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    He let out a deep breath. ¡°What do you want from me, Zera? I told Ezo it was to give me a fair hearing about Lestan, but you aren¡¯t fool enough to believe Lestan¡¯s report. It¡¯s probably more lie than truth. There was no reason to bring me here for that.¡±


    The Imperator looked around the halls and raised a hand, motioning him on. ¡°Let¡¯s talk elsewhere, Kammon. Above anyone else, you should know that these walls have ears.¡±


    He didn¡¯t like it. That Zera wanted their conversation to be private said more about her needs than all the rest. She had never been an alarmist.


    He followed her down familiar hallways until they reached her office doors. While she swept into the room, he looked around, noting the same trappings that had been there while he was still a student.


    Zera settled behind her desk, and when Kammon took a seat on the other side, she leaned forward and set her hands on the desktop, fiddling nervously with the hem of her jacket sleeve.


    ¡°Jacob kept all knowledge of his nephew from us. That¡¯s made some people nervous.¡±


    ¡°Jacob had no reason to send him to the University,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°He¡¯s an elementalist, or claiming the title at least. Some would say his lack of formal education is a problem.¡±


    ¡°Ezo has a stronger sense of his powers than most elementalists I¡¯ve known. He isn¡¯t a worry.¡±


    ¡°Then why did Jacob keep him from us?¡±


    There was no way Kammon would talk about Ezo and the real reason his uncle had kept him secret. If Ezo didn¡¯t give it away just by being himself, Kammon wouldn¡¯t help the Imperium by spying on him.


    ¡°You know how Jacob felt about the War-Sworn. And unless the University has suddenly had a change of heart and isn¡¯t actively pressing its students into joining their ranks, he would have never brought him here.¡±


    ¡°And yet, now his nephew is traveling with the most well-known War-Sworn of our time.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this,¡± Kammon said, standing up. Yes, he was famous for his service on the front lines, but he was more of a horror story than a hero. ¡°I¡¯m Disavowed, not War-Sworn.¡±


    ¡°Do you ever miss the camaraderie, Kammon?¡± Zera asked. ¡°There¡¯s still a place for you here.¡±


    The only thing he missed about being in service to the Imperium were the soldiers he¡¯d known. While he would never say he had friends among their ranks, Kammon had people he trusted back then.


    Before he walked away from it all. Before his hands were bloodied, and his soul had turned black from the smoke and ash of Distria¡¯s enemies.


    ¡°What are you offering me?¡±


    Zera smiled as she tucked her hands into her lap. ¡°You¡¯re the most powerful elementalist alive. The only one who can master all four elements and who has an effigy. You could teach so much to the next generation of elementalists.¡±


    ¡°Me? Teaching? Do you remember how I used to terrorize the younger students?¡±


    She didn¡¯t say anything, and he realized then that she knew he wouldn¡¯t accept. Her words were an opening gambit, and he still had no idea what she wanted.


    ¡°What do you really want, Zera? Or, more importantly, what does the Imperium want from me?¡±


    ¡°Kammon, they want you to re-take the Vow and take your rightful place at the front lines.¡±


    ¡°We aren¡¯t at war, Imperator,¡± he reminded her, but dread settled against his skin like fresh ash.


    ¡°Kammon, you know better than most. We¡¯re always a breath away from war with someone. All it takes is for the right voice to be raised too loud. We need to be ready.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not your weapon.¡±


    ¡°There are some who think that is all you are. They think if we can¡¯t point you in the direction we want and aim you at our enemies, that you are far too dangerous to be left alone.¡±


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°A warning, Kammon. If you don¡¯t see reason, the Imperium may find it in their best interest to keep you somewhere safe.¡±


    He leaned over her desk and felt her pull at the air around her as if she might suddenly need protection from him. ¡°If I wanted to hurt you, Zera, nothing you can do would stop me,¡± he reminded her. Her eyes seemed to harden at his words, but he refused to back down. He¡¯d never been good at that. Not as a child on the streets. Not as a student in these halls. Not as a soldier on the battlefield in foreign lands.


    ¡°Perhaps you had better remind them, Imperator, that I have always been the greatest threat to Distria¡¯s enemies. The Imperium doesn¡¯t want to know what would happen if they became my enemy.¡±


    ¡°Is that a threat?¡±


    She echoed his earlier question, and he smiled as he returned her answer back to her.


    ¡°A warning. One I hope I don¡¯t need to give twice.¡±

 Trouble

    When Ezo woke in Kammon¡¯s old quarters, he was alone. Ezo dressed quickly and helped himself to the food on the table as he waited for Kammon to return. He didn¡¯t know where the other man disappeared to. Ezo walked around the room between bites of cheese and boiled egg and rummaged through the shelves and drawers. Kammon left a few things behind, but it was all schoolbooks and worn clothes. Nothing of importance.


    Ezo finished breakfast and washed his face. He wasn¡¯t good at waiting, and Kammon knew that about him. As much as Ezo had been told to stay away from the University, Ezo was bored and there was only so much he could do sitting in Kammon¡¯s old room without him.


    He decided to take a trip to the stables. There wouldn¡¯t be too many people there, and he could make sure they were treating Rile well. That was his best chance at avoiding anyone he didn¡¯t want to run into. He pulled gloves on to hide his hands and walked to the door.


    Kammon locked it when he left and Ezo smiled at the precaution his lover took. Kammon might be a pain in the ass on a good day, but he tried to look after Ezo. It was endearing when it wasn¡¯t infuriating.


    Ezo unlocked the door and replaced it with one of his own - a puzzle for Kammon when he returned.


    He walked down the corridor, trying to remember the way out of the labyrinth-like hallways. He must have taken a wrong turn because he ended up in a large room where the students gathered for a lecture.


    Ezo turned away from it and, hopefully, from any teachers roaming the halls. He didn¡¯t know the habits or schedules of the University, but this was the exact sort of thing Kammon wanted him to avoid.


    He might not always agree with Kammon, but Ezo came to the university once before to get their help, and they¡¯d turned him away without even an audience. Now, he was grateful for their ignorance and glad he¡¯d never been subjected to their ¡®teachings¡¯. He had a feeling he¡¯d have been as problematic a student as Kammon had been.


    He fumbled his way through side doorways and didn¡¯t stop until he ended up in a completely different part of the building. It was, however, someplace he longed to visit. The library.


    Ezo walked through the door and was immediately awestruck by the shelves of books. In the center of the library, a grand chandelier lit all three stories. Ezo could see himself getting lost in the columns that surrounded him. If there was an answer to his questions, it had to be here.


    That wasn¡¯t necessarily true, though; history had often been rewritten. He¡¯d have never known how much if he hadn¡¯t found Riverkeep. The history that Distria taught was not the whole truth. The magic they taught was not the same as they¡¯d always taught, either.


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    He headed away from the main floor where the students and staff wandered and spoke in whispered voices. He found stairs nearby and headed up to the second level, where he was less likely to run into people.


    He ran his fingers over the edge of the books, impressed by the sheer number of volumes the University had collected under a single roof. He could spend a lifetime reading here and love every moment. It made him ache to return to Riverkeep, though. He still hadn¡¯t talked to Kammon about it. He wasn¡¯t sure what held him back, but it wasn¡¯t the right time to tell him. If he trusted anyone else with the secrets of the private library, it was Kammon.


    He thought briefly about Alvrey and wondered how the players were doing. He regretted the way he¡¯d left things with them. Alvrey and Jaroh wanted what they thought was best for him, even if they¡¯d been wrong.


    When he and Kammon were done with the University, they should try to find the players.


    The books Ezo passed were specific to each element, ranging from theory to practical uses of their magic. Some were dedicated to protection and attacks for the students who wanted to become War-Sworn.


    Ezo continued searching until he found a volume discussing exceptional cases of power. It was primarily a collection of rumors from outlying villages, stories of elemental magic used in ways that the Imperium considered impossible. The Imperium sent an Imperator, but he determined that all the accounts were false. It was an old journal, and Ezo might have put it back, but he found a section about effigies. The investigator was sent to verify a sighting of an effigy and went into great detail about everything they knew about them.


    Since Ezo¡¯s understanding was based entirely on Kammon and Ember, he took it to a table in the corner and sat to read.


    Kammon had always been reluctant to talk about his past. Ezo hadn¡¯t pushed too much, but he wanted to pick Kammon¡¯s brain about his experience with Ember and how it compared to the information here. Had he felt the creature emerging from his own magic? Had he known something was happening to him? Or had Ember¡¯s emergence surprised him?


    Ezo had so many questions. The book only raised more. He also wanted to find books about the bond. Surely, they had volumes about that as well.


    He stretched his back as he closed the book and looked at the surrounding shelves. Only then did he realize someone else was at the table with him.


    The man was a few years older than him and dressed in the formal clothes of the War-Sworn. The navy blue jacket was so much like the gray one that Kammon preferred that Ezo immediately disliked it. Ezo had always known that Kammon¡¯s coat was an approximation of the War-Sworn uniform, but over time, it was just a part of Kammon, and he¡¯d forgotten. The next time they stopped in a large city, he would make Kammon get a new wardrobe. And a jacket that wouldn¡¯t remind him of his past and the actions he tried so hard to atone for.


    The man looked up from his book and smiled at Ezo. ¡°Light reading?¡±


    ¡°You can never learn too much, can you?¡± Ezo said, trying to avoid getting into a deeper conversation. He didn¡¯t know who this was or his connection with the University, but since he was War-Sworn and in their walls, it was safe to say he was no friend of Ezo¡¯s.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more,¡± the man said. ¡°I¡¯m Voth.¡±


    He stood and moved over to offer Ezo a hand. He ignored the hand, but stood and picked up his book. ¡°I¡¯m just passing through.¡± He returned the book to the shelf and put it where he¡¯d found it. He could feel Voth watching him, though. He left the library and decided to come back later.


    Besides, he didn¡¯t know how long he¡¯d been reading, and he was getting hungry. It was time to figure out what sort of trouble Kammon had gotten into without him around.

 Preparing for a Fight

    The hallways of the University were more a labyrinth than anything, and Ezo once again turned down corridors that took him down unfamiliar paths. He had been walking for ten minutes before he finally came across the front entrance.


    If memory served - and he doubted that, considering his strange route so far - he just needed to head two corridors over and turn left down a long hallway to get to Kammon¡¯s quarters.


    He recognized an old wall hanging and stopped to look at it. Distria was woven into a deep blue sea with a depiction of Nosah as a great winged dragon with her nest at the southern edge of Distria. Around the edges of the tapestry were the symbols of the elements of magic that allowed elementalists to aid the world: earth, air, fire, and water. There was also a symbol for the force of spirit. It wasn¡¯t an element of magic, and Ezo had often pestered Jacob about it. His uncle had explained there were some things elemental magic didn¡¯t explain, and the spirit of magic was as much an element as the others. Ezo still didn¡¯t understand his uncle¡¯s explanation, but hadn¡¯t thought about it in years. Perhaps Kammon would have a better understanding.


    When Ezo was younger, Jacob had sketched a rude copy of the tapestry and hung it on his wall. He¡¯d told Ezo the story of Distria¡¯s creation many times, but something always bothered him when he looked at the picture based on it.


    His uncle¡¯s drawing had been slightly different, though. Ezo couldn¡¯t pinpoint what his uncle had changed, but it lingered at the back of his head.


    As Ezo walked away from the wall, he heard raised voices and crept closer. A door to his left was slightly ajar, and though he couldn¡¯t see the men speaking, he heard them clear enough.


    He knew he shouldn¡¯t, but his curiosity got the best of him. There were too many things about the University that he didn¡¯t trust.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to question the decision,¡± one man said as Ezo snuck as close as he dared. ¡°You know what he¡¯s capable of. If you try to force his hand-¡±


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    ¡°He¡¯s forced our hands. The Harbinger is dangerous. If we can¡¯t control him, how can we let him wander free?¡±


    ¡°Kill him if you must, but you¡¯re courting trouble. What makes you think he won¡¯t turn on you rather than return to service?¡±


    ¡°Kammon is many things, but even when he refused orders on the battlefield, he never turned violent against us.¡±


    ¡°And what happened in Pramas?¡±


    ¡°He could have done far more damage, and there was no loss of life. He is still loyal.¡±


    ¡°Do what you please. The council already voted, and I¡¯ll abide by their decision, but mark my words. Forcing the Disavowed into service is a dark path none of us should tread lightly.¡±


    Ezo turned away before they came out and found him. Whatever goodwill Kammon had with Zera wasn¡¯t enough to keep him safe. They had to get out of there.


    He ran for Kammon¡¯s quarters and undid the lock quickly, aggravated that his lover hadn¡¯t returned yet. Ezo found the few items they¡¯d left out and grabbed their bags.


    He didn¡¯t know where Kammon was, but he closed his eyes and purposely tried to use the bond this time. He couldn¡¯t do it, and he nearly screamed in frustration, but a shriek broke his concentration. He looked up as Ember appeared, perched on the edge of the bed.


    ¡°Ember, take me to him.¡± He threw both bags over his shoulder and opened the door.


    In the hallway, Ember flew to the right, and Ezo ran after her. At the first intersection, he tripped into someone and nearly fell to the floor. He lost their bags and scrambled to reach them. The person he¡¯d run into took the second one, and as Ezo grabbed it, he realized it was the man from the library.


    ¡°In a hurry, Ezo?¡± the War-Sworn asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you my name.¡± Ezo had been suspicious of Voth at the library, and it was no coincidence that he was in the same hallway now.


    Voth smiled. ¡°The elementalist who showed up with Kammon Harbinger? You¡¯re already infamous in these halls.¡±


    ¡°Just what I needed,¡± Ezo mumbled as he took his bag and turned to leave.


    Voth grabbed his arm and stopped him. ¡°You don¡¯t understand your position here, Ezo.¡±


    Ezo felt Voth pulling magic around himself, and he pushed away. ¡°You don¡¯t want to do this,¡± Ezo said. ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this.¡±


    Voth took a step closer to Ezo. ¡°You and Kammon aren¡¯t leaving. The Imperium has need of you, and you will do as you are asked.¡±


    Ember screeched, and Ezo felt another pull of magic. Not from Voth, though. Somewhere in the University, Kammon prepared for a fight.

 The Hunt for Kammon

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this,¡± Ezo said as he turned his back on Voth. Ember flew down the hallway, and Ezo watched as she veered left at the next intersection. He knew she wouldn¡¯t help anymore. She¡¯d disappeared to be at Kammon¡¯s side.


    ¡°You don¡¯t get a choice, spell-shade,¡± the War-Sworn said as the wind ripped around Ezo, trying to entangle him.


    Ezo never doubted his ability as an elementalist or his right to the title. He wasn¡¯t some charlatan, claiming powers he couldn¡¯t control to steal people¡¯s money. Voth didn¡¯t know the first thing about him.


    He responded with his own force, pushing the air back against the other elementalist and using it to shove him down the hall. ¡°I didn¡¯t come to the University, but I damned well earned my title. Have you, War-Sworn?¡±


    Voth scowled, but before he countered, Ezo pulled the stone floors up between them, creating a hole in the floor on the other side and blocking him from any further attempts Voth made.


    As much as Ezo wanted to put the War-Sworn in his place, he needed to find Kammon. If someone at the University were stupid enough to fight his lover, they wouldn¡¯t do it alone. Kammon might have the power to take on half the Imperium on his own, but he didn¡¯t have the stamina without Ezo.


    He ran down the hall in the direction Ember had gone, pushing people out of the way as he fought to get to Kammon quicker.


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    ¡°Ezo!¡± Voth screamed behind him. Ezo would have cursed if he didn¡¯t get distracted by the fresh burn marks on the stone on the wall.


    Ember had left him a trail.


    He turned down the hallway and was grateful it was devoid of people. He dashed to the next burn mark and kept going straight at the intersection.


    Kammon wasn¡¯t in a fight yet, but Ezo felt the power held tightly on Kammon¡¯s end. He nearly collided with a wall as he took a corner too fast.


    He was halfway down the hall when a gale ripped into him. He lost his footing and dropped hard onto his knees as the air turned against him.


    ¡°Damn it, I need to get to Kammon!¡± Ezo yelled as he reached for the air and fire around him. He released a blast of flames into the winds that Voth had tried to use against him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡± Voth called out as he raised a shield of air to protect himself.


    Ezo smiled as he looked at the other man. No one but Zera had seen him use magic to know he could wield more than one element. ¡°You think I¡¯m limited like you are?¡± Just for the hell of it, he created a whirlwind around the War-Sworn and fed his flames to it. ¡°I¡¯m not like you, and I never will be. And I have more important things to do than to stay here fighting you.¡±


    The other man¡¯s lips curled, and his eyes were cold as he glared at Ezo. Ezo couldn¡¯t keep the tempest going once he walked away, and there was no way to stop Voth from following him. He looked around and saw a large cabinet on the wall. He hoped there was nothing valuable in it because he used his magic to push it down and set it on fire. The flames took to the wood and blocked the hallway between Ezo and Voth. His whirlwind would die quickly, but it would take time for Voth to put out the blaze.


    Ezo ran down the corridor, back on the hunt for Kammon.

 Screwed

    Ezo wasn¡¯t a fan of running away. He¡¯d never been known to run from a fight, even when he was small enough that he should have. As much as he wanted to stand off against Voth, Kammon was his priority.


    Not that he¡¯d ever admit that to Kammon.


    He turned the next corner, where a burn mark branded his path, but ran into another person. This time, arms came up to steady him, though, and Ezo didn¡¯t need to look up to see it was Kammon.


    ¡°Ezo, are you all right?¡± he asked.


    His jaw was clenched tight, and Ezo could feel the tension where Kammon held him against his body. ¡°We have to get out of here.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Kammon started walking quickly, taking his pack from Ezo as he led the way, hopefully, to the exit.


    ¡°They¡¯re not going to let you leave, Kammon.¡±


    ¡°Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°I overheard it. After I grabbed our bags, one of the War-Sworn followed me and tried to stop me. He said the Imperium had orders, and we had to follow.¡±


    ¡°What happened then?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°We disagreed. Last I saw him, there was a fire between us, and I ran to find you. I could feel something happening.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°The Imperium wants me back in the field.¡±


    ¡°They had to know you wouldn¡¯t come back.¡±


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    ¡°They weren¡¯t planning to take no for an answer.¡±


    ¡°Kammon!¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Ezo said as he turned back to where Voth followed. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of chasing me?¡±


    ¡°What do you want, Voth?¡± Kammon demanded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything,¡± the soldier said. ¡°But I have orders.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t win this fight.¡± Kammon pulled the elements and Ezo felt it around him, the call of fire and air and water and earth.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have to win it. If I fall, someone else will come and take my place. How many of our brothers will you kill to get away, Harbinger?¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t my brother,¡± Ezo responded before Kammon could. ¡°And I don¡¯t give a damn what happens to you.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you won that fight, spell-shade?¡±


    ¡°I was running, not fighting. You¡¯ll know if I start fighting.¡± Ezo was tired of this. ¡°Kammon, let¡¯s go. We don¡¯t need to do this. We can just leave.¡±


    ¡°Can you?¡± Voth asked.


    A wall of air pulled up behind them. Ezo might have appreciated the stealth with which he built it, but it was between himself, Kammon, and their exit. He didn¡¯t bother with theatrics. He broke the wall as easily as he had redirected the gales of wind in the hall.


    Voth threw another wall at them, but Ezo tossed a barricade of earth between them. The gale broke the barrier down but destroyed itself in the attack. Voth¡¯s face was red, and Ezo could almost hear him snarling as he prepared for the next assault.


    ¡°He really doesn¡¯t like you, Ezo. I understand the feeling, but this is a bit much.¡±


    ¡°Ass.¡± Ezo spared Kammon a glance. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I keep you around.¡±


    Kammon smirked. ¡°I have a few ideas.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Ezo said as Voth¡¯s air circled him. ¡°I¡¯m done with this.¡± He didn¡¯t want to hurt anyone, but Voth made it clear he wouldn¡¯t give up this fight. Ezo brought his own magic up, stole the wind Voth was trying to build up, and pulled it around himself before redirecting it at the other man.


    It hit Voth from the side and knocked him hard against the wall. He crumpled to the floor and lay still.


    Kammon ran forward and checked on the War-Sworn. He looked at Ezo and nodded. ¡°He¡¯s out cold. He won¡¯t be bothering us for a while. Let¡¯s get out of here before someone else decides to see what all this magic use was about.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit too late for that, Kammon.¡± Imperator Zera turned the corner. Behind her were three elementalists and three War-Sworn.


    ¡°Well, fuck.¡±


    Ezo wasn¡¯t sure if he said it aloud or if it was Kammon, but one thing was certain. They were screwed.

 Ash and Blood

    ¡°So much for friendly intentions,¡± Ezo turned to glare at Kammon before he looked back at the Imperator. As much as he¡¯d like to give Kammon a piece of his mind right now, he held it back. Kammon was tense beside him in ways Ezo hadn¡¯t seen before.


    Not when they¡¯d gone into their first fight together, and not even when he found him in Tam¡¯s Flat, hiding from him at the northern end of Distria.


    ¡°Kammon, it doesn¡¯t have to become this,¡± Zera said. ¡°We can forgive the trespasses of your partner for defending you when he didn¡¯t understand the consequences. You know what you¡¯re doing here, though.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not War-Sworn. You have no right to him,¡± Ezo demanded. He didn¡¯t know what Kammon¡¯s history with Imperator Zera was, but she had no claim on him now.


    The Imperator smiled at Ezo, but there was nothing warm in her demeanor. ¡°Every elementalist that passes through these halls is ours to the last breath. Jacob knew that better than most. What was he teaching you?¡±


    ¡°Jacob taught him what it should mean to be an elementalist. Not the strings you attach to it here, Zera.¡±


    ¡°We aren¡¯t the enemy, Kammon. You know what the enemy looks like.¡±


    Kammon shook his head. ¡°There is no such thing as an enemy you can see. That¡¯s what your wars taught me. My enemies,¡± he sneered the word, ¡°come out of the woodwork when I least expect it.¡±


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    Ember landed on Ezo¡¯s shoulder then, her claws pressed into his flesh like pinpricks of heat.


    ¡°Your effigy,¡± Zera gasped as she stared at the hawk on Ezo¡¯s shoulder. Whatever else was happening, Ember¡¯s reaction to Ezo shook her. Ezo reached his right hand up to Ember¡¯s beak, lightly caressing her head with the back of his knuckles.


    When he touched her, he felt a call from her, something cajoling him to act on Kammon¡¯s behalf. And Ezo knew why. Kammon had spent years between the two Universities and then with the War-Sworn. Ezo couldn¡¯t feel Kammon¡¯s emotions, but he could tell his lover was hurting.


    ¡°She can be a bit cranky, but she can tell that I don¡¯t mean to harm Kammon,¡± Ezo answered Zera¡¯s unspoken question. ¡°Perhaps she¡¯d react fondly to you if she thought the same.¡±


    Her eyes opened wider, and her fists clenched to white knuckles at her side. ¡°You¡¯re bonded to him.¡± It was an accusation, and she ignored Ezo completely as she took a step closer to Kammon. ¡°Of all the choices you had-¡±


    ¡°Bonds aren¡¯t made because you want to tie someone down,¡± Kammon cut her off. ¡°Maybe if your concern had been about my health and not controlling me, you might have had a better chance.¡±


    ¡°Kammon, let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    ¡°Do you really think you can leave?¡± Zera demanded.


    ¡°Yes, we can,¡± Kammon answered.


    Ezo stepped a little closer to Kammon, letting him know that no matter how he played it out, Ezo would follow his lead.


    Imperator Zera changed tactics when she realized her threats wouldn¡¯t work with Kammon. Her next words were pleading. ¡°Kammon, don¡¯t make us turn you into a war criminal.¡±


    ¡°You already did that when you sent me into the last battle,¡± Kammon countered. ¡°I did as you asked for years. I took my oaths and fought your wars until I was soaked in ash and blood. It was only then that I learned to question. I can never make up for the deaths I caused, but I will never follow your orders again.¡±


    ¡°Not even with your bonded¡¯s head on the line?¡±

 Promises

    ¡°I can never make up for the deaths I caused, but I will never follow your orders again.¡±


    ¡°Not even with your bonded¡¯s head on the line?¡±


    The air in the hallway shimmered with the amount of magic that filled the space. The men and women behind the Imperator were putting on a show, and Ezo might be worried if it weren¡¯t for Kammon at his side.


    Ezo had seen Kammon¡¯s indifference.  He¡¯d seen him in the harsh reality of battle. He had never seen the pure, icy anger that seeped from him now. Ember shrieked on his shoulder, and Ezo had to check his impulse to cover his ears at the sound of it echoing in the hallways.


    ¡°Watch what you say, Zera,¡± Kammon said softly. ¡°If you think what I did on the battlefield is anything compared to what I would do to protect him-¡±


    ¡°Are we back to threats again, Kammon?¡±


    ¡°I warned you before. Now I¡¯ll make a promise. Let us go, and we¡¯ll forget this ever happened. Try to hurt Ezo though, and I¡¯ll bring the whole damn building down around your head.¡±


    ¡°Kammon, listen to yourself,¡± one of the War-Sworn stepped forward, and there was a familiarity to the way he looked at Kammon. ¡°You¡¯re going to tear down the University?¡± he asked. ¡°You used to believe that the greater good was more important than one man¡¯s wishes. We took our oaths and followed orders because no man should hold this kind of power alone.¡±


    It took a second, but Ezo recognized the voice from earlier. He was the one that wanted nothing to do with Kammon¡¯s forced servitude.


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    ¡°Andres, the words of a schoolboy have no place here,¡± Kammon corrected. ¡°We followed orders of men puffed up on the power we handed to them. What gave them the right to tell us to kill where they wanted? Who gave them the right to decide life and death from the safety of these halls?¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t the man I served with. He understood.¡±


    ¡°The man you served with committed atrocities,¡± Kammon spat back at him.


    ¡°Understand our position, Kammon. Elementalists serve the people, and we direct it as best we can to ensure the country is well protected. If we can¡¯t control where your power is directed, who will?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child who needs you to lead me by the hand. I know damn well enough who needs help and who doesn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°If we can¡¯t control where you use your power, Kammon, there is only one other option.¡±


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°If we can¡¯t control you, then we need to make sure no one does. If you won¡¯t return to service, we will be forced to keep you here until you do.¡±


    ¡°You mean to keep me in captivity?¡± Kammon asked, ridicule ripe in his voice.


    ¡°Yes, we will.¡±


    ¡°Try it.¡± The words spilled from Ezo¡¯s lips before he realized he was speaking. Ember took off from his shoulder and disappeared, but he knew she was waiting for the right time and place to reappear.


    The War-Sworn and elementalists with the Imperator had already pulled what magic they could to them, and this time Ezo did the same. Power rippled out around them, and he felt Kammon¡¯s hand settle lightly against the nape of his neck.


    They didn¡¯t need physical touch to join their magic any longer, but that moment grounded him.


    He felt something building behind them, but he didn¡¯t bother looking back at the vortex thrown at them. It dissipated before it could reach them, a small motion of Kammon¡¯s hand to show he¡¯d done the deed himself.


    A pipe burst from the wall before them, water spilling into the hall, and as it spread onto the floor someone stirred air into it, creating a maelstrom.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t want this, Kammon,¡± Zera said.


    ¡°Neither did we,¡± Kammon answered.


    Ezo smiled, though, as he took the water from their grasp and redirected it. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Kammon,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m kinda looking forward to it now.¡±

 Protectors

    Everything about this trip had been eating at Ezo¡¯s nerves, from the men who came to tell them they needed to report to the Imperium, to how they spoke to Kammon. They had no idea who Kammon was, of the pain he carried for what he¡¯d done in their name, and for walking away when he did. Because Kammon was loyal and good, and no matter how horrible things were, Ezo knew Kammon had hated leaving the War-Sworn.


    Listening to them try to belittle his deeds and then besmirch his honor was unforgivable.


    Imperator Zera opened her mouth to speak, but Kammon cut her off. ¡°There is no more to say, Zera. I thought you were a friend. I¡¯m sad it ends this way.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll have plenty of time to get to know each other again once this is over, Kammon,¡± she said with a self-assured smile that Ezo wanted to smack off her face.


    There was no warning for them when Kammon struck. One moment he was looking sadly at the Imperator, and the next, the hallway blazed with flame. They all jumped backward, falling over one another to avoid the whiplash of fire that Kammon skillfully directed at them.


    ¡°I hate it when you¡¯re this impressive,¡± Ezo complained even as he drew the elements to himself and followed the chaos of their motions by ripping the ground under their feet, causing those still on two legs to fall with the rest.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it,¡± Kammon promised as they started to back away from the others and head towards the University''s front door.


    ¡°Stop where you are!¡± Voth was still behind them, and Ezo used their combined strength to throw a bolt of air at him. It hit him mid-chest, and he fell to his knees, unable to keep his footing.


    Kammon grabbed Ezo¡¯s hand and pulled him down a hallway away from the others, then broke into a run. ¡°We need to get out of here before they send the whole school after us.¡±


    The others weren¡¯t following, and Ezo was about to mention it when Kammon stopped inside the doorway. ¡°I¡¯m sorry this happened, Ezo. I know you wanted to find answers here.¡±


    Ezo smirked. ¡°I got better books at home anyway.¡±


    Kammon laughed softly, but then he turned serious again. ¡°Are you ready? They haven¡¯t followed us, so that means they¡¯re waiting outside.¡±


    Ezo grabbed Kammon by the collar of his jacket and pressed their lips together in a quick kiss. ¡°Now I¡¯m ready.¡±


    Kammon opened the front door, and nothing happened at first. The street in front of the University was empty, though. A few horses were still tied out front, not yet stabled. It gave Ezo an idea, but he didn¡¯t have time to voice it.


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    ¡°Kammon Harbinger,¡± Imperator Zera¡¯s voice boomed through the dusty street and bounced around the walls, making it hard to locate her. ¡°You have been ordered to stand down. Since you will not come peacefully, we will bring you home to us by any force necessary.¡±


    Ezo felt the flame moving toward them before he saw it, and he placed a wall of air around them, much as he had when they had to fight their way out of Pramas. He could feel the three War-Sworn on the rooftops, looking down at them, ready to unleash their magic. He didn¡¯t know what they planned, but they still underestimated him. They thought Kammon was the only one to worry about, and as the first few volleys came at them, they all focused on his lover.


    Nothing was getting through Ezo¡¯s shield, though the elementalists threw everything they could at them. Ezo continued to block it, and Kammon attacked. He wasn¡¯t trying to kill anyone, and Ezo might appreciate that if he wasn¡¯t sure the elementalists weren¡¯t being as kind.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Ezo mumbled, pushing back another wave of earth that tried to warp the street beneath their feet. ¡°What are you guys waiting on?¡± The War-Sworn on the roof were far more concerning than the elementalists in front of them.


    He could see Kammon¡¯s eyes returning to the rooftops as well.


    The first elementalist began to tire, and Ezo didn¡¯t hesitate to strike him with a fist of earth, leaving him unconscious on the ground in front of them. A second stumbled, and Kammon lashed out again with the fire whip, and the man stumbled back into a doorway where he could hide.


    Ezo could feel the exhaustion beginning to pull at Kammon, but that¡¯s what made them work so well. Kammon had the experience, and Ezo had the brute stamina to get them through anything. He spared a moment to look at Kammon, but his lover was too busy with the attacks to notice. His lips were pulled tight, and Ezo would never wish to be on the other side of that glare.


    Ember shrieked from above, and that was all the warning Ezo had as all three of the War-Sworn began their attack. They weren¡¯t bonded like Ezo and Kammon, but he could feel a loose field-bond around them. They were increasing their strength and joining together, hoping to fight Kammon that way.


    Fire rained down on the street from above, and Ezo felt Kammon go still beside him. Fire bombarding them from above and elementalists tried to kill them from the street. And Kammon froze.


    ¡°Kammon!¡± he screamed, but Kammon didn¡¯t respond. Even when he grabbed his arm, his lover stared up at the fire lighting the sky around them. The only thing Ezo could do was pull his shield tighter to keep the flames off them.


    Ember screamed to get through the barrier, but he couldn¡¯t let it go even for that. He felt her need again, felt the fire that was trying to bury them, and he screamed back in response. There were no words, but power flowed through him, water and air and earth to combat the flames that tried to destroy them. His own lash of fire caught the others with less grace or forgiveness than Kammon¡¯s. Ezo struck in fear and anger and to protect the only damn thing that mattered to him.


    He felt Kammon at his side then, his lover returning to him, but Ezo was too far gone to hear his words. Power raced through his veins and followed the only thought that filled his head.


    He had to protect Kammon. He would never let them have him. Kammon was his.


    He would protect the one thing in this world that he loved.

 Sleep

    Everything was dark.


    Ezo didn¡¯t remember why, but as he tried to open his eyes, his body ached and his head pounded. He groaned, trying to vocalize how miserable he felt. What had he been drinking last night?


    ¡°Ezo?¡±


    Kammon called his name, gentle in a way that it never was. Fear had crept into his voice, and Ezo wanted to look at Kammon to understand where he was, but he didn¡¯t have the strength.


    ¡°Kammon?¡± It took a minute, but he managed to lick his lips wet enough to call his lover.


    ¡°Ezo, how are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°Were we drinking last night? Something worse than drinking because my worst hangover was never this bad.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the last thing you remember?¡±


    A cool glass was brought to his lips before he could answer, though, and he accepted it, drinking as much as Kammon would allow. He pulled the cup away, and Ezo grimaced. ¡°Leria powder? That tastes disgusting.¡±


    ¡°Necessary,¡± Kammon said. ¡°What is the last thing you remember?¡±


    He remembered the ride into Desra. They¡¯d gone to the University. They¡¯d¡­ he sat up quickly but had to clutch his head as pain ripped through his entire body.


    ¡°Ezo! Stay down. You aren¡¯t in any shape to get up.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Ezo demanded.


    ¡°Please, lie down, and I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±


    Ezo finally opened his eyes and saw Kammon. He looked a little rougher than usual, but it was all superficial. He didn¡¯t feel him out through the bond. As much as his head hurt right now, he had no desire to make it worse by attempting magic.


    Strong hands helped him lay down again, but this time Ezo could see a little of the room he was in. An inn or tavern somewhere, from the looks of it. It was dark out, and there was only a single candle lit. A plate of half-eaten food sat on the table across from the bed. He¡¯d have to make sure Kammon was eating later.


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    ¡°Happy? Now, what happened?¡±


    Kammon sat at the edge of the bed and brought out a bowl with a rag in it. He wrung it out and wiped Ezo¡¯s face. He might complain about being babied, but the cool water felt too good. So did the soothing hands that administered it, but he would keep that to himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what to say.¡±


    Ezo tried to protest, but Kammon stopped him. ¡°Ezo, it¡¯s nothing I¡¯ve seen before. What happened to you¡­¡± he leaned forward, and Ezo could see the concern on his face. ¡°It is still you in there, right?¡±


    ¡°Stop being a pain in the ass and tell me already,¡± he said, though his tone was far more gentle than he¡¯d intended.


    Kammon laughed softly. ¡°Guess so.¡±


    He sat up then, and Ezo waited as Kammon collected himself.


    ¡°They sent a firestorm down on us. It was meant to rattle me. And it did. I ¡­ I was lost, and when I came back to myself ¡­ you were holding so much power, Ezo. I don¡¯t know how you survived it. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it. You brought the walls of the University down around them. You weren¡¯t coherent after, but I was able to get us on a horse and get out of there. You passed out soon after, though.¡±


    He didn¡¯t remember it. He did remember Kammon¡¯s reaction to the fire, but nothing else.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about you,¡± Kammon pushed Ezo¡¯s concern away. ¡°We¡¯ve been here for three days. You woke up a few times, but you always slid back into unconsciousness before I could talk to you.¡±


    ¡°That explains why I feel awful.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid there is still a lot of leria powder in your near future,¡± Kammon said with a grimace. ¡°I¡¯d take you to Tam¡¯s Flat, but my connection to them is too well known. We have to stay out of sight for a while. They wanted me before we showed up at the University. Now they¡¯ll want both of us.¡±


    ¡°I have a place we can go,¡± Ezo said. ¡°I found it after we separated, but I didn¡¯t get to tell you about it yet. I want to go to Fairhills first, though. I want to find Jacob¡¯s journal. There is nothing left of my village so I doubt they¡¯d look there. If Jacob hid his journals, I need to find them.¡±


    ¡°Rest. That¡¯s what you need. After you¡¯re feeling better, we¡¯ll talk about that.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Ezo said as he closed his eyes. Exhaustion pulled at him again. Kammon pushed him around on the bed, and when Ezo opened his eyes, he realized Kammon was lying down with him. He wrapped Ezo in his arms, and Ezo relaxed.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I led us into that, Ezo.¡±


    Ezo wrapped his hand around Kammon¡¯s back and set his head to rest on the other man¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It would take a lot more than that to take me from you.¡±


    He felt the press of lips against his forehead, and Ezo fell into troubled dreams.

 This...Together Thing

    Ezo had never been good at being sick. He hated to be still, and whenever he came down with a bug, his parents refused to let him out of bed. They would tell stories about how much he¡¯d worried them when he was younger and how their job was to protect and look after him.


    When they died, and Jacob came to care for him, his uncle would threaten to cut off his other hand if he left his bed. At least Jacob allowed him to read when he was sick, though. So long as Ezo was in his room and quiet, Jacob would let him get away with almost anything.


    Ezo didn¡¯t know if he¡¯d ever been sick enough for the smothering that Kammon was subjecting him to. They only had one horse, so they rode together, with Kammon wrapping Ezo in his arms as they went. That might not be so bad if Kammon didn¡¯t mumble apologies every time the horse stepped a little lively.


    Or if they hadn¡¯t been traveling at such a crawling pace.


    Or if Kammon didn¡¯t stop their travels early each night to force him to bed. Even then, he might have enjoyed it if Kammon didn¡¯t insist he needed to rest and refused to join him.


    They should be covering ground quicker, but Kammon ignored his concerns about the Imperium coming after them.


    It was still light out when they stopped for the day. There were hours left to ride, but Kammon refused to let Ezo sleep under the stars. It was ridiculous, but Ezo just slid off the horse and let Kammon handle the details as he slumped into a booth at the back of the inn.


    Kammon took their things to their room, then joined him as the innkeeper dropped off two plates.


    ¡°What, no Leria powder today?¡± he asked as he drank his ale.


    Kammon frowned. ¡°When we go up to the room. It¡¯s probably best if we don¡¯t draw attention to being elementalists right now.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the first stop they¡¯d made where the villagers didn¡¯t like elementalists, but Kammon never seemed to care what people thought about him. Why this small village bothered him was a mystery to Ezo. He was too tired to ask about it, though.


    He hated to admit it. Kammon was already stopping early. If Ezo admitted to any weakness, the man would likely stop them in some quiet little inn and never leave.


    Ezo pushed around the food on his plate, thinking miserably about the awful Leria powder that was to come. At least if he drank it before dinner, he could drown the taste out after the fact with the thick gravy.


    ¡°You need to eat,¡± Kammon chided.


    He looked at Kammon, speared a piece of potato with his fork, and mechanically brought it to his mouth, chomping on it childishly. Kammon frowned, but didn¡¯t say anything. He was busy tracing patterns with his own food.


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    Ezo tossed his fork on the table and stood. ¡°This is ridiculous. I¡¯m done.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know which room was theirs, but practicality had never stopped him from making a good exit, and he needed to get away from Kammon. Instead of going to rest as he¡¯d intended, he stomped out of the Inn. The sun was starting to descend now, and Ezo shook his head as he walked through town. He passed a few promising shops, but didn¡¯t go in.


    He paused in front of a store and noticed a gray shawl around a woman¡¯s shoulders. It struck him suddenly that he hadn¡¯t seen Kammon¡¯s jacket in a few days. Since he woke, actually. Kammon had worn it every day Ezo had known him, but now it was absent.


    He¡¯d thought about asking him to replace it when they left the University, but it looked like he¡¯d taken care of that already.


    It meant something, and Ezo hadn¡¯t even noticed.


    ¡°Ezo?¡±


    Of course, Kammon had followed him out. Ezo knew he would. He was still surprised to hear his voice, though. Ezo turned around and looked at Kammon. He wore the same gray pants and white shirt he¡¯d always worn, but the jacket was gone, as was his red cloak. They¡¯d been replaced with a green cloak that was gracefully draped over his shoulders.


    Ezo stepped closer and dropped his forehead to Kammon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered. He wasn¡¯t sure what he was even apologizing for. His bad mood? His abrupt departure? His childish temper? That Kammon had bought a new cloak so he didn¡¯t have to wear his old one?


    That one of the few people he¡¯d trusted had betrayed him and tried to force him back into servitude?


    Ezo¡¯s focus on his own recovery had made him blind to what Kammon had to be going through.


    Kammon¡¯s arms pulled him closer. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to the Inn.¡± Kammon pulled him along the street and up the stairs to their room.


    ¡°What the hell is going on with you?¡± Kammon asked as the door closed behind him.


    His voice was still too smooth, though, too gentle for them. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°You¡¯re putting yourself in danger. We should move as fast as possible, staying out of villages to avoid anyone noticing us. But you¡¯re stopping early and leaving a clear trail for anyone who comes looking for you.¡±


    ¡°As soon as you¡¯re-¡±


    ¡°What? Healed? I¡¯m not sick, Kammon! I¡¯m exhausted, but nothing but my magic is affected. My body can handle this!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what it was like,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Watching you drop to the ground! Seeing so much power pull through you! Everything was in chaos, and all I could think to do was run. Ember herded a horse to me, and I threw you on it and took off. When I stopped that night, you wouldn¡¯t wake up. And your hand¡­¡±


    Ezo straightened his back because Kammon never talked about his hand. ¡°What about my hand?¡±


    ¡°It was gone. You created it with magic, and I feared,¡± Kammon crossed the room and sat on the bed. Ezo waited for him to continue. ¡°I feared you had burned yourself out protecting me while I was incapacitated.¡±


    ¡°Kammon¡­¡±


    ¡°It didn¡¯t come back until the morning you woke. I watched you for three days, afraid that the elements were no longer yours.¡±


    Ezo closed the distance between them and dropped to his knees before Kammon. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Ezo whispered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry all of this happened to you. I know you were close to Zera once.¡± He touched the cloak. ¡°And I know it meant something to you to wear something of that uniform, even if you no longer wore the true one. Maybe you would have found another way out if I hadn''t been there.¡±


    ¡°And maybe they would have taken me when I exhausted myself. I would have fought either way. At least we got out together.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you want?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°This¡­ together thing?¡±


    Kammon gave him a half smile. ¡°Yeah,¡± he said as he brushed his lips over Ezo¡¯s. ¡°I kinda like this¡­ together thing.¡±

 A Friend of Fairhills

    The sun was setting over the hillside when Ezo realized it was time to stop. After their last fight, Kammon had stopped his ridiculous behavior and began avoiding villages and towns. As much as Ezo wanted to push ahead tonight, he knew it was too late. They were less than a day¡¯s ride from the flooded valley of Fairhills.


    ¡°This is as far as we should go,¡± Ezo admitted. The trees on either side of the road opened a mile down and fed into the village of Fall Vale.


    Kammon pulled the horse to a stop. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to push on?¡±


    Ezo shook his head. ¡°If we rode on, we¡¯d arrive in the middle of the night, and I wouldn¡¯t be able to look around. Besides, I could use a break from riding.¡±


    It was as close to saying he was tired as he would get. Kammon understood, though, and when he dismounted, he didn¡¯t say anything about it. He helped Ezo down and walked off to find a good spot for their camp.


    As Ezo waited, he heard a horse pulling a wagon. It wasn¡¯t far out, and Ezo stood back off the path, waiting for them to pass him by. Ember let out a sharp screech, warning Kammon about the travelers. Ezo kept his eyes down, aware that too many people saw someone on the side of the road as a danger. He noticed the two staring at him and whispering between themselves, but he didn¡¯t look up to see their faces.


    He didn¡¯t like the attention they were paying him.


    ¡°Ezo?¡±


    His head jerked up as a woman called his name.


    ¡°It is you!¡± she said as the wagon stopped. She scrambled down and hurried over to him.


    She stood in front of him before he recognized her. ¡°Hatley?¡±


    ¡°Why, boy, what are you doing out here?¡±


    He laughed. ¡°Looking for a spot to rest for the night. What are you doing here?¡± Her husband had died in the flooding, trying to shore up the upper banks before the mudslide had washed it all out.


    ¡°My daughters and I settled in Fall Vale. Come on, then. I won¡¯t leave you out here. I¡¯ve got a spare room, and you need a good bed. And a good meal, I can see.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to impose,¡± he said. ¡°And I¡¯m traveling with a friend.¡±


    ¡°Well, a Fairhills friend is always welcome under my roof.¡±


    ¡°Ezo?¡±


    Kammon didn¡¯t sound worried, which meant he¡¯d been listening long enough to hear who she was.


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    ¡°Kammon, this is Hatley. She lived in Fairhills before the flood. She offered us a bed for the night.¡±


    ¡°Most people run when they hear my name. You must be brave to welcome the Calamity to your home.¡±


    Ezo wanted to shut him up, but there was no way around it. Kammon liked to punish himself for his deeds and expected Hatley to make some excuse for why they couldn¡¯t come now. Ezo smiled because Kammon didn¡¯t know Hatley.


    ¡°The Calamity! Well, you should have some interesting stories to tell. Come get in the back, Ezo. Looks like I could knock you down with a swat of my fan,¡± she said as she took his arm and led him to the back of the wagon.


    ¡°They used to say awful things about Jacob too,¡± Hatley told him. ¡°Tried to make us think ill of our own. I knew that boy when he was just a twig of a thing. I don¡¯t need magic to see a liar, and I¡¯m sure there is more to you, Calamity.¡±


    She was back in the wagon¡¯s seat, and Ezo recognized her oldest daughter¡¯s husband driving it. He crawled into the wagon bed and smiled at Kammon as they started moving. Kammon walked the horse behind it, staying close to Ezo.


    ¡°How well do you know her?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Fairhills was small. We were all in each other¡¯s business. Her oldest daughter married and moved to Fall Vale before the flood. I should have guessed she¡¯d moved there with her.¡±


    ¡°Is it safe to stay with her for the night?¡±


    Ezo smiled. ¡°I think if the University showed up with a hundred elementalists, they¡¯d be afraid of her frying pan before the fight was out.¡±


    ###


    ¡°Are you really going to Fairhills?¡±


    Ezo was standing on the back porch of the Hatley farm, watching the stars after dinner. Hatley¡¯s youngest daughter, Delly, walked quietly from the house to stand by him.


    ¡°I need to go home,¡± Ezo said. ¡°I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d ever return, but some things just have to be.¡±


    ¡°Too many people blamed you for not being able to save the village. I¡¯m sorry you left before they realized they were wrong.¡±


    Ezo didn¡¯t like to dwell on it. In fact, he did his best to avoid all thought of it. He was mostly successful, but some nights, he still heard their voices, railing at him for letting the village drown. Saying he blamed them for the deaths of his family so he destroyed it all.


    ¡°They were hurting. I understand.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t. You should be angry. I would be.¡±


    ¡°Anger wouldn¡¯t do any of us any good. It was best for me to go. I needed to explore the world. I still need to. Jacob taught me to be a force of change in people¡¯s lives. I can do that now.¡±


    ¡°Mom wouldn¡¯t mind having an elementalist around if you wanted to stay,¡± Delly suggested.


    He smiled. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to sit still, yet. Besides, I don¡¯t think anyone would know what to do with Kammon farming.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ rather ¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, he is,¡± Ezo said with a smile.


    ¡°You two are¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, we are,¡± Kammon said from the doorway. Ezo would have smirked at him if it wouldn¡¯t have hurt Delly¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go see about your bed,¡± she said, dashing into the house.


    ¡°You scared her,¡± Ezo said.


    ¡°Just making sure she didn¡¯t get any ideas.¡± Kammon stood next to Ezo and looked up at the sky. ¡°Hatley suggested we go to the village past Fairhills. She said a friend of Jacob¡¯s came looking for you about a year ago.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Remec.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d traveled with Jacob after he came back to Fairhills to raise me. He was gone when the floods came. Jacob trusted him. It might be worth finding him after Fairhills.¡±


    ¡°So long as no one tells the Imperium we¡¯re here, we should have time to head to the next village. And then figure out where we¡¯re going from there.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, Mom said your room is ready.¡±


    Delly popped back inside, and Kammon gently knocked into Ezo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s get some sleep.¡±


    Ezo let Kammon herd him back to the small bedroom they were sharing for the night. Before the moon could grow more prominent in the night sky, he was asleep and fending off nightmares of chaotic escapes from rivers of mud and drowned cities.

 The Drowned Village

    The journey through the valley had been quiet. Far too quiet for the amount of chatter that Kammon had become used to from his companion. Ezo was intelligent and infuriating, but never silent. Kammon wanted to reassure him as they grew closer to the valley, but there was nothing he could say to stop the weight of the loss he saw growing heavier on Ezo¡¯s shoulders.


    They¡¯d been on the slowly inclining road for half a day as they rode towards Fair Hills. A thick stretch of trees hid a roaring river from them for most of the ride. As they crested the rise and looked up into the valley, it came out from behind the foliage and ran alongside the road until it met a large lake at the southwest corner.


    Kammon expected to see people traveling through the valley, but no one was on the road. They¡¯d passed a few abandoned buildings, but no homes lined the thoroughfare. Ezo had said a flood wiped out his village, but there was no sign of that destruction here. There was only a peaceful lake and vast fields of wildflowers on either side.


    Ezo led the way, but didn¡¯t pull their horse to a stop until they reached the lake¡¯s edge. The lake waters were crystal clear, and it was only then that Kammon understood the full extent of the words Ezo had always spoken.


    ¡°Ezo¡­¡± he didn¡¯t know what else to say. Though the lake was deep, the waters were so clear he could see the destruction that still haunted Ezo. Beneath the water¡¯s surface, he could see the hint of rooftops that had once been the village of Fairhills.


    ¡°The waters receded a bit after I left, but not enough to matter much,¡± Ezo whispered. ¡°I tried.¡± He pointed to the valley''s north end, where the river cut through the rocky terrain. ¡°This whole area is riddled with caverns. When the dams they¡¯d built below Mountain View gave way, this area couldn¡¯t take the stress. The water flooded, and the caverns beneath the city collapsed. The whole thing sunk, and the water rushed in to fill the void.¡±


    ¡°No one could have stopped that, Ezo.¡± Kammon wrapped his arms a little tighter around Ezo¡¯s waist.


    ¡°After, people said I didn¡¯t try to stop it. That I made the village collapse because I blamed them for the death of my family. I think they were just scared. They needed someone to blame.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, you know this isn¡¯t something you could have stopped.¡±


    Ezo leaned back against him, but he was too still. ¡°Could you have?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯d been here, could you have stopped it?¡±


    ¡°If it happened right now, with the two of us bound and working together, we still couldn¡¯t stop it. We use the powers of nature to create magic, Ezo, not to stop it.¡±


    Ezo¡¯s head lowered, and Kammon wasn¡¯t sure what else to say to him. He knew the valley had been home to a thriving village. A large series of farming fields lined one side of the river and pasture grounds were on the other. Now, nothing but wildflowers and tall grasses grew.


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    Kammon got off the horse and watched Ezo do the same. He hung the horse¡¯s reins over its neck and let it wander.


    Ezo sat at the lake¡¯s edge, and Kammon folded himself up to sit beside him.


    ¡°When I left,¡± Ezo grabbed a few rocks from the ground and shuffled them from one hand to the other. ¡°When I left, the water was still muddy. You couldn¡¯t see anything. I don¡¯t know what I expected to find here. How could anything of Jacob¡¯s have survived this?¡±


    Kammon was far more used to cajoling Ezo than comforting him, but he sat with him in silence. There was an eerie calm on the valley. Life had repopulated the area after the flooding, but it felt unsettling sitting next to the drowned village.


    Kammon saw motion at the other edge of the valley and watched as a figure grew closer. He didn¡¯t say anything to Ezo, who was caught up in his memories.


    ¡°They call it the Ghost Hills now,¡± the man said as he stopped his horse a few feet away. Ezo startled at the words, but Kammon waited.


    ¡°People won¡¯t travel at night through the valley. They say the spirits of the dead rise at nightfall, taunting the living.¡±


    ¡°How long have you been peddling that sort of rumor?¡± Ezo asked as he stood up. He offered his arm to the stranger, who reached down and clasped arms with Ezo.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t figure you¡¯d heard the superstition surrounding it yet,¡± the man said. He got off his horse and looked around the valley. ¡°The fog rolls in early here, and it lingers. People swear they see things in it. Hear things.¡±


    ¡°Grief can do strange things to people,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°Remec of lost Fair Hills,¡± the man introduced himself.


    ¡°Kammon.¡±


    Remec¡¯s eyes widened as he recognized Kammon¡¯s name. He could feel that the man wasn¡¯t an elementalist, but that didn¡¯t mean he wasn¡¯t dangerous. Kammon stepped closer, making sure he was a better target than Ezo.


    ¡°Remec was a friend of Jacob¡¯s,¡± Ezo said. ¡°When did you return to Fair Hills?¡±


    ¡°Not soon enough,¡± he confessed. ¡°I came home to find the valley flooded and a new lake where Jacob¡¯s home had been. You¡¯d been gone almost a year when I arrived.¡±


    ¡°You were lucky to be away,¡± Ezo said. ¡°There wasn¡¯t anything we could do to save it.¡±


    Ezo meant the words to comfort Remec, but Kammon knew Ezo still doubted himself. He understood better now, why Ezo had been so determined to save Mason Creek the night they¡¯d met. Considering what he¡¯d done then for a village he was just passing through, Kammon knew Ezo had done everything in his considerable power to protect his home.


    ¡°Where are you heading?¡± Kammon asked Remec. He didn¡¯t like coincidences, and Jacob¡¯s friend showing up while they were at the drowned village was too big of one to discount.


    ¡°I came to find Ezo. One of the villagers got word to me that he was seen passing this way. Jacob left something in my care, something to bring to you in case of his passing. I¡¯m sorry for your loss, Ezo. I wasn¡¯t around when Jacob died and I know how close the two of you were.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Ezo said. ¡°You know he kept a lot from me.¡±


    ¡°I hope this helps that wound,¡± Remec said. He walked to his horse and pulled something out of his saddlebag. ¡°I¡¯ve kept it close through all my travels, like he asked me to. It was always meant for you.¡±


    He handed the package to Ezo who unwrapped the fabric to reveal a leather journal.


    Kammon would have strangled Jacob if he were still alive for the chase he¡¯d led his nephew on. Ezo was strong and capable. Why hide so much from him? And why hide him away in this small valley when Ezo was meant to be something so much more than a local elementalist?


    Ezo looked at him. His eyes which had been brimming with a lingering sadness moments before, were suddenly filled with hope.


    ¡°This could be just what I was looking for,¡± Ezo said.


    Kammon could only nod as Ezo ran a reverent hand over the book. He wasn¡¯t surprised when his lover dropped back to the ground and opened the book to read. Kammon watched as Remec sat next to him.


    Kammon didn¡¯t know what Ezo would find in Jacob¡¯s written word, but he hoped it was the explanation Ezo sought. He deserved more from this journey than the sad recollections of a drowned village.

 Student and Teacher

    The handmade pages of Jacob¡¯s journal were soft under Ezo¡¯s touch, and he ran his fingers lightly over the lettering. He knew Jacob¡¯s handwriting, bold and dark with little flourish. He was almost afraid to turn the pages to see what message Jacob had left him.


    Remec sat beside him on the shore of the new lake, and Ezo looked at him. ¡°Why did he leave it with you?¡±


    ¡°You were young when he started keeping the journal. Jacob was very secretive about certain things and feared he couldn¡¯t explain them to you. He said...¡± He stopped and glanced at Kammon.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about what you say in front of Kammon.¡± Ezo reassured him.


    ¡°You want me to trust the Calamity with your uncle¡¯s secrets?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± His voice was tinged with annoyance as he had to face off against Kammon¡¯s reputation once again. Remec stared at Ezo a moment before he nodded. Ezo didn¡¯t care if Remec trusted Kammon. Ezo did, and he¡¯d give Kammon the journal to read when he was done either way. Kammon had also known Jacob and probably understood the questions Ezo had better than anyone.


    ¡°Jacob thought the Imperium had sent people to watch him. Jacob and I had been friends since childhood. I wasn¡¯t an elementalist, but we shared some of the same adventures. He trusted me to get his writings to you. That journal is just the first. He left clues in there so you could find the others.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what he was hiding?¡±


    ¡°Some of it, but knowing what and where are two different topics.¡±


    ¡°Kammon!¡± a new voice filled the valley.


    Kammon¡¯s flames formed a barrier around them as a blade of wind descended. Ezo wrapped the book to protect it as he turned to face their attacker.


    ¡°Voth! Why are you hunting us?¡± Kammon demanded.


    The War-Sworn approached on horseback, but now that Kammon had called him out, Voth wasn¡¯t trying to be stealthy.


    ¡°Did you think the Imperium wouldn¡¯t chase you down?¡±


    ¡°Of course they¡¯ll try, but I asked why you are chasing me?¡± Kammon clarified.


    Ezo didn¡¯t realize Kammon and Voth knew each other, but it was apparent now.


    ¡°Because I have the right to. You owe me an explanation, Kammon. You were my teacher at the University, but you hoarded your knowledge instead of sharing it. I want to know why!¡±


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    ¡°I taught you everything I could,¡± Kammon said. ¡°I wasn¡¯t holding anything back, Voth.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit! I¡¯ve seen it! You wield all the elements, Kammon! And so does the spell-shade!¡±


    ¡°A spell-shade, is he?¡± Kammon laughed. ¡°He¡¯s proved to be far more than that.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just a wild user, and you shared your secrets with him.¡±


    Ezo felt the build-up of air around Voth, and he stepped closer to Remec to protect his uncle¡¯s friend.


    ¡°Why?¡± Voth screamed. ¡°Why does he deserve that teaching but not me?¡± He sent a blunt stream of air directly at Kammon. Kammon brought a wall of earth between them but didn¡¯t press the attack. He was far stronger than Voth, even without Ezo, but he held off.


    ¡°Voth, whatever else you think, Ezo was a master of the elements before I met him. We travel together as companions, not as a student and teacher.¡±


    ¡°Why are you lying?¡± Voth demanded.


    ¡°You think I need Kammon to teach me how to work the elements?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°Maybe he was your teacher, but I was already in the world trying to make things better when I met Kammon. Maybe you should try it sometime, getting out of those stone walls and helping people!¡±


    Men like Voth had decided not to come to Fair Hills and help drain the water to save the town. They refused the call for aid to help rebuild.


    They stayed in their halls and passed judgment on others while people suffered.


    ¡°Ezo,¡± Kammon whispered his name, and only then did he realize he¡¯d wrapped himself in the elements; air, water, earth, and fire all circled.


    ¡°You have no idea what we do for the people!¡± Voth screamed at Ezo.


    It was too much for Ezo, and when Voth tried to direct an arrow of air at him, Ezo threw a block of earth back at the War-Sworn. He didn¡¯t stop when the arrow dissipated, though. He pushed it on until Voth was tossed from his horse. The horse bolted away, and Ezo kept going. He hit Voth with stones and rippled the ground at his feet, making him lose his footing.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Kammon shouted.


    Ezo only stopped when Kammon neutralized the War-Sworn by wrapping an air bubble around him. Kammon pulled all the air from it, leaving Voth gasping. When he fell to the ground, unconscious, Kammon let him go.


    ¡°We need to get out of here, Ezo. I won¡¯t kill him, but even without orders, Voth is stubborn.¡±


    ¡°What did you do to him when he was your student?¡± Ezo asked.


    Kammon built an earthen structure around Voth. Eventually, he could escape, but it would take him a day or two. Ezo approved.


    ¡°I told you I was a terrible teacher,¡± Kammon answered. ¡°Voth thought he was my equal, though, and that stories of my abilities were exaggerated. It was before they sent me to the front to fight. I was as arrogant as he was. I taunted him often, but unlike you, he could never keep up with me.¡±


    ¡°Why did they let you teach?¡± Remec asked.


    ¡°To become an elementalist at the University, you have to prove your mastery of the elements by teaching others. As bad as I was, they only sent me the students they had little hope in or wanted to scare away from the University.¡±


    ¡°You missed one,¡± Ezo commented. Ember appeared in the sky above them and swooped down, herding their horse back to Ezo. ¡°You¡¯re right, though. We need to get out of here.¡±


    ¡°You can come with me. I live outside Mountain View, and very few know the way to my home. We should be safe for the night, at least. I assume you want to look at that journal before leaving the area completely.¡±


    Ezo nodded, then looked back at Kammon.


    Kammon inclined his head toward Remec. ¡°We gladly accept. Lead the way.¡±

 Time to Find Out

    ¡°I know this trail.¡± Ezo had been getting that familiar feeling as they rode out of the valley and toward Mountain View, but there was no questioning it now.


    ¡°Jacob brought you to my house before,¡± Remec said. They were riding side by side through the pass.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. He brought me up here once to show me a cave that was hidden away from the known trails.¡±


    Remec frowned. ¡°He didn¡¯t mention it to me. But then, Jacob would disappear for days on end. He traveled often, I think, to come to terms with his split from the Imperium. Whatever made him walk away caused him a lot of pain. Sometimes, he needed the solitude. But Jacob was always someone that needed to move.¡± He smiled as he talked about Jacob. ¡°As a child, he was constantly on the run and never grew out of it.¡±


    ¡°You knew him as a child?¡± Kammon asked though Ezo recognized it wasn¡¯t a question but an opening to get Remec to continue speaking.


    ¡°We were inseparable when we were younger. When the Imperium found him and took him to the University at Malla City, I went with him. I took whatever work I could to be there with him. Eventually, I settled into an apprenticeship as an apothecary and learned the trade. And he became War-Sworn. We fought over it, but Jacob couldn¡¯t be swayed.  They sent him away, and there was no way for me to follow. I didn¡¯t see him for years after that.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t want him to become War-Sworn?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°No offense, but what happened to you is exactly why I didn¡¯t want him to leave. You weren¡¯t the first War-Sworn they pushed into battle and used to sell the war to the people of Distria. How long did it take for your name to become synonymous with Blood-craft? A year at the front? More like a month. Stories of what you did were legendary as soon as they happened. Jacob could have been you, but the war with Shafra hadn¡¯t become bloody yet.¡±


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    ¡°Jacob never talked about any of that with me,¡± Ezo said, his fingers pressing tighter into Jacob¡¯s journal. ¡°All I knew was that he didn¡¯t want me to attend the University. I wish he¡¯d trusted me instead of leaving behind a journal and a bunch of questions.¡±


    Kammon¡¯s hand on his waist pulled him closer, and he felt slightly better. It was a little infuriating how much solace he took from his lover¡¯s touch. It would probably go to his head if Ezo mentioned it, so he kept the words to himself.


    ¡°Perhaps he explained himself better in the journal,¡± Kammon offered.


    Ezo was distracted though, because he was sure his uncle had brought him on this exact path. ¡°He did bring me here,¡± he said. He pulled at the reins and forced their horse to stop. Ezo put Jacob¡¯s journal into the inside pocket of his jacket and hopped out of the saddle to start down an animal trail.


    ¡°Ezo? There¡¯s nothing over there,¡± Remec said.


    ¡°There is,¡± he corrected. ¡°This is where Jacob brought me. I thought I was remembering the times we came to see you, but that¡¯s not it.¡±


    He could feel Kammon behind them, and Ezo moved through the trees and underbrush. It wasn¡¯t an animal trail but an old, overgrown path. He pulled the air around him and used that to push a way through that didn¡¯t snag on his clothes or break the skin as branches caught and held.


    Ezo pushed on even though sweat beaded his brow. He felt Kammon¡¯s magic wrap around him, sharing the burden of blazing the trail even though he didn¡¯t need it. He thought it was Kammon¡¯s way of comforting him when he was too far away to touch. Damned if it didn¡¯t work, and Ezo smiled as he continued forward.


    ¡°Ezo, do you know where this leads?¡± Remec asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s a hidden cavern system here. Separate from the system that riddled the valley. He told me it was important that I remember how to get back here.¡±


    ¡°What was so important about it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. When we got to the cave, he kept me close and wouldn¡¯t let me explore the rest. I was young enough that I never questioned it.¡±


    Ezo reached the edge of the foothills and found a cave opening. He stopped, silent at what he felt.


    ¡°Ezo? What is that?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°What?¡± Remec wasn¡¯t an elementalist so he couldn¡¯t sense what Kammon already had.


    ¡°Magic,¡± Ezo said. ¡°I didn¡¯t notice as a child. What was Jacob hiding here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s time to find out,¡± Kammon said.

 Jacobs Mark

    The cavern was small, but Ezo remembered that the path widened a few feet past the first bend. The light faded quickly, but Ezo felt Kammon working magic behind him, and soon the way was lit. Kammon handed him a lit torch, and Ezo took it and began forward again.


    The walls pressed in, and Ezo was about to doubt his memory when he turned a corner in the pathway, and it opened up into a large cavern. Three separate tunnels branched out from there.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I never found this,¡± Remec said softly. ¡°I¡¯ve been exploring the caves since I was a kid.¡±


    ¡°Someone wanted to make sure this place was a secret. Whatever Jacob was hiding, it was set here for a reason,¡± Kammon said.


    Ezo looked at the three entrances. He remembered taking one as a child, so he knew the rightmost tunnel held nothing special. He ran his fingers over each stone, but he still didn¡¯t know which direction to take.


    ¡°Ezo, look.¡±


    Ezo had been so focused on the entrance of the tunnels that he hadn¡¯t looked past it. Kammon pointed to a small mark a few feet away. There was a faint glint when he looked where Kammon indicated, but as he got closer, he saw a circle engraved into the stone with an owl in the center and a moon behind its head.


    ¡°Jacob¡¯s mark,¡± Ezo said, tracing his fingers over the edges.


    ¡°And yours,¡± Kammon reminded him.


    ¡°This has to be it,¡± Remec said as he moved to stand behind them.


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    Ezo nodded as he stepped down the long tunnel. There were parts where the tunnel grew so tight he thought he might have to widen it himself to get through. Kammon was grumbling behind them about the height of the cavern, and Ezo wanted to tease him that being short had its advantages, but he bit his tongue. He was too nervous about whatever was at the end of their adventure.


    He felt the source of the magic before he saw the end of the tunnel. As he closed the distance, he felt a small thrill as he approached a door. There was no lock and no knob to open it.


    ¡°How are we supposed to open that?¡± Remec asked.


    ¡°The corners,¡± Kammon pointed to the door¡¯s edges, where the symbols of water and earth were carved into the wood.


    It was just like Riverkeep. Ezo pressed his hands to the symbols and released a small stream of water and earth magic into the corresponding marks.


    At first, nothing seemed to happen, but as Ezo waited, he noticed a small sliver of light coming from underneath the door. A moment later, it began to grind open. He stepped back and had to close his eyes as bright light filled the tunnel.


    When Ezo could finally see, he stepped through the door. He stopped when a hand wrapped around his wrist.


    ¡°Ezo, you don¡¯t know what¡¯s down there,¡± Kammon cautioned him.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Kammon. I think I know exactly what¡¯s down there.¡±


    Kammon¡¯s brow furrowed, but he dropped Ezo¡¯s arm. Before Ezo could say anything, Kammon rushed before him. Ezo stumbled after him with Remec right behind them.


    Kammon stopped abruptly, and Ezo bumped into him. He was about to complain, but then his eyes adjusted enough to see what they had stepped into.


    Light flickered into the room from a dozen small sun lights. Some seemed to be direct sunlight, while others were directed through tunnels and mirrors. A large desk dominated the room, and a shelf of books sat behind it. To the left was another shelf full of artifacts Ezo was itching to look at. To the right was a long hallway, and he turned toward it before the others realized he was moving.


    ¡°Ezo?¡±


    He stopped, but not because of the voice that called his name. When he reached the hallway, a word had been carved into the mantle above it.


    ¡°Mountainkeep.¡±

 Mountainkeep

    Ezo felt the breath leave his body at the thought of another repository, like he¡¯d found at Riverkeep. He walked down the hallway and found two doors on the right, one on the left, and one at the end. He opened both doors on the right and found bedrooms. He was disappointed to find a kitchen and communal dining room at the end of the hall. When he reached the last door on the left, he felt jitters in his stomach.


    Kammon watched him. ¡°You knew about this place?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes. No. I mean, I found something while I was traveling. Not this place, but I thought it might be similar when I saw the locked door.¡±


    ¡°What is it, Ezo?¡± Remec asked.


    Ezo looked at the door in front of him and pushed it open. When he stepped inside, he was facing a long table and chairs. The room was larger than all of Riverkeep combined. The walls were lined with books, except where a door or fireplace blocked the way. To the left of the table was a set of half walls, spaced far enough apart for spell work and practice. Past that was another table.


    Ezo walked toward it and realized the room turned down the other side, and a series of bookcases filled the end corner. This section alone housed as many books as Riverkeep.


    He felt Kammon beside him and turned to watch as his lover pulled a book from the shelf. ¡°How is this here?¡± he asked. Ezo knew it wasn¡¯t a question for him, but he had wanted to tell Kammon about Riverkeep since he¡¯d found it. The situation had just never been right for the telling.


    ¡°When I was looking for you after I left the Players, I found an old book. The man told me he found it in the ashes of an old castle. When I went there to look, I found a similar cavern. It was a cave system that led to the back of a waterfall. The word carved above the window overlooking that waterfall was Riverkeep. It¡¯s not as big as this, but I had a few weeks to study the books there. The book I carry with me was from that library,¡± he told Kammon.


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    ¡°Why would Jacob go to the trouble of keeping this?¡± Remec asked. ¡°What is so important in those books?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about these, but I can guess they were the same as what I found at Riverkeep. It¡¯s history. Magic. Books that are uncensored and unedited by the men who rule this country. They¡¯ve tried to take our magic from us. I didn¡¯t have time to learn much, but there is a wealth of knowledge that someone is protecting.¡±


    ¡°And you think Jacob was the caretaker of this place?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°I think Jacob was. And I think he wanted me to care for it when he was gone. Keeping me local. Keeping me away from the University where my loyalties might have been split. It makes more sense if he wanted to keep me here because of this.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one way to find out,¡± Kammon said.


    Ezo nodded. ¡°We need to look through the books to see what they¡¯ve got here.¡±


    ¡°And you need to read your uncle¡¯s journal,¡± Kammon said. ¡°It¡¯s time to see what Jacob was doing. Did he plan for this all along? Or are we just lucky that you remembered the path that brought us to Mountainkeep?¡±


    ¡°This is a lot to go through.¡± It was daunting, but there was a sense of excitement coming from his lover that Ezo eagerly matched.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the fire going to give you better light,¡± Kammon offered.


    ¡°It looks like I¡¯ll be on supply duty,¡± Remec offered. ¡°If we¡¯re going to be here a while, I¡¯ll check the kitchen and get our supplies.¡±


    ¡°Once I get the fires going, I¡¯ll help you find a place to settle the horses. We need to get them off the road before someone decides to take them or see where their owners are.¡±


    Remec nodded before he headed out. Ezo wiped at the dusty seat at a smaller table on the side of the bookshelves and opened his uncle¡¯s journal. He didn¡¯t know what Jacob would teach him now, but he was tired of questions without answers.


    He just hoped the journal answered more questions than their journey had raised.

 The Last Keeper

    Ezo,


    The truth must always be protected. Those with power must be held accountable for its use and abuse. Some secrets are worth keeping, and some need to see the light of day. We - the Truthkeepers - must follow the path of righteousness without pride or greed, but for the betterment of all.


    Jacob


    Ezo stared at the words written on the first page. There was so much he wanted his uncle to explain, but he already knew that whatever purpose Jacob had behind these books, his personal questions wouldn¡¯t be answered.


    Ezo had been too young when Jacob died to ask the right questions. Now, he could only hope to piece it all together with what little he could glean from his writing.


    As he turned to the first page, the story recounted Jacob¡¯s travels as a young man, leaving Fairhills behind him.


    Remec came into the room at some point, setting a mug of tea at Ezo¡¯s elbow before moving on. He entered and left, but never disturbed Ezo. Kammon was there as well, but he didn¡¯t join Ezo at his table. Once the fires were started and he¡¯d disappeared to help with the horses, he¡¯d run his fingers reverently over the books, until he found a section that seemed to hold his interest. He pulled one from the shelves, dropped to the floor, and started reading right there.


    Mountainkeep was quiet except for the crackle of the fires and the turning of the page.


    Ezo began skipping over some of Jacob¡¯s entries, looking for something that would be relevant to his situation or their current location. It seemed to be more of a journal of his travels and gave bits and pieces of knowledge he attained as he went - from how to bargain with traders to inns and taverns that should be avoided. He was tempted to flip to the back page to see if Jacob mentioned the location of his other journals, but Remec tapped him on the shoulder before he did.


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    ¡°You might want to see this,¡± he said.


    Remec¡¯s voice was quiet, but in the silence of the room, Kammon heard and he joined them. ¡°You two went straight to reading, but I decided to look around a bit. While I was traveling, Jacob always asked me to bring any old books I might find back to him. I thought I might find a few here, so I started searching for them.¡±


    ¡°Was there something that you think pertains to us?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°Not really. I was just curious if this is what I was collecting for. But I found something else entirely.¡± Remec led Ezo and Kammon back toward the front of the room. Behind a long table, Remec pointed to a series of books. There were a half dozen leather journals with no writing on the spine. The wall was lined with personal journals, changing style every dozen or so. Ezo picked up the first book and Kammon took the first of the next style.


    ¡°The original builder of Mountainkeep,¡± Ezo said.


    ¡°And his successor.¡± Kammon¡¯s voice was quiet. Ezo knew Kammon had worked and studied hard to have the sort of power he had, but he never spoke well of the University. There was an awe in his voice now that showed just how dedicated he was to his craft and his understanding of the importance of this place.


    ¡°Riverkeep. Mountainkeep. Why did they create these places, and why hide them away without sharing this knowledge with the world?¡± Remec asked. ¡°That wasn¡¯t who Jacob was. He wanted to educate people. He didn¡¯t believe the University should be the only place people could learn to use the elements.¡±


    Kammon put the book in his hand back on the shelf, moved to the other side where the section ended, and pulled out another.


    Ezo looked at Remec and shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t understand Jacob like I thought I did. I can¡¯t explain any of this.¡±


    ¡°You should start here, Ezo,¡± Kammon said, standing up with a book in hand. He handed it to Ezo.


    When he opened it, he realized it was his uncle¡¯s handwriting. When he looked at the bookcase, there were several other books in the same style. ¡°What is this?¡±


    ¡°Jacob was the last keeper of Mountainkeep. These are his journals.¡±

 Bedtime

    Ezo set the journal on the table and rubbed his eyes. He wasn¡¯t sure how long he¡¯d been reading. It wasn¡¯t unheard of for him to lock himself in a room with a book in his younger days, but exhaustion crept through his limbs tonight.


    He wanted to learn so much, but Jacob hadn¡¯t written these to his nephew. They were just the notes and theories of a man recording his thoughts.


    ¡°Ezo, it¡¯s time to set it down,¡± Kammon said as he sat across the table from Ezo. ¡°Leave it for the morning.¡±


    ¡°I just want to understand.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t read it all in one night.¡± Kammon stood and offered his hand to Ezo.


    He thought about ignoring it, but the other elementalist was right. ¡°Fine,¡± he said, placing the leather ribbon to save his place. ¡°Where is Remec?¡±


    ¡°He fell asleep hours ago. He¡¯s smarter than us,¡± Kammon said with a grin.


    ¡°Good thing. We¡¯d probably have starved if he hadn¡¯t cooked.¡±


    Kammon pulled Ezo out of Mountainkeep¡¯s library and out into the hallway. He took them into the first of the two bedrooms. ¡°How did Remec get this cleaned out today as well?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t. I stopped reading a while ago to make sure we had a place to sleep. Remec doesn¡¯t seem to mind sleeping in the dust since I found him asleep on the floor by the journals, but if I have a bed, I plan to put it to use. After I sent him out, I came back to read a little more. We have all the time we need to do this, though. No use exhausting yourself the first night.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only reading.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, I can see the tension in your shoulders from across the room.¡±


    Ezo couldn¡¯t argue with that, as much as he wanted to. Besides, there was a very nice-looking bed sitting opposite the door and the fireplace had been lit long enough to warm the room nicely. His bag had been brought in and his jacket was hanging on a nail by the door, next to Kammon¡¯s.


    It made him ache in ways he hadn¡¯t before. What would life be like for him if he stayed in one place? If Kammon were willing to be with him and leave the troubles of the world behind them?


    Kammon unbuttoned Ezo''s shirt and smoothed it off his shoulders, dropping it into a chair by the fire before he pushed Ezo toward the bed.


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    ¡°I can do that myself,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Shut up and lie down.¡±


    He would have argued, but he was tired and as soon as he was flat, Kammon came over and massaged his shoulders. His hands were calloused, and his thumbs dug into knots that were almost painful, but Ezo relaxed more and more into his ministrations.


    His eyes grew heavy as Kammon¡¯s hands became more gentle. He was barely awake when Kammon stripped him of the rest of his clothes. He raised his head from his arms as he heard the rustle of fabric and watched as Kammon stripped his shirt off.


    Firelight danced over Kammon¡¯s muscular back and it seemed to shine on the scars that dotted his skin. Kammon had shared the story of a few of them, but he didn¡¯t like to talk about all of it. Some were from his time as a War-Sworn, but Ezo knew others were older, from his days on the streets.


    ¡°Come to bed,¡± he slurred.


    Kammon turned and smiled at him. ¡°I thought you were asleep.¡±


    ¡°I am. So come to bed.¡±


    Kammon finished undressing and then slid under the covers. If Ezo wasn¡¯t so tired, he¡¯d have plenty of ideas on how to spend the night in the very soft bed. As it was, when Kammon rested on his back, Ezo curled up against him and let out a deep sigh.


    Kammon ran his hair through Ezo¡¯s long hair and it relaxed Ezo even further. ¡°Could spend a lifetime reading here and never finish these books,¡± he whispered.


    Kammon nodded against his forehead. ¡°What about Riverkeep?¡±


    ¡°Not as big, but the books are more densely packed. I wasn¡¯t there long before I left to find you.¡±


    ¡°How did you find it if the cavern was hidden like this was?¡±


    Ezo thought back to his days at Riverkeep and Kaiya. ¡°There was a woman. I think she was a servant in the castle before it burned.¡±


    ¡°It burned?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? I found it at the Fire Born Castle.¡±


    Kammon tensed under him and Ezo looked up. ¡°Kammon?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think anyone went there anymore. They say it''s haunted.¡±


    ¡°Creepy, maybe, but not haunted. This woman showed up when I was going through one of the rooms. I didn¡¯t expect to find anything. The place ¡­ someone ripped through it with fire hot enough to melt the stones. For some reason, one room had been spared most of it.¡±


    Kammon rubbed at his forehead, and Ezo reached up and touched Kammon¡¯s face. His lover looked at him and gave him a soft smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. The day is taking its toll on me, too.¡±


    ¡°We should sleep then.¡±


    ¡°Tell me what happened first.¡±


    ¡°The woman showed me the secret to opening up a secret passage behind the fireplace,¡± Ezo said. ¡°There was a long tunnel and a lock like we saw on the door here.¡±


    ¡°What happened to the woman?¡±


    ¡°She left, and I didn¡¯t see her again,¡± Ezo said. ¡°I don¡¯t know if she was waiting for someone to share the secret with, or if that was just her way.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s lucky she found someone with the power to open it.¡±


    Ezo nodded as he ran his fingers in circles over the arm that Kammon wasn¡¯t using to play with his hair. His lover¡¯s motions slow and Ezo smiled to himself that he knew how to calm Kammon, even if he would never admit it.


    When Ezo looked up, he saw the small lines of pain that marred his lover¡¯s sleeping face. He decided they¡¯d both be better off for sleeping late in the morning. Or staying in bed.


    Both if he could convince his lover.

 More Than a Weapon

    It took a week for Ezo to finish reading all of Jacob¡¯s journals. There was a lot of information about his journeys and passions, but nothing about his personal life. No mention of Ezo. No mention of Fairhills or his parents. It was the account of an elementalist and nothing more.


    Not that it wasn¡¯t a valuable resource, but Ezo needed his uncle¡¯s personal journal. He still hadn¡¯t found it.


    He set down the last journal and rubbed at his tired eyes. Mountainkeep was quiet, and he had no idea where Remec and Kammon were. Ezo needed to move, though, to get out of the dark rooms and stand in the sun for a few minutes.


    He left the library and headed outside.


    It was late afternoon, and a cool breeze drifted through the area. Ezo walked away from the entrance and down a trail that led further into the trees. A river ran through the woods, and Ezo followed the path toward it.


    He closed his eyes when he reached the water¡¯s edge, listening to it bubbling over rocks and fallen logs. The sun fell on his face, and his shoulders relaxed. He stretched his arms up over his head and twisted a bit. He needed to remember to do this more often.


    When he looked around, he realized a figure was sitting on a rock in the middle of the river.


    ¡°Kammon?¡±


    Kammon had his eyes closed, his hands resting in his lap. He looked up slowly, taking a moment to find Ezo.


    ¡°Ezo, are you okay?¡± Kammon asked.


    Ezo smiled. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Stiff. I came out for a walk. What are you doing out here?¡±


    Kammon pointed at his chest. ¡°If I meditate a few times a week, this thing inside me is quieter.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to interrupt.¡±


    The bubbling grew louder as blocks of earth burst from the surface. ¡°Join me.¡± Kammon offered.


    Ezo jumped across the steps that his lover had created, and sat with his back against Kammon¡¯s. The stepping stones fell into the water, and it quieted again.


    ¡°What can I do to help?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°You won¡¯t let me try to heal it.¡±


    Kammon tipped his head slightly, and Ezo felt the soft brush of his hair against his ear. It tickled, and he smiled, though he refused to move. This was nice. They¡¯d spent every day reading, and Ezo only slept when Kammon forced him away from the books, exhausted.


    ¡°Trained healers have tried, Ezo. Including Alvrey.¡±


    He frowned at the mention of her. He felt guilty for leaving them the way he had, but he still believed he¡¯d done the right thing.


    ¡°How did it happen?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°You don¡¯t talk about your past. Tell me.¡±


    Kammon¡¯s back expanded against his as he took a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s not a happy story. I don¡¯t remember my younger days. I was a street rat. They found me when I was seven and brought me to the University. I had a hard time of it. I wasn¡¯t very trusting, and I had more power than my teachers.¡±


    ¡°They were afraid of you.¡±


    ¡°Very, and I knew it. Not only was I still growing strong, but it was fire, and most of my teachers couldn¡¯t touch it. It¡¯s a rare element to have a talent for.¡±


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    ¡°It¡¯s not my strength either,¡± Ezo admitted.


    ¡°So when I finished university, I became War-Sworn. That was when I felt this for the first time.¡± Kammon tapped on his chest again. ¡°I assumed it was part of the Vow, this creature that feeds off my power. It seems stupid now, but I didn¡¯t trust anyone enough to ask about it. And everyone knew about the drain that happened after you took the oath.¡±


    ¡°The drain?¡±


    ¡°The exhaustion. At first, there was no negative drawback to it. I was stronger and able to defend our kingdom better. After a year, though, I noticed how tired I felt. All the time. It wasn¡¯t just when I pulled on too much magic. The reserves that I had always been proud of were depleted, and I couldn¡¯t hold the power as long as I had been able to.¡±


    ¡°The Vow made you stronger but had long-term consequences.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°For me, it grew steadily worse. I learned to use large bursts of power to subdue my enemies, so stamina wasn¡¯t a problem.¡±


    ¡°What changed?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°You believed in what you were doing. That you were fighting for something good. You wouldn¡¯t have gone to war if you hadn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°It happened too many times. News came in after we were told to attack that they¡¯d wanted to talk peace. Or we learned that the soldiers had all been moved away, and there were nothing but civilians in the cities we destroyed. I couldn¡¯t live with that.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t your choice to hurt people, Kammon,¡± Ezo said. He couldn¡¯t understand why Kammon joined the War-Sworn, but he knew his lover.


    ¡°Every. Single. Time. It was my choice. I could have said no. I could have asked more questions. I should have asked more questions. By the time I realized those in power wanted this destruction, I had already killed so many people. How many of those were innocents, Ezo? How many just wanted to go about their lives? When did my orders go from defending my home to invading someone else¡¯s?¡±


    Ezo didn¡¯t know how to answer that. Instead, he groped around until he found Kammon¡¯s hand and twined their fingers together in a silent offer of support.


    ¡°They wanted us to take a village and they¡¯d grown used to me following orders. To me overpowering everyone and not having to risk our men. I¡¯d started to question as we traveled, though. I saw the faces of the people on the side of the road. They were exhausted from war and afraid for their lives. They clung to each other as we passed, hidden in the trees and bushes. They whispered my name in awe and fear. I wasn¡¯t a soldier. I was a weapon of mass destruction.


    ¡°And when they told us to take that village, that was all I could see. I offered my sword, but that¡¯s not what they wanted. So I walked away. They ordered their soldiers to stop me, but there was nothing they could do. The War-Sworn I had fought with understood. Only one stood against me.¡±


    ¡°Who would be so stupid?¡±


    ¡°Salinger. It¡¯s why he attacked me like that in Prama. He couldn¡¯t build a shield strong enough to hold off my attacks and he thought I was toying with him. I knew they¡¯d send the War-Sworn in without me, so I didn¡¯t want to injure him. Ultimately, I knocked him out the same way I did Voth.¡±


    ¡°You could have hit him a little harder,¡± Ezo grumbled. Salinger was a pain in the ass, and Ezo wasn¡¯t feeling sympathetic toward the man who had Kammon shot.


    Kammon let out a soft snort. ¡°When I left the War-Sworn, I needed to find some way to use my power that wasn¡¯t destructive. We¡¯re taught to use fire as a destructive force and not much else. I¡¯d watched others build, though, and I wanted that. I could play with all the elements already, but I hadn¡¯t mastered anything but fire. So, I started with earth and added the others as I could. I dedicated myself to that as a way to be something besides a weapon.¡±


    Ezo let go of Kammon¡¯s hand and turned around. Kammon turned to face him. ¡°You¡¯re a hell of a lot more than a weapon,¡± Ezo said. ¡°No one could deny how strong you are in a fight, but I¡¯ve seen you help people, Kammon. I would be dead if you hadn¡¯t stepped in at Mason Creek. You helped me save that town. You can¡¯t undo the past, but you need to remember who you are now.¡±


    ¡°And who am I?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°Mine,¡± Ezo answered with a smile. ¡°And you know I wouldn¡¯t keep a weapon around.¡±


    ¡°No, but you do attract trouble.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re attracted to me?¡± he teased.


    Kammon smiled, which was all Ezo could ask for at that moment. It wasn¡¯t everything in Kammon¡¯s past. He hadn¡¯t talked about the scars on his body or the nightmares that woke him some nights, but it was a good start.


    Kammon leaned closer to Ezo, brushing his lips against Ezo¡¯s temple. ¡°The things I want to do to you, Raven.¡±


    His voice trailed off, and Ezo shivered. ¡°Show me.¡±


    Ezo pressed their lips together. Kammon pushed his fingers through Ezo¡¯s hair to grip the back of his head and keep him close. When Kammon¡¯s free hand slipped under Ezo¡¯s shirt, he didn¡¯t stop his lover.


    And if Remec found them in a less-than-presentable state, he had enough common sense to walk away.

 The Truthkeeper of Mountainkeep

    Ezo didn''t notice at first, but as the weeks turned into a month, tension rose between Kammon and Remec. The two men seemed to get along just fine, but something was brewing under the surface.


    Ezo had read Jacob''s journals, but after he finished that, he started looking for anything he could find about the bond and the Vow. He found plenty of writing about it, but nothing that would illuminate his situation with Kammon, or the thing that was attached to his soul.


    He set his book aside and ran his hand over the table. The top was smooth, and Ezo wondered how many others had sat where he was, reading or recording knowledge. Was there a time when this had been open to others? Or had it always been a secret? Something to protect from the people who wanted to hoard and control power?


    That was a depressing thought. Ezo knew Riverkeep had been hidden since its inception. He''d been there long enough to learn some of its history. He suddenly longed to return there.


    He pushed away from the table and left the library to find Kammon and Remec in the kitchen. Remec stood over the stove, cooking while Kammon unpacked the goods Remec bought that morning. He still traveled to Mountain View, but he started going wider to get larger quantities of supplies so no one noticed the stockpile he was creating.


    He rubbed at his eyes as he dropped into a chair at a small table in the corner. Remec looked over at Ezo and smiled. "I thought you were going to read until you fell asleep. Again."


    Ezo laughed because it happened to him more than once. Kammon wasn''t much better.


    "Just a little antsy."


    "Yeah?" Kammon poked his head out of the pantry after he dropped bags of¡­ something. Ezo had no idea what his lover was moving around.


    Kammon looked at him expectantly. Ezo wondered if the other elementalist was anxious to get moving as well.


    It was nice, having a warm bed each night and a roof over their heads, but Ezo had been on the move for the last two years. Now that he was stopped, he realized how much he missed it¡ªtraveling and learning about new places, meeting new people.


    "I haven¡¯t been still for this long since I left Fairhills." Maybe when he found Riverkeep, but he''d lost track of days alone in the repository.


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    "You don''t mean to leave?" Remec asked. He was frowning at Ezo.


    "I didn''t mean I wanted to leave today, but I can''t stay here forever."


    "Ezo, it''s obvious that Jacob wanted you to be the next caretaker for Mountainkeep."


    "Whatever Jacob wanted for him, this is Ezo''s life. He doesn''t have to follow whatever idea Jacob had for him," Kammon immediately jumped on Remec''s words.


    "How can you say that? This place was meant for him!"


    "No one has the right to force Ezo to stay here. I don''t know what Jacob was thinking. I understand not wanting someone with Ezo''s talent going to the University to be pushed into the War-Sworn. But trying to hide him from the world like this dusty library is cruel!"


    "Someone needs to take care of Mountainkeep! It was Jacob''s legacy!"


    "It is not Ezo''s! He isn''t bound to this place! He was meant to do something real!"


    "Stop!" Ezo yelled at the two. He understood then. They had both been hinting at this since the first week. Kammon would remind him about the things they''d seen and the places they''d been. Remec talking about the books and the importance of his uncle''s work.


    "I''m not the keeper of Mountainkeep," Ezo said. "I already have a library."


    "What?" Remec asked.


    "I found Riverkeep, and there is no one else to care for it. But I think I wasn''t the only one Jacob thought of for this place. You''re better able to take care of it than I am," Ezo said to Remec.


    "No, I''m not an elementalist."


    "Why does Mountainkeep need an elementalist?" Ezo asked. "You were already looking for books to add to this library. Now you get to curate it and see to its upkeep yourself."


    "And if I want to travel?" Remec asked.


    Kammon rolled his eyes, but Ezo ignored his lover. "You don''t see me stuck at Riverkeep, do you? They''re books. It''s not like they need feeding."


    "I can''t lock the doors the way you can."


    "That''s a good point," Ezo admitted.


    "So we lock the obvious door," Kammon said, "and make a new one for you. Something hidden that no one else can find."


    "You don''t live too far from here, do you?" Ezo asked.


    "A half hour''s walk if I''m in a hurry," Remec answered.


    "What are you thinking, Ezo?"


    "Riverkeep has the tunnel from the castle."


    "You want to create a tunnel to Remec''s house?"


    "Maybe to his woodshed or stable?" Ezo countered. "No one would look for something like that, nor would they have reason to be out there without Remec knowing. It would only be a few days work for us."


    He didn''t know if Kammon would agree, but it made sense if Remec agreed to become Mountainkeep''s caretaker.


    "Remec," Kammon said his name softly, and Ezo focused on the two of them. "You were right. This is Jacob''s legacy. You knew him better than anyone. If there is anyone that can keep something alive in his name, it is you."


    "It¡¯s Ezo''s birthright," Remec protested weakly.


    "Jacob wanted someone to care for it, who would love it as he did. I''ve watched you in these halls. You might think it¡¯s Ezo''s place, but I would say you are the right one for this work. Ezo will carry Jacob''s legacy as an elementalist, but you are the Truthkeeper of Mountainkeep."

 Best Plan Youve Ever Made

    ¡°You want to go to Riverkeep.¡±


    Ezo stood in front of the fireplace, watching the flames dance. After the emotional confrontation earlier in the day, Remec had turned in early. He¡¯d accepted his position as the keeper of Mountainkeep, but something about Remec¡¯s arguments made Ezo think there was more going on. He was beginning to wonder about the true nature of Remec¡¯s relationship with Jacob and how deep it had gone.


    Ezo turned to look at Kammon, who sat with a book in his lap. It was a common sight these days. Ezo liked it if he was honest. The days of rest and study in Mountainkeep had done as much for Kammon¡¯s health as the waters in Tam¡¯s Flat. Kammon never used more power than he could easily call upon, and he didn¡¯t overtax himself constantly.


    If they built the tunnel like they talked about, that would change, but Ezo could take the brunt of it himself. Unlike the fights they¡¯d gone into where Ezo needed to rely on Kammon¡¯s experience and reflexes, Ezo could lead the way this time.


    ¡°I want to make sure nothing happened to Riverkeep in my absence,¡± Ezo answered Kammon. ¡°After spending this much time here, I need to get back. I found a mention in Jacob¡¯s journal that there were other libraries, but no other details. I didn¡¯t read the journals for the keepers of Riverkeep, though. I never knew there was such a thing so I didn¡¯t look for them.¡±


    ¡°What were you looking for?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°The bond. I didn¡¯t know anything about it when I found Riverkeep. It¡¯s more than Riverkeep, though. I¡¯m worried about Alvrey and the players. If the Imperium knew we traveled with them, would they give them any trouble?¡±


    Kammon shut the book he was reading. ¡°Most people would think they were just traveling companions we used to stay hidden. Someone like Eques Lestan or Salinger, though? They might take action to draw us out.¡±


    ¡°We should find them,¡± Ezo said. ¡°You agree, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I think leaving Mountainkeep will put us back on the run from the Imperium.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything we can do to stop that?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°I can¡¯t stay in Mountainkeep forever. You and Remec were just arguing about that earlier. You don¡¯t expect me to remain here.¡±


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    ¡°No, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can discount the fact that the Imperium won¡¯t stop looking for us. And they¡¯re probably keeping an eye on anyone we¡¯ve been known to associate with.¡±


    ¡°So Tam¡¯s Flat is in trouble?¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°We don¡¯t need to worry about Danya and Cassen, but the Imperium will certainly have them under watch. We won¡¯t be able to return there.¡±


    ¡°Good thing I have Riverkeep, then.¡±


    ¡°What are you looking to learn, Ezo?¡± Kammon asked. ¡°You¡¯ve buried your head in books, but I still don¡¯t know what you are searching for.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to understand,¡± he said softly. ¡°The bond we share. The Vow you took. Effigies and the impossible. Why is the history we¡¯re taught different than what I see in these books? What does that mean for the wars you fought and the people that live in a nation ruled by the Imperium?¡±


    Kammon laughed.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±


    ¡°Do you plan on righting all the wrongs of this world, Ezo?¡±


    ¡°I know I can¡¯t, but that doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t try to understand it.¡±


    Kammon stood and dropped the book he had been reading in the chair. He approached Ezo, a smile still on his face.


    ¡°Sometimes I forget how impossible you are.¡±


    He smacked at Kammon¡¯s chest when he grew closer. ¡°It¡¯s what Jacob taught me.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡±


    Ezo nodded. ¡°We aren¡¯t elementalists to change the elements. We are elementalists to be elements of change in this world. I can¡¯t be anything else.¡±


    ¡°I wish I had learned that when I was younger,¡± Kammon said. ¡°It¡¯s a better way of looking at our role in society than the University ever gave me.¡±


    ¡°So you going to help me change the world, or what?¡± Ezo demanded.


    ¡°Someone has to be there when you get yourself into trouble.¡±


    When Kammon pulled him into his arms, Ezo let him. They still bickered and fought, but Ezo welcomed the quieter moments between them now. The ones that had happened because of their time in Mountainkeep. He would be sad to see it go, but they were leaving the library in good hands.


    ¡°So we¡¯ll find Jaroh¡¯s Traveling Players and then head to Riverkeep?¡± he asked.


    Kammon nodded. ¡°After we finish here. We need to build a tunnel for Remec and we should take a few trips out ourselves to make sure Voth has actually left the area and isn¡¯t lying in wait for us somewhere.¡±


    ¡°You think he gave up?¡±


    ¡°No. I think he¡¯s lying in wait for us,¡± Kammon said with a smile. ¡°We need to pull him away from Remec and Mountainkeep so that he doesn¡¯t investigate this area too much. Maybe show up a few places further out from Mountainkeep to make it look like we just passed through instead of staying here for a month.¡±


    Ezo frowned. ¡°I almost forgot about him. He was really your student?¡±


    Kammon just nodded.


    ¡°So, get Voth off our backs, find our friends, and then go to Riverkeep?¡±


    ¡°Bed.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°First, bed.¡±


    ¡°You afraid I¡¯d forget to sleep tonight?¡± Ezo teased.


    Kammon ran a hand through Ezo¡¯s long, dark hair and smiled. ¡°I said bed, not sleep, Ezo. Bed. Then we worry about the rest of the world.¡±


    Ezo stepped back but grabbed Kammon¡¯s hand and pulled him towards the door. ¡°That is the best plan you¡¯ve ever made.¡±

 I Will Stand

    Remec¡¯s house was small and comfortable, with a warm fireplace and the subtle feel of neglect. It was in the cobwebs that lingered in the corners and the bare larder that Remec had filled this morning when they went into Mountain View together. It was in the slight dust that covered the shelf and the old smudges of ash beside the fireplace.


    It wasn¡¯t about the time they¡¯d spent at Mountainkeep either. Remec was a traveler. He returned to this place when he was done, but it showed to anyone that stepped foot in his home. That was good. It meant that none of his neighbors would question why he was gone so often now.


    ¡°Here,¡± Remec handed Ezo a mug of tea, and he sipped it while waiting for Remec to take a seat across from him.


    ¡°The tunnel is holding up well,¡± Ezo said. He wasn¡¯t happy to be away from Kammon right now. They finished yesterday, and Kammon looked a little rough. Ezo hadn¡¯t realized it then, but Kammon had been widening and smoothing the walls behind him as they worked. It wasn¡¯t too much for them to handle, but Ezo had wanted to do the work himself with as little help as possible.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving soon, aren¡¯t you?¡± Remec asked. Ezo had noticed that about his uncle¡¯s friend. He was usually direct with his words. Ezo appreciated that.


    ¡°Kammon needs a few days to recover from the tunnel before we travel, but yes. It¡¯s time for us to get back to the world. I want to take Kammon to Riverkeep, and we have some friends we need to check on.¡±


    Remec took a drink from his mug and stared at the fire. Ezo wasn¡¯t sure what was on his mind, but he¡¯d asked Ezo to join him at the house alone for a reason.


    ¡°How long do you intend to travel with Kammon?¡±


    Ezo stared at Remec, taken aback by the question. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You are trusting him with Jacob¡¯s secret. And with Riverkeep. I understand why you¡¯ve spent time with him, Ezo. Kammon is handsome and charming when he wants to be, and from what I know, he¡¯s one of the few people in the world who can understand your abilities.¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    ¡°Ezo, you know what he is.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a good person, Remec. You¡¯ve spent a month with him.¡±


    ¡°He is the Calamity! And the day I met him, he used magic to choke someone until he passed out.¡±


    ¡°Would you rather he killed him? Because Voth wasn¡¯t going to stop.¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t just that, Ezo. He¡¯s probably killed more people than the rest of the War-Sworn combined.¡±


    ¡°He was just a soldier, under orders,¡± Ezo defended.


    ¡°He was a killer and became Disavowed. Who knows what he could do now?¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Ezo, Jacob used to talk about him. He scared your uncle.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because of what he was. What he¡¯d done.¡±


    ¡°If Jacob was scared of him, it was because of what the Imperium had made him into. It was because they took a child and indoctrinated him until becoming War-Sworn was the only option he could see. Don¡¯t use Jacob as a way to spread your own fears.¡±


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    ¡°Ezo, he has killed people.¡±


    ¡°And he saves people!¡± He¡¯d raised his voice, but after listening to Kammon at the river the other day, he had to defend him. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever talk to him like that,¡± he cautioned Remec. ¡°That¡¯s what he thinks of himself, too. He blames himself because he didn¡¯t question the orders he¡¯d been trained to take since he was seven years old! You can¡¯t ignore how he saved my life the night we met. Or how he saved an entire town.¡±


    ¡°He did what?¡±


    ¡°I was staying at an inn on the river in Mason Creek. It had been raining heavily for days. It was too much for the dam, and it broke. Everyone ran, but I headed toward the water.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, you didn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t. I tried to stop the flooding, but I wasn¡¯t strong enough. When I was about to lose it all, some guy I¡¯d never met joined his magic with mine, and we turned the water aside. I passed out. That¡¯s how close I was to drowning in that flood. He took me back to the inn and watched over me until I could get up on my own. He left without even telling me his name. He had no reason to save me, let alone risk his life to help me. Knowing what I do now, I don¡¯t want to think about how badly that exhausted him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad he helped you, Ezo, and that you were able to save that town. I can¡¯t imagine what it would have been like for you to face that after what happened here. But that doesn¡¯t change the fact that you¡¯re trusting the Calamity with your life and secrets.¡±


    Ezo ground his teeth. ¡°Why is this coming up now?¡± he asked. ¡°It¡¯s been a month. I thought you¡¯d gotten over this since we found Mountainkeep.¡±


    ¡°Because he¡¯s not just a traveling companion, is he, Ezo?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer, but he didn¡¯t need to. He and Kammon didn¡¯t hide their relationship.


    ¡°I¡¯m the closest thing you have to family, Ezo. I¡¯m worried about you. I can believe that the Calamity would turn over a new leaf. What I can¡¯t believe is that you aren¡¯t going to get burned by him before the end.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child, Remec. Do you think I was some inexperienced kid when he found me?¡±


    ¡°Ezo.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not the first lover I¡¯ve had, and not even the first one I picked up since leaving Fairhills. He is the only one who¡¯s ever understood me, though. He¡¯s just as concerned as Jacob was about the Imperium trying to get hold of me. He¡¯s warned me at every turn about who he is and all the reasons why I shouldn¡¯t be with him. He fucking ran when he was in danger instead of letting me help so that I wouldn¡¯t be caught up in it, too. He¡¯s a good man, and I won¡¯t stand here and listen to you put all of that on him.¡±


    ¡°Ezo.¡±


    ¡°What did they say about Jacob?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He ended his service to take care of me. Did they say anything about him? Disparage his reputation? Talk about the evils he¡¯s done in his service as if they weren¡¯t the ones who ordered it all?¡±


    Ezo had no idea if they had tried to slander Jacob when he left, but Remec¡¯s silence told him that he¡¯d hit the mark. ¡°And you believed in Jacob. Because you knew him.¡± He took another guess. ¡°Because you were in love.¡±


    Remec¡¯s eye jerked up from his mug. ¡°You knew?¡±


    Ezo shook his head. ¡°Jacob never said anything. I know what it¡¯s like to love an impossible man, though,¡± he added with a small smile.


    ¡°The War-Sworn aren¡¯t easy to love,¡± Remec said. ¡°Their duty is too strong. Their lives aren¡¯t their own. I was never happier than when Jacob returned to Fairhills, and he was finally away from the Imperium. He was a different man after that. A better man.¡±


    ¡°So why doesn¡¯t Kammon deserve that same chance?¡±


    Remec frowned, then took a drink of his tea. ¡°I don¡¯t like it when you remind me of Jacob.¡±


    Ezo laughed softly, and Remec smiled at him. It wasn¡¯t enough for Ezo, but it would take time before people saw past Kammon¡¯s infamy and saw the man instead.


    After a pause, Remec asked another question. ¡°Is Kammon as dangerous as they say?¡± Remec asked.


    Ezo could lie. It would make Remec feel better, but Ezo wasn¡¯t that type of man.


    ¡°Even more so. I¡¯m not sure there is anything that could stand up to Kammon. We¡¯re lucky he is the man he is. He¡¯s ridiculously overpowered and only-,¡± he almost mentioned the thing locked onto Kammon¡¯s soul but remembered himself at the last minute, ¡°exhaustion limits him.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll come for him, Ezo. What will you do when they show up and he falters?¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t. Because if they come for him, they¡¯ll have to deal with me, too. With our bond, there is no one that can stop us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not reassuring, Ezo.¡±


    ¡°No, but it¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, if anyone found out, it wouldn¡¯t just be the Imperium coming for you.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°The world would try to put the two of you down.¡±


    ¡°I stand with Kammon, Remec. No matter who or what comes, I will stand with the man I love.¡±

 Nothing He Can Throw At Us

    ¡°Are you worried?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°Why would I be worried?¡±


    ¡°Because he isn¡¯t here.¡±


    Kammon sat across from Ezo in the Beaten Brag tavern. It was the only place of any size north of Mountain View for two days. He¡¯d expected Voth to be waiting for them there, but the man had disappeared.


    ¡°He¡¯ll show up somewhere,¡± he said to Ezo. In truth, he was worried. Voth wasn¡¯t the man to take a defeat lightly. It wasn¡¯t a question of if he¡¯d show up. It was how many people he¡¯d bring with him when he did.


    ¡°What happened between you two?¡± Ezo asked.


    Dinner had been roasted fish and vegetables, and Ezo was now snacking on leftover cheese and bread from earlier. Remec was better than the local cook, but the meal sufficiently filled them and it hit the spot after their departure from Mountainkeep.


    Kammon didn¡¯t like to think about his years at the university often. Or his time as one of the War-Sworn. Or his childhood. This, right here with Ezo, was the best his life had ever given him. They might be on the run, but he wasn¡¯t alone. And for the first time in his memory, he wasn¡¯t surrounded by those who feared him.


    ¡°Voth was a student. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Ezo rolled his eyes. ¡°You can be a pain in the ass, but he really thinks you refused to teach him.¡±


    Kammon took a long drink of his ale and leaned back in the booth. ¡°I told you I was seven when they found me and forced me into the university.¡±


    Ezo nodded, but remained quiet. Kammon hadn¡¯t shared much of his past with Ezo. As much as he didn¡¯t want to talk about it, though, he¡¯d been walking through Ezo¡¯s worst nightmares lately. It wasn¡¯t trust that kept his lips sealed. He owed Ezo more than a brusque response. Especially considering they were in this mess because of him to begin with.


    ¡°The problems I had at the university weren¡¯t just because of my strength. And it wasn¡¯t that my talent was fire. Those were issue enough, but I didn¡¯t trust anyone, and I absorbed knowledge faster than my teachers wanted to teach me.¡±


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    ¡°They wanted to slow you down, so you wouldn¡¯t hurt yourself,¡± Ezo said.


    ¡°They were keeping me from learning,¡± Kammon answered. ¡°Or that¡¯s what I thought. I¡¯m still not sure which is true. In retrospect, I was doing things I shouldn¡¯t, far too young. But instead of guiding my learning, they set specific lessons and never allowed for my curiosity. So I learned without them.¡±


    ¡°They didn¡¯t like that,¡± Ezo smiled at Kammon.


    Kammon had to still the desire to reach across and run his hand through Ezo¡¯s long, dark hair. It would surprise Ezo to know just how that thought comforted him. That Ezo was within reach.


    ¡°No. I began to hide what I was doing. As I got older, they had no idea of what I could do. At fourteen, I made a mistake and fought with another student and revealed just how far along I was in my studies. They tried to hobble me with students of my own then. At fourteen, most of the people they sent to me were older than me, and no one was willing to learn from a youngster.¡±


    ¡°Age has nothing to do with what you can teach.¡±


    Kammon smiled. ¡°You would have done horribly at the university. You¡¯re too open.¡±


    ¡°One of us has to have faith in the world,¡± Ezo said, raising his mug and drank.


    Kammon shook his head, but continued. ¡°When I turned seventeen, I was preparing to take the Vow and they sent Voth to me.¡±


    ¡°And he hated you immediately?¡±


    ¡°No, actually. Voth worked hard in the beginning. He was strong with his element, and he wanted to learn. But I did the same thing to him that they did to me. I tried to slow him down because he was adamant that he had to study the most dangerous magics first. He was determined to join the War-Sworn. It was a family legacy, and he was going to be the best among them.¡±


    ¡°Why would anyone want that to be their legacy?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°Jacob taught you to mistrust the War-Sworn and the university, but many people see it as their duty. Jacob himself felt it at one point in his life.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Putting that aside. You tried to protect Voth.¡±


    ¡°I did. But when he demanded I teach him more, I tried to prove that he wasn¡¯t ready by showing him how dangerous it could be. Our relationship became very adversarial, with him throwing attacks at me randomly to catch me off guard.¡±


    ¡°He never did, did he?¡±


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t trust anyone. I was always on guard.¡±


    ¡°That pissed him off.¡±


    ¡°Yes. When I turned 18, I took the Vow and left him behind. I never looked back, and I never saw him again. Until we visited the university.¡±


    Ezo nodded. ¡°You became the legend he could never be, and then you showed up using all four elements. And he thinks you hid that from him on purpose.¡±


    It was problematic just how attractive Ezo¡¯s intelligence was. ¡°Apparently. I¡¯ve said it before. I wasn¡¯t a good teacher. I wasn¡¯t patient, and I wasn¡¯t interested in it. But Voth was like me in that he learned on his own. I just wasn¡¯t paying attention to notice.¡±


    ¡°So he¡¯s still out there somewhere,¡± Ezo said.


    Kammon nodded. ¡°He¡¯ll find us, eventually. We need to be ready when he does.¡±


    Ezo slipped his hand under Kammon¡¯s where it lay on the table. ¡°Let him try. There¡¯s nothing he can throw at us that we can¡¯t handle.¡±

 Secret of the Keeps

    They traveled north of Malla City but headed east once they passed it to avoid any major cities. As much as Ezo wanted word of Jaroh¡¯s Traveling Players, he couldn¡¯t draw attention to himself right now. He¡¯d forgotten about Voth while he was in the safety of Mountainkeep. If Ezo went looking for them while Voth and the Imperium were still hunting for him and Kammon, it would just cause them trouble.


    They asked in the villages as they passed and heard a few rumors. Some players had been seen near the Shafra border. Some players were causing trouble with a new satirical play about the noble lords of Distria. Some players had been taken under the protection of a noble family to ensure their safety as they traveled.


    Kammon had shown interest in that, but there was nothing solid. Nothing that made them run from their current goal to protect their friends.


    Ezo hoped they still considered him a friend.


    It was late afternoon, and they¡¯d been riding hard for days. As much as Ezo wanted to relax, though, they were almost there. They were traveling along the Sanguine River. The sound was soothing to Ezo, who had fallen asleep to the water in Riverkeep.


    ¡°We can make it there before nightfall,¡± Ezo told Kammon.


    Kammon nodded. ¡°I haven¡¯t traveled in this part of the country,¡± he admitted. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful here.¡±


    ¡°The people are very friendly, too,¡± Ezo said. ¡°I never had a problem making money out here. They welcome an elementalist.¡±


    ¡°The borders with Nara and Galif have held for a long time. There hasn¡¯t been destruction the way there was on the other borders. They haven¡¯t learned to fear it like the other parts of the country have.¡±


    Ezo frowned at Kammon. For someone who believed strongly enough in the War-Sworn to have joined them in his youth, he was jaded now. Jacob must have been the same. Ezo needed to get to Riverkeep and see if there were any journals like they¡¯d found at Mountainkeep. Jacob might have known about it and left his journal there.


    ¡°Maybe they just met the right elementalists instead of a bunch of assholes.¡±


    Kammon shook his head, but Ezo saw the smile forming on his lips.


    ¡°Come on, I want to be home.¡± He urged his horse into a run, and Kammon followed quickly behind.


    Ezo didn¡¯t slow until he saw the ruins of the Fire Born Castle.


    ¡°You willingly walked in there?¡± Kammon said as he stopped next to Ezo.


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    ¡°I wanted to find more books.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like you did.¡±


    Ezo smiled. ¡°Wait until you see it. Mountainkeep was great, but I¡¯m partial to Riverkeep.¡±


    ¡°Please tell me I don¡¯t have to sleep in ashes.¡±


    Ezo rolled his eyes as he dismounted and walked the rest of the distance. Something about the castle spooked the horses, just as it had Rile when Ezo first arrived.


    ¡°I miss Rile,¡± he said, but he patted the nose of the horse they¡¯d bought a few towns away from Mountainkeep.


    Kammon¡¯s hand brushed against his and when Ezo looked at him, the Disavowed was frowning.


    ¡°Kammon?¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s just a headache. Too many days of hard riding. I¡¯ll be fine with a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±


    Ezo nodded, but he kept an eye on Kammon. His lover wasn¡¯t the type to complain about a headache if it was minor. Thankfully, a soft bed and plenty of rest were close at hand.


    Ezo led them to the small pasture to leave their horses to graze, and then he took Kammon into the ruins.


    He didn¡¯t bother to show Kammon around tonight. Instead, he walked to the room where the hidden passage was. Kammon entered but stopped to stoop down at the spot that had been saved from fire. He brushed his hands over the stone floor. When he stood up and nodded, Ezo moved straight to the fireplace. He pressed the hidden mechanism, and the panel disappeared, showing them the stairwell to Riverkeep.


    ¡°This is amazing,¡± Kammon said. ¡°Much more clever than the hidden cave of Mountainkeep.¡±


    ¡°I told you Riverkeep is better,¡± he said proudly. Not that it was his work, but he thought of Riverkeep as his now. Ezo began walking down the passage, and Kammon summoned fire to light the way.


    It wasn¡¯t nearly as long a tunnel as they¡¯d made for Remec at Mountainkeep, but Ezo was happy when they reached the door. Kammon moved forward, pressed his free hand to the lock, and nodded. ¡°This is how you could unlock the other library,¡± he whispered. His voice echoed down the hallway.


    Ezo undid the lock quickly and pushed Kammon forward. His lover dropped the fire element as soon as he entered the room.


    It was just as Ezo had left it. Right in front of them was a large window that faced the backside of a waterfall. The name Riverkeep was carved into the wood at the top of the window.


    Ezo smiled at Kammon. ¡°Welcome to Riverkeep.¡±


    Kammon looked around and noticed the hallway. He didn¡¯t say anything, but walked to the end. He used a small flow of air to dismiss the pocket of air that Ezo had left behind and opened the only door on the left wall.


    Ezo smiled as he followed him into the library.


    Tables ran down the middle of the room, but the walls were lined with shelves of books and scrolls. Kammon stood still in the middle of it all, looking from shelf to shelf. Ezo smiled as he moved past him to the far wall and started a fire in the fireplace.


    Kammon seemed to snap out of the silence that had held him. He turned to the shelf closest to him and ran his fingers over the first book he could reach.


    ¡°This is incredible. The university has the best library in Distria, but I don¡¯t know that they have anything as old, or as precious as the books we found in Mountainkeep. I¡¯m guessing these are the same?¡±


    Ezo nodded. ¡°I should have done an inventory or something when I was here, but I couldn¡¯t help myself. I just kept getting lost in the pages.¡±


    Kammon smiled. ¡°Hopefully, that will be less of a problem for Remec at Mountainkeep than we will here.¡±


    Ezo laughed, but he turned to look around the room. ¡°What is this all about, Kammon?¡± he asked. ¡°Why did someone set up these secret libraries, and what were they hiding them from?¡±


    Kammon shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Ezo. But I think we need to figure that out. Your uncle was a Truthkeeper. I think our duty is to unravel the secret of the keeps.¡±

 The Study

    Ezo had searched the library when he¡¯d been in Riverkeep before, but there were a lot of sections he had only breezed through. He¡¯d been looking specifically for books that mentioned the bond. Now he was trying to look at each section of shelves with new eyes.


    Kammon was searching, as well. They were both trying to find the journals of the keepers. It had been placed in a position of importance in Mountainkeep, and Ezo couldn¡¯t believe the keepers here hadn¡¯t done something similar. They¡¯d have taken precautions and left some sort of account for the library in case the keeper was lost.


    Kammon moved around the room, mumbling softly as he shuffled from place to place. He¡¯d tossed around all night, waking Ezo frequently with his disturbed sleep. Ezo didn¡¯t mention it to him, other than a quick question over breakfast. That led to a soft grunt and Ezo taking his food to the other side of the table to eat in peace.


    ¡°I want to look at something else,¡± Kammon trailed his hand across Ezo¡¯s back as he walked past him and out of the library.


    Ezo didn¡¯t know where he was going, but let his lover go without question. They both had the same priorities, even if they went about things differently.


    He had no idea how long he¡¯d been at the search. His eyes were tired, and he thought about curling up in the corner for a nap or stealing away to one of the bedrooms, but he wasn¡¯t quite ready to give it up yet.


    The door opened and Kammon came up behind him, dropping his chin to Ezo¡¯s shoulder. Ezo looked back at the other elementalist. ¡°Unless you¡¯re offering food or a nap, I¡¯m not in the mood.¡±


    ¡°Something better,¡± Kammon said with a grin.


    Considering the mood he¡¯d been in, Ezo went along with it. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Come on.¡± Kammon grabbed his hand and pulled him out the door and down the hallway to the main room. ¡°I came out here to meditate for a few minutes, and when I opened my eyes, I was staring at the window. Specifically, the word carved over the top of it. Why was the name carved over the window? Why not put it in the library itself?¡±


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    Kammon walked over and trailed his fingers over the frame and then over the words. He ran them up and down, then back again. When he brought his fingers to the dot of the ¡®I¡¯ the last time, he pushed.


    Ezo heard a pop, and the wall to the left cracked open to reveal another door.


    ¡°How did you find that?¡± he asked.


    Kammon smiled. ¡°There is a very small, subtle amount of water worked into that spot on the sign. I wouldn¡¯t have known if I hadn¡¯t reached out to touch it.¡±


    Ezo moved forward and followed the path of Kammon¡¯s hands. He was right. Even with his hand over the same spot, it was almost unnoticeable.


    ¡°What¡¯s behind that door?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°I have no idea. I figured I better get the truthkeeper of Riverkeep before I started opening up secret doorways on my own.¡±


    Ezo smiled as he moved away from Kammon and to the opening. Kammon was right there at his back when Ezo pushed the door open. He¡¯d almost expected another hallway or a set of stairs, but it opened into a new room. It wasn¡¯t as big as the library was, but it was large for a personal study. A desk dominated the far wall, with shelves lining the walls behind it. A fireplace sat on the left, with a smaller table and two chairs.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen this before,¡± he said softly.


    Kammon pushed him into the room so he could move past him. Ezo walked to the desk and ignored his lover. A few minutes later, though, a warm fire was going, and the study was better lit.


    ¡°I think this is it.¡± He reached the books and noted the same organization that the journals of the keepers of Mountainkeep had been in. Each keeper had their own journal style, and they were shelved together. When Ezo picked up the first one, the pages felt brittle, and he put it away with caution.


    He reached for a book in the middle of the shelves. Opening it, he found the account of a truthkeeper from 300 years ago.


    ¡°How long have these been here?¡± he asked.


    Kammon stooped down to take the first journal of the last keeper of Riverkeep. He ran his fingers over the leather, then handed it to Ezo without opening it. ¡°This might be a good place to start.¡±


    Ezo nodded. ¡°What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°Find food. One of us needs to be practical before we both delve into these books and get lost.¡±


    Ezo laughed at that. ¡°True. Thank you. I want to see what happened to the last keeper.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°I¡¯m interested to hear as well. If it had anything to do with the fire in the castle, though, we might never know.¡±


    When Kammon left the room, Ezo grabbed the final two books of the keeper¡¯s journals. He coughed as he kicked up dust. He took a minute to swipe the books clean as best he could with his vest, then dropped one onto the edge of the table to deal with later. He settled into the chair, opened the other book, and started reading.

 Shut Up and Sleep

    Ezo rubbed at his tired eyes and realized the fire had burned low while he was reading. He hadn¡¯t seen Kammon in hours. His lover had come in earlier to drop off food and drink, but he left Ezo alone after that. The dark circles had disappeared from under Kammon¡¯s eyes. Ezo suspected he¡¯d gone back to sleep.


    Ezo would complain that he didn¡¯t ask him to join, but he was too wrapped up in the journal to do so.


    He tapped the book with his fingers before he grabbed it and left the room. The halls of Riverkeep were never entirely quiet because of the waterfall it was built behind, but there was no sound of movement beyond that. He opened the door of the larger bedroom where they were sleeping. It had been cleaned up a bit, but the blankets were askew.


    As much as the bed called to him, he¡¯d prefer company when he went. He walked down to the library and found Kammon at the first table.


    ¡°Light reading?¡± he asked with a smile.


    Kammon continued reading for a moment before he marked his spot with a piece of paper and closed the book gently. ¡°I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see you for a while longer.¡±


    ¡°You slept today?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep well last night.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡±


    Kammon frowned. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Did I keep you up?¡±


    Ezo shook his head. ¡°You moved a lot, that¡¯s all.¡± He held up the journal to stop Kammon from worrying about that. ¡°I finished the last book. It would take much longer to read his story, but I managed to get through this one. It¡¯s not a good ending.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t imagine it is,¡± Kammon said, looking up at the ceiling.


    ¡°The last keeper was Eques Maron. His family lived on this land for generations, but he gained the title of eques and was granted this castle when he was in his thirties. He was the keeper of Riverkeep before that, though.¡±


    ¡°People like Lestan in Pramas inherit the title now, but the original eques were promoted in the field. If Maron earned the title, he must have been formidable.¡±


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    ¡°He was War-Sworn,¡± Ezo said. ¡°You¡¯ve heard of the rising and the razing?¡±


    Kammon nodded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it happened.¡±


    ¡°Everyone knows the story.¡±


    ¡°Yes, they do. But listen. The old peddler who found the book here told me there were rumors back then that some people were unhappy with the new eques. Not only was he a strong elementalist, but he was popular with the people as well.¡±


    ¡°Those are just rumors,¡± Kammon said. As he listened, though, Ezo could almost see him making connections. Kammon was so overpowered in the elements that sometimes Ezo forgot that his most formidable weapon was his mind.


    ¡°According to his journal, Maron wasn¡¯t going to accept the title. He was afraid of the reaction from the nobles. He changed his mind when they offered him the land and castle. He hoped to make Wind Haven a strong foundation for his heirs to continue protecting Riverkeep. He spent the next twenty years rebuilding Wind Haven until it was a powerful fortress.


    ¡°In the last five years he became increasingly convinced that they were going to come for him. In fact, he was meeting with truthkeepers from Nara and Galif at the Sanguine River.  The old man¡¯s rumors were true.¡±


    ¡°And after the meeting?¡±


    ¡°Someone else¡¯s writing takes up the story. It doesn¡¯t make much sense unless my fears are correct.¡±


    ¡°What is it, Ezo?¡±


    ¡°The final words were written in ash.¡± He opened it and showed the last entry to Kammon.


    The boy is gone, lost to fire and death. He is ash, like his father.


    ¡°Who would have written that?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°The old man said the eques had a wife and son who were never seen again. I think whatever happened in the castle, their son was lost to it, and his wife survived to scribble the words.¡±


    ¡°She would have known about Riverkeep, too, then.¡±


    Ezo nodded. ¡°Kaiya.¡±


    ¡°The woman who found you here?¡±


    ¡°I think it was her. I haven¡¯t seen her since the day she led me here.¡±


    ¡°I could ask Ember to search the surrounding area for her. From what you said, she might still be watching this place. If she is, Ember may be able to find her without scaring her away.¡±


    Ezo nodded. ¡°I would like to see that she¡¯s safe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send her out tomorrow.¡± Kammon walked away from the table, took the book from Ezo¡¯s hand, and placed it next to his stack of books. ¡°For now, it¡¯s time to sleep.¡±


    Ezo didn¡¯t even argue. He followed Kammon out and dropped onto the bed without stopping to undress. Kammon laughed at him, but Ezo felt a gentle tug at his foot as Kammon slid his boot off. He sat up and undressed properly and crawled under the covers with Kammon.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame to sleep in such a nice bed,¡± he said, but he couldn¡¯t stop the yawn that cracked his jaw open.


    Kammon kissed his temple as he pulled him closer. ¡°Sleep now. Play later.¡±


    Ezo wanted to argue with that, but he realized Kammon must have been exhausted to have taken a nap earlier and to go to sleep this early. He decided it was the better part of wisdom to shut up and sleep.

 Point of Ignition

    When Ezo woke, the bed was empty, and the sheets beside him were cold. Ezo stumbled into his pants and shoved his feet into his boots to look for his lover. He wasn¡¯t in the library, and he wasn¡¯t in the kitchen.


    When he checked the secret study, he wasn¡¯t there either.


    Ezo left Riverkeep and trudged down the long hallway and up the stairs to the castle. Maybe Kammon had gone to check on the horses? Ezo hadn¡¯t had any trouble when he¡¯d stabled Rile while he was at Riverkeep alone.


    He opened the passage door and stepped into the burned-out study of the Fire Born castle. He stopped when he realized Kammon was right there.


    ¡°Kammon?¡± he called his lover¡¯s name.


    ¡°Ezo? What are you doing up here?¡±


    ¡°Looking for you. Come back to bed.¡±


    Kammon dropped his eyes to look around the study. ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking about what happened here.¡±


    Ezo could see his mind turning, so he kept quiet, waiting to see what Kammon would do next. Ezo had studied the room himself and come to his own conclusions, but Kammon was the expert on fire. If anyone could understand the wreckage in the ruins, it was the Calamity.


    ¡°This corner was saved from the devastation. Why?¡±


    ¡°Someone put up a shield against it. But that would mean they survived,¡± Ezo said. ¡°Maron died and nothing in his journal hints that his wife was an elementalist.¡±


    ¡°Everyone assumes Maron¡¯s dead,¡± he reminded Ezo. ¡°But this wasn¡¯t a shield.¡± He kneeled on the ground and placed his hands on the floor. ¡°This is the point of the ignition.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°An elementalist started this fire. It burned so hot the stone melted, but it was directed out. After the initial blast, flame took the rest of the room. Everything else was caught in the backlash.¡±


    ¡°Did Maron die from the fire he started?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°Or did he start it at all?¡± Kammon countered.


    ¡°He must have died. He wouldn¡¯t have left Riverkeep alone all these years if he was alive.¡±


    ¡°I agree. But was he the one that started this fire? The initial flame was so hot it melted the stone. It wasn¡¯t a build-up of heat over time. That takes a lot of power. I don¡¯t think Eques Maron, no matter his prowess on the battlefield, was that strong. So what caused this fire? Did he kill himself, pulling too much of the element to set this fire? Or was it someone else? And why was he fighting in the castle? The world makes note of people with that level of strength. Especially elementalists from other countries. Who would have come here and set this tragedy in motion?¡±


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    ¡°Do you know how many people are strong enough to pull this off?¡±


    ¡°No, but there is someone that does.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Within the Imperium¡¯s intelligence network, there is a man tasked with keeping track of elementalists. He knows where they are and where their strengths lie. He knows the assets of Distria¡¯s enemies, as well as its own elementalists to call in need. You met him at the University.¡±


    ¡°I did?¡±


    ¡°Andres. We served together when I was War-Sworn.¡±


    ¡°He wanted them to kill you,¡± Ezo said.


    ¡°Did he?¡±


    ¡°I heard him say that it was better to kill you than to try to force you into service again.¡±


    Kammon smiled. ¡°He knew how well I¡¯d take it. He knows the strength of everyone in the University. He understood where that would lead.¡±


    Ezo rolled his eyes. ¡°You still consider him a friend, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°I¡¯d preferred they tried to kill me too,¡± he said. ¡°The idea that they would try to force someone back into the Vow is ludicrous.¡±


    Ezo couldn¡¯t deal with the horrors of the Imperium turning elementalists into War-Sworn against their volition, so he changed the subject back to the castle. ¡°So the fire started here and took out the rest of the room and the castle. Then time and weather turned it into nothing more than a ghost story for those brave enough to hear it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a sad tale for someone who had dedicated themselves to a life of service,¡± Kammon said softly. ¡°And what about the words?¡±


    ¡°Which words?¡±


    ¡°The words written in ash. Ezo, what if the reason the fire reaches out from here was that they were protecting someone behind them?¡±


    Ezo looked at the damage that had been done. ¡°That would explain why that corner of the room is less damaged,¡± he admitted. ¡°Was Maron protecting his wife and son? But the writing says the son is dead.¡±


    ¡°If he was young enough, the heat or smoke could kill him even if the flame didn¡¯t. He must have been desperate to do this, to risk this destruction. Was he protecting Riverkeep or his family? Or both?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll never know for sure. If we found Kaiya, that might help, but I¡¯m not sure she thinks straight enough to get answers. Whatever happened to her, she was damaged by it as well.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll send Ember in the morning, just in case. If nothing else, we can send her to Tam¡¯s Flat so they can care for her.¡±


    ¡°Would Danya and Cassen take her in?¡±


    ¡°If she is in need, as you say she is, then yes, they would.¡±


    Ezo felt a small sense of relief at the idea of taking Kaiya to Tam¡¯s Flat. He didn¡¯t know if he¡¯d find her, but it felt like he had a plan now when he did.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said to Kammon.


    ¡°Danya and Cassen took me in when I was barely standing on my own two feet. They¡¯ll do what they can for her.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of barely standing, can we go back to sleep now?¡±


    Kammon left the unharmed circle of stones and pulled Ezo into his arms. ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to wake you.¡±


    ¡°The bed is too cold without you, and I didn¡¯t want to build up the fire,¡± Ezo complained. He wasn¡¯t about to admit how much he enjoyed sleeping wrapped around Kammon.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get to bed then.¡±


    Kammon followed him down the hallway and back to the bedroom. Kammon¡¯s fingers drew patterns over Ezo¡¯s skin as they settled together. He was drifting off, but Kammon¡¯s hand never stopped moving. His last thought, as he gave in to sleep, was that the motion of his hands felt a lot like an explosion.

 Devastating

    Ezo stood up and stretched. There were so many things he wanted to learn and so many books to go through, but he was trying to pace himself. Kammon might get lost in a book as much as Ezo, but he would snap out of it to check on Ezo occasionally and force him up from the table. Ezo liked to return the favor. It worked most days and Ezo knew his work was more productive for the breaks they forced on each other.


    Ezo looked back at the waterfall and sighed. This was one of his favorite places to read. The waterfall was loud, but the sound was soothing. It also gave him a clear view of the entrance and let him keep an eye on which part of Riverkeep Kammon decided to read in.


    Kammon hadn¡¯t had a restful night since a few days out of Riverkeep and it had been worse once they arrived. He was napping when it became too much, but Ezo didn¡¯t like it. Kammon also had frequent headaches. Ezo worried that Kammon¡¯s soulsucker was getting worse, but Kammon said there was no change that he noticed.


    Ezo was keeping a close eye on his lover.


    Kammon was currently outside of Riverkeep. He¡¯d walked past a while back with a basket and said he¡¯d be out for a while.


    Ezo set his book on healing down to go check on Kammon.


    The path had become familiar over the last week. Kammon wandered the castle and its grounds often and Ezo usually found him out there reading.


    Ezo had no idea what Kammon was studying. They were both working toward different goals. They spoke about what they learned, but not what they were really trying to find. Kammon read books on the elements and history and war. He picked up stories about famous lovers and legends and followed them with very dry accounts of history from other countries. Ezo didn¡¯t know what he was looking for.


    He reached the castle¡¯s study and stepped into the ash-filled space. He thought about trying to sweep it clean, but he didn¡¯t want to disturb the ghosts that rested there.


    He walked past the room and outside. He was more likely to find Kammon in one of the grassy fields around the castle at this time of day. The early afternoon breeze caught Ezo¡¯s hair and threw it in his face. He¡¯d been lazy that morning and left it hanging long. He was paying for that now.


    Kammon¡¯s power drew him closer. Even without the bond, the strength of his lover¡¯s magic told him where he was. He was pulling a lot of the elements, and Ezo used the bond to reach out to Kammon to make sure there was no danger. Kammon was calm, so Ezo forced himself to relax. When he walked down the path Kammon favored, it only took a few minutes to find him.


    Most of the surrounding area was open fields. However, a small tributary fed into the larger river on the other side of the castle, surrounded by trees. It left a wooded path from its edge to the cliff where the water fell. Within those woods, Kammon had found a large clearing he liked to relax in.


    As Ezo moved closer, Kammon¡¯s power grew. He entered the clearing but stayed at the edge of the trees. Partly so he didn¡¯t disrupt his lover and partly in awe.


    Ezo knew how powerful Kammon was. He¡¯d felt it under his skin every time their magic joined. This was different, though. Kammon rotated through a series of movements, flames dancing in his grasp in ways that Ezo barely followed. The balls of fire he held were small, but they burned blue.


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    Ezo had never produced a fire that hot, and Kammon did it without breaking a sweat. He danced the flames over his head and through branches of the trees. Where flames caught in the outer leaves, Kammon deftly trailed water to each and doused it before it did more than singe the edges.


    Ezo had always heard about the sheer force of power that was the Calamity, but he¡¯d never understood his lover¡¯s absolute control over the elements.


    The Imperium had turned him- and the other War-Sworn- into blunt instruments when they could be so much more.


    When Kammon let go of the fire, he seamlessly transitioned into pushing whirlwinds of air around him in the same configuration. Beneath his feet, earth shifted and buckled and settled again until you could no longer tell it had moved at all.


    Kammon pulled at the surrounding magic until he was full with it to Ezo¡¯s eyes. The elements shined around him, creating an aura the likes of which he¡¯d never seen.


    It was devastating that a man of so much power and goodness had been turned to blood-craft.


    Kammon stopped when his eyes fell on Ezo. Ezo entered the clearing and offered a hand to Kammon. When he took it, Ezo¡¯s magic rushed to meet him. It thrilled him to be so connected to the War-Sworn. There was no danger this time, nothing outside the two of them to distract Ezo from this.


    They had never done this without cause, and Ezo leaned his head against Kammon¡¯s chest, focusing on the magic that swam around them.


    It reached into Ezo¡¯s core, and his body vibrated with the power. Even with his eyes closed, he saw Kammon in his mind¡¯s eye. The darkness at his core was shut off to Ezo, but he felt how it drained Kammon. Beyond that, something deeper was etched into him.


    Ezo pulled on his own power more and he fed it into that, trying to satiate the thing that drained Kammon. It wasn¡¯t enough. It would never be enough to fill the endless void that hungered. Ezo couldn¡¯t stop, though. He wanted to give Kammon respite from the relentless exhaustion. Ezo didn¡¯t know how he lived with this every day. There wasn¡¯t one thing pulling at him, but two parasites feeding on him.


    ¡°Ezo, stop,¡± Kammon whispered against his temple. ¡°You can¡¯t heal me.¡±


    ¡°Not trying to,¡± he admitted. It hurt to know that he couldn¡¯t do that. That the strongest healers in all of Distria hadn¡¯t been able to heal him, but Ezo wouldn¡¯t endanger both of them by doing that again.


    ¡°I just want to give them enough,¡± he said softly.


    Kammon¡¯s arms pulled him closer, and it felt like Ezo was breathing his essence into him. He wasn¡¯t just pressed against his body; their souls had joined in ways he couldn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°Ezo, you have to let go,¡± Kammon said, his voice harder this time.


    Ezo looked up at his lover. His dark eyes were filled with concern, but all Ezo could see was how his brows furrowed and the little lines creased his forehead. His hair had fallen into his face, and Ezo reached up to push it aside.


    He felt drunk on the power that surged through him, and his thoughts and movements were sluggish.


    ¡°Ezo!¡±


    Kammon shook him, and Ezo smiled. Kammon stepped away and dropped his magic completely. Ezo reached out for him but tripped back as Ember jumped into existence between them, screeching so loud he covered his ears.


    He fell on his ass, reflexes too slow to keep him upright. He stared up at the effigy as she flew in circles around him. He shivered, and a pounding started behind his ear. When Ember landed on his shoulder, she startled him by nuzzling his cheek.


    Kammon kneeled and pushed Ezo¡¯s hair back to examine his face. ¡°You still there?¡±


    He nodded, but his throat was thick, like he¡¯d been screaming. ¡°What was that?¡±


    Kammon helped him stand and kept an arm around his waist as they walked back toward the castle. ¡°You pulled too much magic to yourself. Didn¡¯t you feel it?¡± Kammon asked.


    He shook his head, which made the whole world spin, and he groaned softly.


    ¡°Come on, bed and Leria for you.¡±


    Ezo groaned for a different reason then.


    Kammon gave a relieved huff of a laugh. ¡°If it makes you feel better, I¡¯m joining you.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t. Unless you mean you¡¯re joining me in bed. Which would at least make up for the Leria.¡±


    Kammon pressed a kiss to his temple as they walked. ¡°Sleeping. But once you wake, I don¡¯t promise to keep my hands to myself.¡±


    Ezo smiled. ¡°To bed then. The quicker we nap, the quicker we wake.¡±

 Buried

    Kammon had spent plenty of time studying from the texts in Riverkeep. At first, he¡¯d been researching things from his past that bothered him. Histories that he had reason to disbelieve. Truths that he learned were not, in fact, truth.


    Now, he was trying to understand something more fundamental to his own life and the tragedies he¡¯d been part of. Why had Distria become a war-mongering state? When had it started to fight with its bordering neighbors, and how had war become the dominant state of existence?


    With Ezo asleep beside him, Kammon had a more pressing question in mind, though. After Ezo pulled on so much power, he slept almost 12 hours. He¡¯d woke hungry, and they¡¯d shuffled off to the kitchen for food before returning to make good on their earlier promises.


    Ezo hadn¡¯t been happy to take another dose of Leria, but he¡¯d fallen asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. Kammon was beside him, unable to follow his partner into dreams.


    Which was probably best. Kammon¡¯s dreams had been haunted since they¡¯d started the journey toward the Fire Born Castle, and he doubted that would change tonight. He was torn between shaking Ezo to make him understand how scared he¡¯d been and smothering him to keep him safe. He¡¯s settled for lovemaking that rotated between too gentle and too rough in turns because he was still working through what he¡¯d felt.


    Kammon slipped out of bed and dressed quietly. He walked through the cold halls to the extensive library. It was ordered similarly to Mountainkeep, but neither could match the pristine shelves of the University.


    He didn¡¯t know where to start, so he walked to the far end next to the fireplace and began looking through the books. He piled any books that mentioned the Distrian War-Sworn at the end of the table. When he had a small stack, he stopped and started reading.


    He skimmed through the first book, but it was a tedious recital of military engagement at the Nara border. The second and third weren¡¯t much better. Even before Distria¡¯s current military regime, the Seven Nations had been in conflict.


    As he opened the fourth book and skimmed, he sat up at the table and leaned in to read. It spoke of the period of peace that held for a thousand years between the Seven Nations. It had ended with the Effigy War. The gods left the Seven Nations, destroying its greatest kingdom and leaving only the Bonelands behind. The countries rebuilt their armies then, and Distria created the War-Sworn.


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    Kammon had never heard of the Effigy War before, nor of a kingdom in the Bonelands.


    The book went into more detail about the creation of Prasnia¡¯s navy and their ongoing fights with Galif and moved away from Distria entirely. Kammon set the book down and left his current stack of books in search of information about the Effigy War.


    He had no idea how long he¡¯d been reading before he heard movement in the hallway outside. Books had been pushed face down on the interesting pages he¡¯d found. He carried three in hand to keep from losing them.


    ¡°Did you sleep at all?¡± Ezo walked in with a mug of tea and set it on the table for Kammon.


    He smelled the Leria before he sipped it, but he drank it anyway. He hadn¡¯t stopped for food or drink all night.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make breakfast while you clean up the mess you made.¡± Ezo pointed to the stacks and piles Kammon left in his wake. ¡°Then you can tell me what all this is about.¡±


    Kammon watched him go, but he returned to the book he¡¯d found. He didn¡¯t need to learn about the War-Sworn or how they¡¯d come to exist. He had a reasonably accurate education from the university, but the Vow was something else entirely.


    Following a trail of history, folklore, and tall tales, Kammon tracked down what might be the origins of the words that all members of the War-Sworn had to speak. He found it in a book on healing, of all places.


    It wasn¡¯t enough. Kammon had a headache, and he didn¡¯t like what he was learning. It was another lead to understanding what was happening with himself and Ezo, though.


    He¡¯d laughed when Ezo said Alvrey worried they were blending. It was a myth. Just a legend to scare young elementals to keep their powers to themselves. It wasn¡¯t blending, what was happening to them, but it wasn¡¯t a true bonding anymore either.


    He and Ezo had been able to do things they shouldn¡¯t from the very beginning. Kammon had put it off to the strength of their magic, believing that to be why their bond was so deep as well. He didn¡¯t think that was true anymore, though.


    He¡¯d been able to call on Ezo¡¯s magic since Mason Creek. He hadn¡¯t realized it at first, but he could see it all in hindsight. The way Ember responded to him. Barley said he was touched by the Vow. The way Ezo lost control of his power at the University and blacked out.


    And now, the incident the day before. Kammon had felt Ezo each time he pulled the elements into himself. He¡¯d felt Ezo pushing his strength through the bond into the blackness in Kammon¡¯s soul.


    What scared Kammon most wasn¡¯t the pure amount of power that Ezo drew. It wasn¡¯t the fear that he¡¯d burn himself out either, because Kammon saw him draw more of the elements in Malla City. It was something beyond that. Something that shouldn¡¯t be there at all.


    Buried under the magic and the bond, Kammon could feel the darkness wrapped around Ezo¡¯s very bones.


    He had never said the words, but somehow Ezo had taken the Vow.

 Questions That Need Answered

    ¡°We need to get supplies,¡± Kammon said as he joined Ezo in bed. The past week, Ezo had been the one to fall asleep first, tossing and turning until his lover joined him. Some nights, he waited him out. Other nights, he hunted Kammon down and dragged him away from his books. Whatever he was reading, it was pulling him from bed early and keeping him late. Ezo tried asking him what it was, but Kammon had successfully distracted him every time he did. Ezo didn¡¯t mind being kissed within an inch of his life, but when he realized he was being purposely thrown off his purpose, he was determined to figure out why.


    ¡°We can go tomorrow,¡± he answered as he settled into Kammon¡¯s arms. ¡°I need to stretch my legs, anyway.¡±


    The next afternoon, Ezo found himself a few hours out of Riverkeep. It was better to ride further afield for supplies than to give away their location to anyone. They would do their shopping today, then head back to Riverkeep in the morning.


    Ezo stared into a shop window as he waited for Kammon to come out from the inn. He heard Kammon walk up behind him, so he started across the street.


    ¡°Ezo! Where are you going?¡± Kammon asked.


    He didn¡¯t say anything as he walked into the shop. An older woman was sewing on the other side of a table at the back of the room. Ezo waved at her as he entered. Carefully constructed outfits were displayed on stands every few feet throughout the storefront. Shelves lined with fabric bolts took up the long wall behind the counter.


    ¡°Ezo, what are you doing in here?¡±


    He looked at Kammon and gave him a once over. He¡¯d stopped wearing the red cloak of the War-Sworn, but his jacket was still styled in the same fashion. The edges of his clothes were frayed, and while they were well cared for, it was obvious Kammon needed to replace them. Ezo knew his own weren¡¯t any better.


    ¡°We need new clothes,¡± he answered Kammon, as the woman at the back of the shop approached. Ezo smiled at her. ¡°A set for each of us. And a nice jacket.¡± He looked over his shoulder at his lover. ¡°Jaroh always said I would want for one if I didn¡¯t have it.¡±


    Kammon shook his head. ¡°Do we have time for this?¡±


    ¡°We need it, so we make the time.¡±


    Kammon glared at Ezo, then walked around the shop. He¡¯d been more and more moody over the last few days, withdrawing into the library and keeping his own counsel.


    Ezo negotiated with the seamstress, but noted the fabric that Kammon looked at as he wandered. The seamstress measured Kammon first, but as soon as she finished, he walked out the door without a word.


    The seamstress watched him with an open mouth. She looked at Ezo. ¡°Do you know what he needed, sir?¡±


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    Ezo would be pissed, but he was worried about Kammon. He had no idea what was going on in his lover¡¯s head. He wasn¡¯t even worried that he¡¯d angered him because if he had, Kammon would have blown up at him already. And he wouldn¡¯t hold Ezo so close in bed every night the way he did.


    ¡°It looks like I¡¯ll be picking it out for him,¡± Ezo said. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t like it, he should have stayed to do it himself.¡± He smiled at the woman and pushed his concerns about Kammon to the back of his head. He was probably off to get their supplies and make sure they were ready to leave in the morning.


    The seamstress flew into a flurry of fabrics and Ezo had to pick out something for the both of them. He tried to keep Kammon¡¯s preferences in mind, but if the man complained, he could wear his old clothes until they rotted on him. It would take more than a day to get all of it done, but she agreed to complete a set for each of them to be delivered in the morning. He would pick up the rest in two weeks¡¯ time.


    Kammon wouldn¡¯t be happy about that return trip either, but Ezo could make it alone if need be.


    As he exited the shop, he looked around the village for the other elementalist. He headed to the market way, but didn¡¯t see him with any of the vendors there. He walked the shops and vendors for close to an hour before he headed to the inn where they were staying.


    To his surprise, Kammon was sitting at a table at the back with a mug of ale in front of him. It was mid-afternoon, and the room was half full of patrons. He walked straight to Kammon and took a seat.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking everywhere for you,¡± Ezo complained.


    Kammon took a long drink from his ale, but didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Have you eaten?¡± Ezo asked. Kammon shook his head but surprised Ezo by pulling out his journal instead of talking to him. Ezo bit his tongue. As much as he wanted to blow up, they didn¡¯t want to draw any attention to themselves while they were traveling. Instead, he went to the barkeep and ordered food for the both of them.


    Their food came, but by the time Ezo finished eating, Kammon still hadn¡¯t spoken to him. Kammon was buried in his journal and whatever he¡¯d been writing in there since he started this current research project.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to walk around and see if I can find some work for the afternoon. Have to pay for those new clothes somehow,¡± he said as he stood.


    Kammon grabbed his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t. Ezo, we should keep a low profile here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that got your attention?¡± he snapped. ¡°I don¡¯t want to keep a low profile. I want to get out and do something. I¡¯m not going to sit here and drink all day.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you. We need to get supplies anyway.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t get them already?¡±


    Kammon put his journal into the bag on his hip and walked out of the inn without answering. Ezo was torn between staying where he was just to be spiteful and following Kammon out. When he looked toward the door, though, Kammon had stepped back in and was waiting for him. He let out a deep breath and joined him.


    ¡°When will the clothes be ready for pickup?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°Tomorrow morning, she¡¯ll have a set for both of us ready. The rest I¡¯ll have to come back and get in a few weeks.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°I heard some interesting stories while I was at the inn earlier.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°Traveling players.¡±


    ¡°You found them?¡±


    ¡°A merchant came through. He seemed reputable. They¡¯re in northern Distria, and he had the name of the next village they were heading to.¡±


    He pulled Kammon to a stop. ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°We should grab our supplies in the morning and drop them off at Riverkeep, then find Jaroh.¡±


    ¡°Is this really the right time, though?¡± he asked. ¡°I want to see them again, but there are still so many things I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Kammon ran a hand over tired eyes, and he leaned closer to Ezo. ¡°I have questions that need to be answered, Ezo, and the only person in all of Distria I trust with them is Alvrey.¡±

 No Way to Heal the Gap

    Kammon¡¯s odd behavior continued as they rode. Five days to the village the players were supposed to be heading, then another two because they¡¯d moved on before Kammon and Ezo arrived. As much as Kammon said he wanted to reach the players though, he stopped every night at a village and got a room at an inn for the night, instead of sleeping under the stars. They¡¯d eat in the common room, listening to stories from other travelers, but retire quickly when they were done. Kammon pulled him into bed then, alternating between bruising kisses and the gentlest touches.


    They started out again early each morning and Kammon watched the countryside like he expected an attack at any minute.


    Ezo hadn¡¯t forgotten about Vash and the Imperium. Or Eques Lestan, but the further they got from Riverkeep, the less real all that seemed. He was looking forward to seeing the players again, though he worried about his reception. He¡¯d left Alvrey on rocky terms. He hoped to remedy that now. He missed the actors, and especially the two boys that had joined them in Nivet. Mathis and Tamis were good kids, and he needed to see how they were doing as well.


    Ezo was tired from eight days of travel, but he was renewed as the outline of the wagons finally came into view beside the road before them.


    He rode on ahead of Kammon and reached the wagons. A shout went up around him as the men and women of Jaroh¡¯s Traveling Players recognized him.


    ¡°I heard you¡¯re always looking for skilled hands?¡± he asked as he rode straight up to Jaroh.


    ¡°Get off that horse!¡± Jaroh called out to him.


    As soon as he did, Jaroh enfolded him into his embrace. ¡°I told Alvrey you would find us. Eventually.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long journey,¡± Ezo said as Jaroh released him.


    ¡°Ezo!¡± Tamis threw himself at Ezo while Mathis ran up and stopped short of him. ¡°You came back!¡±


    ¡°Of course I did. I had to take a bit of a trip, but I wasn¡¯t done with you two just yet,¡± he teased. He reached out and clasped Mathis¡¯s shoulder. The boy crashed into him then, nearly knocking him and Tamis to the ground.


    ¡°Let him breathe!¡± Jaroh yelled at the boys. A small crowd had gathered around them, but a soft cough drew his attention away from the rest of them. Alvrey stepped up beside Jaroh.


    ¡°Alvrey.¡± He didn¡¯t know what to say to her now that she was right in front of him. As much as he¡¯d worried about her, seeing her in person brought up too much that he still hadn¡¯t sorted through. He didn¡¯t know how to forgive her for trying to keep him from Kammon. The pain and fear from the morning Kammon had been attacked while he was alone, the anger Ezo had felt when she explained why he should stay away from the War-Sworn, all came boiling to the top again.


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    She looked as torn as he felt.


    Her eyes widened, though, and she took a step back. He looked back and watched as Kammon rode through the crowd. Mathis and Tamis were as excited to see Kammon as they had been to see Ezo. The rest of the players were more reserved around him, and most returned to work to get their wagons ready for the next day.


    Kammon dismounted his horse and turned the reigns over to the brothers. ¡°Alvrey,¡± he addressed the healer with a small smile. ¡°I hope the time since our departure has treated you well.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°We¡¯ve heard you had some trouble.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid it comes with the name.¡±


    She smiled and stepped closer to him. When she gently embraced him, Kammon whispered in her ear. Ezo didn¡¯t know what he said, but she stiffened. She pulled back to look at him, and he nodded once.


    ¡°Ezo¡¯s been worried about you.¡±


    ¡°We worried about the both of you,¡± Jaroh cut in. ¡°Word is the Imperium is looking for you two.¡±


    ¡°They found us,¡± Ezo said. ¡°They didn¡¯t like what they found.¡±


    ¡°Ezo!¡± Alvrey gasped.


    He shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve got more important things to worry about than the Imperium.¡±


    ¡°Ezo!¡± It was Kammon¡¯s turn to admonish him.


    They hadn¡¯t talked about whether they would reveal the libraries to Alvrey or anyone else. Ezo had thought it would be obvious they should tell her. She was a healer and some of those books might be of more use to her than to them. He should have spoken to Kammon about it, though. He was as much a Truthkeeper now as Ezo was.


    ¡°The question is, are they still looking for us, or was it just Vash?¡± he asked Kammon. ¡°The news could be from when they originally sent men.¡±


    ¡°They aren¡¯t likely to advertise our fight by asking around after the fact,¡± Kammon admitted.


    ¡°It sounds like you have some stories to tell us,¡± Jaroh said. ¡°Why don¡¯t we find a place for these beasts of yours and beds for the two of you.¡±


    ¡°One bed will be enough,¡± Kammon told the man.


    Jaroh raised a brow at that but didn¡¯t say anything as Mathis and Tamis took the horses away.


    Kammon stepped up behind Ezo. ¡°Talk. I¡¯ll get everything else settled,¡± he said to Ezo. As much tension as there was in the air, Kammon seemed to have finally relaxed a little. He pressed a kiss to Ezo¡¯s temple, then walked off with Jaroh.


    Ezo had become used to Kammon¡¯s small shows of affection, but Alvrey¡¯s mouth opened in surprise. Ezo turned to watch Kammon disappear between the wagons with Jaroh.


    ¡°Looks like some things have changed,¡± Alvrey said.


    Ezo sighed. ¡°And some haven¡¯t. I can feel your disapproval from here.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it, Ezo. I don¡¯t disapprove of Kammon. In truth, I¡¯m rather fond of him. I worry for you.¡±


    Ezo nodded. It wasn¡¯t a fresh wound, but it wasn¡¯t so old that he was willing to rip it open just yet. ¡°I should see if anyone needs help. I remember how hard it was to get all the wagons set for show day.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, please-¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk later,¡± he offered. ¡°I was worried about you. It¡¯s nice to see you. I just¡­didn¡¯t realize this would still hurt so much. I don¡¯t know what you think Kammon will do to me, but whatever it is, you can¡¯t make me leave him.¡±


    ¡°Stop by later. Let me check you over,¡± she offered.


    He nodded, but didn¡¯t say anything as he turned and walked away. He told himself that at least she was safe. He had time to right whatever had gone wrong between them, but so long as she believed Kammon was the wrong, there was no way to heal the gap.


    Ezo felt the pull of magic from Kammon, but a shout rang out on the other side of the wagons. Ezo followed until he found Kammon in the middle of it all, helping to set up a new tent they¡¯d added since Ezo had left.


    ¡°What are you doing with that?¡± he asked as he entered the crowd.


    Jaroh smiled and wrapped an arm around Ezo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Let me tell you what we¡¯ve been up to while you were gone.¡±

 It Would Be A Shame

    Ezo had missed the camaraderie of the players. There was something about sitting around the fire at night and listening to their stories that soothed his restless feet. He had an ale in hand, and Tamis was telling a story, encouraged by the performers.


    Somehow, their first meeting with the amphithere had turned into a full-on adventure with death-defying acts and fire-breathing dragons.


    Ezo clapped along with everyone else as Tamis finished the tale.


    ¡°That one was worthy of a player,¡± Jaroh smiled.


    ¡°They seem to be doing well here,¡± Ezo said. He¡¯d spent time with the boys, listening to their stories as they set up one of the tents. After the fight that had separated Ezo and Kammon, the players had been left alone and free from trouble.


    Or as free from trouble as a group of traveling players ever got.


    ¡°We try to keep an eye on them,¡± Jaroh told him. ¡°And all the strays who come our way. You seem to be doing well yourself. I wouldn¡¯t have thought it when I met the two of you, but the Calamity suits you.¡±


    Ezo shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know about that, but he¡¯s not bad to have around.¡±


    Jaroh smiled. ¡°And one bed?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what he¡¯s good to have around for.¡±


    Jaroh laughed loudly and clapped Ezo on the back. ¡°He has a reputation, to be sure, but I hadn¡¯t heard that was part of it.¡±


    When Jaroh¡¯s laughter died down, he faced Ezo. ¡°It is well, though? He ran from trouble, and it sounds like it found you both.¡±


    ¡°It was looking for us both. But we¡¯re good.¡±


    ¡°Alvrey has been worried.¡±


    ¡°Alvrey can speak her own mind,¡± Ezo reminded him.


    Jaroh pointed to the other side of the fire and he watched as Kammon joined the circle, Alvrey beside him.


    ¡°Just remember that she is a friend when she does.¡±


    Ezo looked at Jaroh. ¡°I can accept that you were trying to keep me out of a fight when you thought I was outclassed back then. But Alvrey knew better. She didn¡¯t like what was happening between Kammon and me, and she wanted to stop it. That makes it harder to square things with her.¡±


    ¡°Alvrey has your best interests at heart.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well, I have Kammon¡¯s best interests at heart. That¡¯s got us at odds.¡±


    Ezo watched as Alvrey smiled at him, then backed away from the fires. Kammon walked around the flames to stand at Ezo¡¯s side. ¡°Should we earn our keep tomorrow?¡± Kammon asked Jaroh.


    ¡°And what skills do you have to entertain the crowd?¡± Jaroh asked.


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    When they¡¯d traveled with them before, he and Kammon had helped set up the camp and prepare for audiences, but they hadn¡¯t been part of the show. Ezo had no idea what he was thinking.


    Kammon smiled as he pulled flames from the fire and created fireballs that moved in intricate patterns over his head. It was an easy feat for him, but it would tax most elementalists. It would be impressive to the crowds, though.


    ¡°Are you going to get me in trouble for having elementalists in my show?¡± Jaroh asked.


    ¡°Elementalists need coin the same as anyone else. I¡¯ve found doing these sorts of exercises to be beneficial lately, so why not earn my keep while I¡¯m at it?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d be honored if you joined us. Stop by my tent in the morning, and we¡¯ll see where to set you up and get you a costume that¡¯s a bit more¡­ outstanding.¡±


    Ezo laughed as Jaroh stepped away to talk to the man who dressed the performers.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got yourself into some trouble now,¡± Ezo told Kammon. ¡°You have no idea what they¡¯re going to dress you in.¡±


    Kammon smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the shows.¡±


    ¡°Ready to turn in?¡± Ezo asked. He finished his ale and cleaned up before they turned away from the fires. They walked down the lane behind the wagons where the performer¡¯s tents were set up.


    Their place for the night was on the far end, a tent that had needed some patching to get it ready for tonight. Luckily the players were as giving of their time as they were their affections. Before Ezo could come back to help, they¡¯d already fixed it up and had it set up for them.


    Ezo was grateful for the other amenities the players had shared with them as well. They had their bedrolls, but the others had shared pillows and blankets, as well as the brightly colored rugs that covered the floor.


    Kammon sat on the edge of a bench beside their bedrolls and looked up at Ezo. ¡°I spoke with Alvrey.¡±


    ¡°I saw you come to the fire with her. Was she trying to get on your good side, so you¡¯ll talk to me about her?¡±


    Kammon rubbed his fingers against his forehead. ¡°I want her to examine you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She examined me tonight, and I want you to let her do the same.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Kammon?¡±


    Kammon pulled Ezo closer but didn¡¯t answer. The silence worried Ezo more than anything he could have said. He stood between Kammon¡¯s legs and watched his lover.


    ¡°Kammon, you buried yourself in the library far worse than I ever did, and then suddenly, you wanted to leave. Tell me why.¡±


    ¡°I need Alvrey to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡± Kammon pressed his forehead against Ezo¡¯s stomach though, the words muffled between them.


    ¡°What do you think she¡¯ll find?¡±


    Kammon didn¡¯t answer immediately. Ezo wrapped his fingers in Kammon¡¯s hair and pulled slightly to make him look up.


    ¡°When you joined me at Riverkeep by the water, I felt something that shouldn¡¯t be there. I felt the Vow on you.¡±


    ¡°Barley said that months ago, when you and I had barely met. What¡¯s got you so upset now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a touch, Ezo. It¡¯s as if you said the words.¡±


    ¡°I would never do that.¡±


    ¡°I know. I need Alvrey to see it, to find out why its there. And to make sure there¡¯s nothing else that shouldn¡¯t be there.¡±


    ¡°You think your soulsucker is doing something to me?¡±


    ¡°My what?¡±


    Ezo waved his hand in the general direction of Kammon¡¯s chest. ¡°It¡¯s what I call it. It can¡¯t do anything, though, right?¡±


    Kammon sighed. ¡°Ezo, not a single healer in the Imperium knows what this is or how to heal it. Our bond already does things it shouldn¡¯t. I¡¯ve tried to use the resources we have at Riverkeep, but there was nothing. I was hoping Alvrey would have more success understanding it. Please, I know it will take time for the two of you to work through what happened, but I need you to trust her as a healer.¡±


    Kammon reached out and grabbed his hips to pull him close. Ezo ran his fingers through Kammon¡¯s hair as the other man dropped his head back to rest against Ezo¡¯s stomach.


    ¡°I need you to do this, Ezo.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± He wasn¡¯t ready to talk to Alvrey just yet, but he could do this for Kammon.


    ¡°In the morning, I¡¯ll go see her.¡± He pulled Kammon¡¯s head up to look at him again. ¡°But tonight, it¡¯s my turn to take care of you.¡±


    ¡°You have some ideas on how to do that?¡± Kammon asked. He smiled slightly, and Ezo knew they both needed the distraction this offered.


    He pulled Kammon off the bench and back onto their bedrolls. He straddled his hips and smiled down at him. ¡°We do have this very fine tent. It would be a shame not to put it to good use.¡±

 In His Wake

    When Ezo left his tent the next morning, he could hear the buzz from the player¡¯s wagons. The crowds were already drawn to the performers as they undoubtedly dazzled their way into the sleepy village.


    The back side of the camp was just the opposite. The tents and wagons that weren¡¯t part of the performance were always quiet during the day.


    Kammon had already joined the performers out front, and Ezo wanted to go see him. He wasn¡¯t worried though. The man had a dramatic streak Ezo was sure would do him right today.


    Besides, if he showed up before he went to see Alvrey, his lover was likely to light fire to his steps until he did.


    He dragged his feet, but there was no one to notice how slow his steps were. The camp wasn¡¯t that big though, and he found himself walking up to Alvrey¡¯s wagon all too soon. She stepped out as he approached and gave him a tight smile.


    ¡°Ezo. I heard Kammon was performing today. I thought you¡¯d be out there to see it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen him play with fire a million times. I don¡¯t need to join the crowd.¡±


    ¡°Ah. The boys are out there, too. They follow Jaroh around these days, trying to drum up an audience and excite them before the shows start.¡±


    ¡°I came to see you.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°Kammon wants you to examine me.¡±


    ¡°He does?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t mention it when you examined him yesterday?¡±


    She shook her head as she stepped back and opened the door. ¡°Come on in.¡±


    The wagon shifted as he walked up the two stairs and onto the platform. He¡¯d never been so tense when he was visiting Alvrey here before. He¡¯d always been comforted by her and her medicines. He hated the distance between them now, but he didn¡¯t know how to breach that. He was still too angry.


    ¡°What do you need me to do?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Just have a seat. I¡¯ll do the rest.¡±


    He sat on the same bench he¡¯d taken a hundred times before. He should probably tell her what Kammon was worried about, but he wanted her honest opinion. He didn¡¯t want to cloud it with what Kammon had said the night before. Was it really the Vow? Or was that his fear seeing things that weren¡¯t there? Wouldn¡¯t he know if something like that had happened?


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    Besides, Alvrey already had ideas about what was happening between them, and he doubted she¡¯d miss it while she was examining him.


    ¡°May I touch your forehead?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    He closed his eyes, but felt her drawing her power. She¡¯d examined him before, and her magic settled around him like a comforting blanket. He took a deep breath and tried to relax into it. Kammon was right. He did still trust her as a healer. He¡¯d met one or two others since he started traveling, but none seemed to have the same gentle touch that she did.


    ¡°You examined Kammon last night.¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± She didn¡¯t stop what she was doing as she spoke.


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s perfectly healthy.¡±


    ¡°The thing inside him?¡± He opened his eyes and watched her.


    ¡°The same as it¡¯s been since I first met him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not¡­getting worse?¡±


    ¡°No, but I¡¯m worried about you.¡± Her voice was tight as she stepped back.


    ¡°Some things never change.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you would ever wear the uniform. Why did you become War-Sworn?¡±


    Ezo bit his tongue to stop the slew of curses that wanted to fly. He¡¯d hoped Kammon was reading something that wasn¡¯t there. There was no doubt about it now, though.


    ¡°The thing that¡¯s in him. Can you sense it in me?¡±


    She frowned. ¡°No. Why would you ask that?¡±


    ¡°It worries Kammon.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°There¡¯s nothing of that darkness in you. But tell me why you took the Vow?¡±


    ¡°Alvrey, I didn¡¯t take the Vow. I would never join the War-Sworn.¡±


    ¡°Then why is it there?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but as soon as Kammon felt it, he dropped everything else and researched it. When he couldn¡¯t find anything, he came looking for you.¡±


    ¡°Kammon came looking for me?¡± She dropped her eyes and turned her back on him.


    She was disappointed, but he didn¡¯t correct her and say that he¡¯d wanted to find her as well. He was too conflicted to offer that comfort to her.


    ¡°How could I have the Vow on me when I never said the words? How does it even work?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a conversation we need to have with Kammon,¡± Alvrey said. ¡°It¡¯s a specialty of healing that I was never interested in. There are old magics in the world that Distria has never practiced. The Vow is a relic of magic from Mailan. I don¡¯t know anyone that could answer your questions about it. If I did, I would have contacted them as soon as I saw the bond growing between you and Kammon.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not a bad guy.¡±


    ¡°No, he¡¯s not. But that doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯s good for you, either.¡±


    ¡°You have no idea what he is for me, Alvrey. You¡¯re so focused on the Calamity that you forget all the good he¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡°Ezo, listen. It¡¯s not about what I think of Kammon. It''s his friendship with you that worries me.¡±


    ¡°Friendship?¡±


    ¡°What am I supposed to call it, Ezo?¡±


    He took a deep breath because, as disappointed as he was with what she¡¯d done, he needed her to understand. She was the first friend he¡¯d made outside of Fairhills and the first he could really share his magic with. ¡°I love him, Alvrey. So you can worry, but I¡¯m not leaving him.¡±


    ¡°You think he feels the same?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter if he does. This is who we are. It¡¯s not just the magic that binds us.¡±


    Alvrey closed her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll do everything I can to help you, Ezo. And Kammon. But I can¡¯t stop being afraid for you. He sets the world on fire in his wake.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s hope no one else comes to hurt him. Because if they do, I¡¯ll burn the world myself to keep him safe.¡±

 A Fireside Chat

    Ezo¡¯s morning began rotten. No matter what he did he couldn¡¯t get rid of the tension he¡¯d felt from his meeting with Alvrey. He tried to walk among the crowd, but he was looking over his shoulder with each step. Like the Imperium was going to swoop in out of nowhere and drag him back to the University.


    In the end, he grabbed food from one of the vendors and took it to a nearby hill to watch the surrounding area. If he couldn¡¯t get rid of the watchfulness, he might as well use it. At least the view was worth it. The panorama from the hilltop was spectacular.


    Latera was a quaint town set in the middle of a small valley. Three hills surrounded it, and Ezo was sitting on the highest. From there, he could see the player¡¯s wagons and the crowds that surrounded them. This far away from the major cities, entertainment was sorely lacking, and something like the players was a rare treat. Ezo didn¡¯t know if it was a well-to-do town, but he hoped that they¡¯d fill Jaroh¡¯s purse for more than a night.


    They were still a few days south of the Mailan border. If they headed straight west, they¡¯d end up in Nara. Ezo had always wanted to travel the world and see the different countries, but he wasn¡¯t sure that would ever happen now. Beyond his bond with a former soldier, he had Riverkeep. Though he could leave, he had so many questions about his bond with Kammon, the Vow, and the life Jacob had led. He needed to search the library for those answers. Ezo knew Remec was at work in Mountainkeep, doing the same. Ezo had need of his uncle¡¯s research and he¡¯d promised to keep looking for it there.


    As the afternoon dwindled, a bright streak crossed the sky, and Ezo watched as Ember appeared over his head. She circled slowly, then landed on the ground next to him.


    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± he asked the effigy.


    He could feel Kammon working among the crowd, but the man would need to rest soon. He¡¯d promised Ezo he¡¯d break often today. Kammon hadn¡¯t been well when they left Riverkeep. He was sleeping a little better since they got on the road, but Ezo worried.


    He worried too much these days. Who would have thought that the elementalist he met all those months ago in Mason Creek would ever have a place like this in his life? He¡¯d never have believed it if someone had told him then.


    Ember screeched, and Ezo dusted his hands off. ¡°Alright, I get it. Tell him I¡¯m coming.¡±


    Ezo watched the effigy as her red wings caught the bright sun and she flew away. She was just as stunning as she had been the first time he saw her, though she liked him better now. He was grateful for that. Ezo had seen her fly through a man¡¯s chest before, and he¡¯d prefer to keep his heart inside his body as much as possible.


    He ran down the side of the hill and returned to the tent he shared with Kammon. His lover wasn¡¯t there, so he was probably already waiting for him at Alvrey¡¯s wagon.


    He started the walk over, kicking stones under his feet as he went. Every so often, he had to stop and pull rocks out of the ground with magic to keep at it, but he was determined to take as long as possible.


    He wasn¡¯t feeling any better about Alvrey than he had that morning. He didn¡¯t know that he would ever, at this point. He and Alvrey were at an impasse. He understood why she¡¯d tried to keep him from Kammon, but everything in him screamed at the thought of leaving Kammon to fight on his own. It wasn¡¯t something he could do. Even back in Mason Creek, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to do it.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    He didn¡¯t hear her this time, but when he felt a sharp pinch on his butt, he spun around and glared at the hawk that flew in a lazy circle around him. ¡°Ember! I told you I¡¯m coming!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re stalling,¡± Kammon disagreed as he stepped out from between two tents.


    ¡°I stopped at our tent first to see if you were there.¡±


    Kammon rolled his eyes, but he grabbed Ezo¡¯s arm and pulled him along the path.


    Behind Alvrey¡¯s medicine wagon, a small fire burned between a bench and two stools. Alvrey sat with her back to the wagon, and Jaroh sat next to her on the other stool.


    Jaroh stood and offered a mug of ale to Ezo. He accepted it gladly. One of the newer performers they¡¯d picked up was fond of the brew. He and his brother had a pub near Nivet Bay and he had brought a few barrels of his brother¡¯s brew with him when he joined Jaroh. Ezo was eager to try the drink.


    Kammon declined the offer, but took a seat at the bench.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to your talk,¡± Jaroh said as he stood to leave.


    ¡°For all you¡¯ve done, you have a right to stay,¡± Kammon offered. Jaroh seemed surprised, but Ezo doubted it was anything for the surprise on his own face. He didn¡¯t expect Kammon to include the other man in their discussion.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind,¡± Jaroh said. ¡°I would very much like to know what¡¯s got the two of you jumping like a broken wheel on a backwoods trail.¡±


    ¡°What do you know, Jaroh?¡± Ezo asked. It was hard to read the other man. He was as good at learning secrets as he was keeping them. Who knew what Jaroh had picked up as he walked the wagons and tents each night?


    ¡°About your business? The two of you share a bond that makes you stronger, but somehow weaker as well.  And Alvrey is worried about what it will do to you, Ezo. We¡¯re both worried about this business with the Imperium looking for you.¡±


    Ezo nodded, but he looked at Kammon. He wasn¡¯t sure what Kammon wanted from this conversation with Alvrey.


    ¡°Alvrey, you examined me last night,¡± Kammon started. ¡°And you saw Ezo this morning. What did you find out?¡±


    ¡°There was nothing new in your condition. The darkness in your soul continues to steal your strength.¡±


    ¡°The what?¡±


    Alvrey patted Jaroh¡¯s hand. ¡°It has been a part of him since he joined us, Jaroh. He is no more a danger than he ever was.¡±


    ¡°And Ezo¡¯s examination?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen it yourself,¡± Alvrey said to Kammon.


    ¡°I know what I felt, but I am no healer.¡±


    Alvrey nodded. ¡°The Vow is etched into Ezo¡¯s bones, the same as any War-Sworn.¡±


    ¡°Why would you do that?¡± Jaroh demanded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t!¡± Ezo hated they kept asking. And he hated not knowing how it had happened or what it meant.


    ¡°What could cause that, Alvrey?¡± Kammon asked her. ¡°Could the bond between us have somehow forced the Vow on Ezo without either of us being aware?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how, but I¡¯m not an expert. As I explained to Ezo, it was a specialty that I never learned. It¡¯s a branch of healing that is almost as much superstitious as magic. There aren¡¯t many of us who study it.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Jaroh asked her.


    ¡°The magic that the Vow is pulled from originated in Mailan, and even those who practice it in Distria understand it little. They know the rituals, but they do not learn the reasoning or the faith.¡±


    ¡°Then there¡¯s nowhere we can go?¡± Ezo asked.


    Alvrey shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about it all day, and there was a woman I studied with. She lived near the border of Mailan. If anyone has an answer, it would be her. She studied the Vow for many years. She has little love of the Imperium though, or the War-Sworn.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°Then she and I will have plenty to talk about. Can you direct us to her?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you,¡± Alvrey said. ¡°It is the least I can do for the two of you.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll take you,¡± Jaroh added. ¡°If you¡¯ll continue to travel with us, we¡¯ll make the journey with you. It¡¯ll be easier for you to hide while the Imperium is still looking for you.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t want to cause trouble for you, Jaroh,¡± Ezo said.


    ¡°Nonsense. Those lands haven¡¯t seen a traveling player in years. Maybe generations! Think of the audience!¡±


    Ezo laughed at the man¡¯s enthusiasm. Jaroh would have offered no matter what. It was just who he was. He wasn¡¯t sure what to say, but Kammon stood and bowed low to the two of them. ¡°Thank you. I don¡¯t know how to repay you for the kindness.¡±


    ¡°There is no need,¡± Jaroh said, moving to clap a hand on Kammon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We take care of our own around here. And you have entertained the crowds. You¡¯re one of us now,¡± Jaroh explained.


    Ezo laughed at his lover, but he was grateful. He didn¡¯t want to cause trouble for his friends, but the journey to find the truth would be much more fun with the players on the road with them.

 A Terrible Thing

    The fires were warm, and the company was buzzing with the success of the day. It was a new town, and the money flowed freely as people walked from performance to stalls, called by the hawkers and bards to join them.


    After a long day of performing, the men and women of the troupe were relaxing. They enjoyed a warm meal together, and ale and wine were passed around for those who wished to share in it.


    Alvrey stood on the outside of the fires, as she often did. She was well regarded, and they welcomed her among them in the tents, but people always walked carefully around healers.


    Across the room, Ezo got up from his seat with Kammon. He was talking to Jaroh, but his eyes rarely left his lover.


    As close as the bond had pulled them, she had never thought it would take that direction. Genuine affection ran between them, though. If Ezo had found anyone else, she¡¯d be happy for him.


    Ezo said he knew Kammon, but he¡¯d never seen what the Calamity could do. Not really. He¡¯d never witnessed the destruction the man was capable of. She understood he was a soldier. She understood he had to follow orders. But that didn¡¯t mean she wasn¡¯t afraid for the man that loved him.


    ¡°Alvrey, come try this!¡± Tamis grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the back of the room where Muri was making a concoction of spun sugar. Tamis¡¯s hands were already sticky with it, but she followed him with a laugh. Mathis waited with a smile and a handful of the strange sugar fibers.


    It was sweet and sticky and everything two young boys could want from a late night treat. She¡¯d seen the way they¡¯d pulled Ezo around today, though, so they deserved a little something.


    ¡°This would be a hit out there, Muri,¡± Alvrey told the woman.


    ¡°As soon as I can figure out how to sell it with a little less mess.¡±


    ¡°I think you have two dedicated fans who will help you with your experiment.¡± Alvrey laughed as Mathis and Tamis ran through the room to tell Ezo about the sweet.


    They intended to make him try it as well, so Alvrey moved away. Things were still awkward between them, and Alvrey had no desire to face it again today.


    After Ezo¡¯s confession to her, Alvrey had watched Kammon and Ezo as discretely as possible. She thought Kammon had noticed, but Ezo seemed unaware.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    To his credit, Kammon seemed far more concerned about what their bond did to Ezo than Ezo did.


    And what she saw between them was real. Ezo constantly watched Kammon, but she didn¡¯t think he realized how often Kammon reached out to touch him, to stand closer to him when he walked into a room. It was in the way the world stopped when they looked at each other sometimes and in the way they spoke about the other when they were apart.


    An arm draped over her shoulder and she turned her head and smiled at Jaroh.


    ¡°You seem to be in a good mood tonight,¡± she said.


    ¡°The Flame was a good draw. He damn near had them eating out of his hand. And who knew he had such a dramatic flare under all those sullen glares he used to share with us?¡±


    ¡°Apparently, Ezo did,¡± Alvrey said as she watched Kammon lean in and whisper something in the elementalist¡¯s ear. Ezo turned his head and laughed into Kammon¡¯s neck, but whispered a reply.


    ¡°Why do you worry so much?¡± Jaroh asked. ¡°Does Kammon really deserve your animosity?¡±


    Alvrey took a deep breath. ¡°I grew up in a small town near the Shafra border. When I learned that I had the calling to be a healer, they took me to the University, and I didn¡¯t return home until I was fully trained. The truce had already been called, but there were still skirmishes, and I traveled the area around my village to do what I could. When I crossed into Shafra, I saw the reality of what our War-Sworn had done. They welcomed a healer and they spoke freely of what they¡¯d lived through.¡±


    ¡°It must have been terrible,¡± Jaroh said, his voice soft and comforting as he led her aside to have a seat.


    ¡°I met the people who survived him, Jaroh.¡± Alvrey whispered the words as if saying them louder would bring the man himself to her. ¡°He leveled villages with no care who was still in them. He set flames to everything. They feared him above anything else. When he walked into a village, there was no negotiation or conversation. He just set their world on fire.¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t the man we know,¡± Jaroh said.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t the man we see, but I worry. What will happen to make him appear again? And then what happens to the people around him? Bound as they are now, what will that do to Ezo?¡±


    ¡°Alvrey, you see it as clearly as I do. There is love there.¡±


    ¡°Does that trump the years he spent in blood-craft?¡±


    ¡°War stains everything it touches. Do you hate Kammon for what he did?¡±


    ¡°No, I understand the War-Sworn and their commitment to keeping us safe, but Kammon is more than stained. He is drenched in blood. I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll bring that down on Ezo.¡±


    Jaroh looked at the two men, and Alvrey followed his gaze. Ezo leaned forward in his seat, listening to a story one of the men was telling. Kammon sat next to him, his arm over the back of Ezo¡¯s chair. A smile graced his lips, something that Alvrey noticed happened much more often since he and Ezo had become lovers. Kammon was handsome, but when he smiled at Ezo, it was hard to look away. He was devastating in his love, and Alvrey ached for her friend.


    It was a terrible thing to be loved by the Calamity. She couldn¡¯t help but remember Ezo¡¯s words. He¡¯d threatened to burn anyone that came for Kammon. But Kammon could burn the world. What happened when the powers that be came for Kammon¡¯s lover? Would anything survive the Calamity?

 No Reason To Wait

    ¡°What do you know of the people of Mailan?¡±


    Ezo wished he¡¯d learned more about the world around him when he was younger. He wouldn¡¯t begrudge the days he¡¯d spent researching at Riverkeep and Mountainkeep, but it felt like his life was heading into strange places, and he was unprepared.


    Kammon walked beside him at the back of the wagons. Kammon had spent a week performing with the players before Jaroh decided it was time to move on. Now, they were heading north toward the Mailan border. Jaroh suggested one more stop along the way before they made the journey into Mailan. There, Alvrey would take them to a healer who knew about the Vow.


    ¡°I was never sent to Mailan,¡± Kammon answered Ezo¡¯s question. ¡°And I never traveled there on my own. I know what the University teaches, but we both know how little that actually means.¡±


    ¡°I should have stopped to read up before heading this way,¡± Ezo said. He enjoyed seeing Kammon opening up around the players more since he¡¯d joined them, but he missed the days when it had just been the two of them at Riverkeep. He enjoyed being able to get his hands on his lover whenever he wanted.


    What made all of this worthwhile, though, was the way the stress had eased up on Kammon. He was smiling more than Ezo had ever seen, and he was more relaxed.


    His awareness of their surroundings never faltered, but he seemed to let go of something being with the players. Or maybe it was because of Alvrey.


    ¡°So, what did the University teach you?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°It¡¯s better than nothing. Probably.¡±


    Kammon stretched his arms up over his head and rolled his neck before he started. ¡°The Mailan people are very superstitious, and highly religious. They still believe in the old gods and the power they once wielded in this world. They take magic very seriously, and those able to wield it are dedicated to one of the gods to train and use their power in that god¡¯s name.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯m a priest because I¡¯m an elementalist?¡±


    Kammon rolled his eyes. ¡°It means if you¡¯d been born in Mailan, they¡¯d have taken you to a temple as a child and raised you there. As you grew older, the god you aligned with most would take you in for formal training.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like something Jacob would have hidden me from.¡±


    ¡°Most likely,¡± Kammon agreed. ¡°Though the Mailan use magic for healing and peace. I¡¯ve never seen anyone from Mailan using it in an offensive manner.¡±


    ¡°So, this healer should be okay?¡± Ezo asked. He trusted Alvrey, but he wanted Kammon¡¯s thoughts on the matter.


    ¡°It¡¯s our best chance. Anyone I could have asked for help was turned against us by the Imperium. Even if they know I haven¡¯t done anything wrong, they have to follow orders. And few enough would welcome a visit from the Calamity.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°I welcome a visit from the Calamity,¡± Ezo quipped. Kammon never talked about being lonely, but it must have been different when he was War-Sworn. He¡¯d had fellow soldiers to rely on, other people to share with. Ezo was a poor substitute for the life he¡¯d probably led before, but he did what he could.


    Kammon¡¯s eyes widened in surprise at his words, but a smile appeared as he looked away.


    Before Ezo could speak up, Alvrey came back to walk on the other side of Kammon, giving Ezo space between them.


    ¡°I talked with Jaroh.¡± She spoke softly, but they were both able to hear her clearly. There was something about her voice that demanded his attention. For the first time, he wondered if there was some magic in it.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°He wants to stop at the next town. It¡¯s a larger town, and the players would be upset if they missed the chance to perform there. I want to lead the two of you on while the players perform, though.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Ezo asked. ¡°I thought everyone agreed traveling with the players is the best way to keep the Imperium from finding us?¡±


    ¡°It is. But I don¡¯t think we¡¯re going to run into too much trouble this far north. Our questions are too important to wait. If we stay with Jaroh, we¡¯ll be delayed at least a week.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow you, Alvrey,¡± Kammon said. He looked at Ezo for confirmation.


    Ezo was torn. He didn¡¯t want to travel alone with Alvrey. Kammon would be put in the center of their awkward interactions, and he wasn¡¯t exactly known for his patience to begin with.


    Alvrey said she¡¯d help Ezo, but they wanted different things. He had a feeling she was looking for a way to remove the bond between him and Kammon, while Ezo¡¯s only concern was the Vow.


    He tried not to think about it too hard. He didn¡¯t feel any different. He didn¡¯t feel drained by anything the way Kammon did. Could the bond be negating that effect? Could it be passing on the fatigue to Kammon, draining him instead of Ezo?


    ¡°I think it¡¯s smart,¡± he decided. ¡°We need to know what we¡¯re dealing with. The sooner, the better.¡±


    Kammon¡¯s brow furrowed. Ezo hadn¡¯t been in a hurry to leave Jaroh since they started traveling with him, and Kammon knew it. He was sure he¡¯d have to explain himself later, but for now, his lover just nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell Jaroh we¡¯re in agreement then,¡± Alvrey said. She walked ahead of them, and Ezo watched her go.


    ¡°Are you going to be okay traveling alone with only her and me?¡± Kammon asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m good traveling with you. I prefer to be alone with you, but even though we haven¡¯t cleared things up yet, I know Alvrey will get us to this healer.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully, Jaroh will call it an early night tonight,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Kammon smiled. ¡°Because if this is our last night with a tent, I want to take advantage of it.¡±


    ¡°Did you always have such thoughts?¡± Ezo teased.


    ¡°Around you? Yes,¡± Kammon laughed at Ezo¡¯s surprise. ¡°What can I say, Raven? I¡¯m a sucker for a pretty face.¡±


    Ezo pulled the earth up at Kammon¡¯s ankle and watched his lover get stuck on the spot.


    ¡°Ezo?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Kammon?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Is there a reason for this?¡±


    Ezo looked at his foot, then waited as one of the others glanced back at them. ¡°We¡¯ll catch up!¡± he yelled. The player waved at him to know he heard, and Ezo turned his attention back to Kammon.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see any reason to wait for tonight,¡± Ezo teased. He released the earth, holding Kammon¡¯s foot. He was immediately caught in his lover¡¯s arms.


    ¡°And you wonder about my thoughts,¡± Kammon said.


    Ezo¡¯s response was cut off, though, as Kammon brought their lips together. They tumbled together under the cover of the trees at the side of the road and spent the afternoon with heated kisses and tangled limbs. When they strolled into camp late, no one asked where they¡¯d been, but a tent had been put up for them, and their dinner waited.

 The Healer

    Alvrey reached out to steady Ezo as he stumbled, nearly falling into the water.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your help!¡± Ezo yelled as he jumped from stone to stone across the river.


    Alvrey¡¯s hands clenched into fists as she turned away, but the elementalist¡¯s words stung her once again.


    It was only mid-day on their first day of travel, and Kammon just might strangle Ezo. This was worse than he thought it would be. Every time Alvrey did anything, Ezo complained about it, or he ignored her completely.


    It verged on the line of childish, except Kammon understood exactly why Ezo was upset with her. He didn¡¯t blame either of them; he just hoped he survived this trip.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to run ahead, and scout,¡± Ezo called to him as Kammon began crossing the river.


    Kammon might argue that he needed to stay close, but the skies were clear, and Ember flew overhead. He already knew there was nothing of concern in the vicinity. So did Ezo.


    Kammon crossed the water and gave Alvrey a small smile where she stood, waiting for him.


    ¡°If I could draw a map for you, I would,¡± she said softly.


    Kammon couldn¡¯t help the startled laugh that escaped his lips at her dejected voice. ¡°I imagine you would.¡±


    They walked together in silence for a few minutes before they crested a hill. Ezo was already on the other side of it, and he didn¡¯t seem to be slowing anytime soon.


    Kammon broke the companionable silence. ¡°I know Ezo is being difficult right now, but thank you for traveling with us. He¡¯s too proud to admit that he¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°Does he believe he¡¯s wrong?¡± Alvery asked.


    Kammon looked at Ezo and sighed. He wished that was the problem. ¡°No, I¡¯m afraid he doesn¡¯t.¡±


    Alvrey touched his arm and pulled him to a stop. ¡°Do you?¡±


    Kammon tilted his head slightly, trying to answer her. ¡°No matter that Ezo has been traveling the world these past few years, he still sees this world as something that can be fixed. I don¡¯t want him to lose that, but I never saw it that way. He can even see the good in the Calamity,¡± Kammon said with a sad smile. ¡°If I could let him go, I would have. I have nothing but ash and flames to give him. He deserves more. But the bond pulled us together, and I can¡¯t undo that.¡±


    ¡°I believe you,¡± Alvrey said.


    ¡°You believe that I don¡¯t want to hurt him?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°But you have, and you will. No matter what you want. The Imperium came for him because of you. The fight in Pramas. The man chasing you. The Vow. These are all because of his bond with you.¡±


    Kammon nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t disagree. I don¡¯t blame you for thinking I¡¯m no good for him, Alvrey.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t?¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    He shook his head. ¡°Everything you said is true. I¡­¡± he took a deep breath and said the words he never intended to say in front of anyone. ¡°I love him. And I¡¯m terrified of what that means for him. Because I can¡¯t change my past, and even though I¡¯ve tried to do good since I became Disavowed, I am still Kammon the Calamity. And the Imperium wants me back on the front lines,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°What?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°That¡¯s why they were looking for us. They tried to force me back into the fight.¡±


    ¡°And you refused?¡±


    ¡°It was a particularly memorable refusal. They threatened to imprison me if I didn¡¯t go. We left anyway.¡±


    ¡°I heard there was trouble at the University, but no one seems to know what happened.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t talked about it to anyone. We found¡­other things that needed tending to. And while we were lying low and trying to stay away from the Imperium¡¯s notice, I felt the Vow on him. I would have kept him hidden there as long as I could, but we have to get the Vow off him.¡±


    ¡°If anyone can do it, it will be the woman I¡¯m taking you to meet.¡±


    Kammon reached out to the bond and felt Ezo waiting impatiently for them ahead. He started walking again, but he opened himself to Ember and sent his wishes to her. The hawk flew down to Ezo and began herding him back toward Kammon.


    He heard Ezo¡¯s laughter and he was grateful the display had caused joy rather than adding to his dark mood.


    ¡°Nothing ahead?¡± Kammon asked as they met again.


    ¡°All clear,¡± Ezo confirmed.


    They walked a few minutes longer before Kammon spoke again. ¡°Tell us about this healer, Alvrey.¡±


    Alvrey looked at him and nodded. ¡°Healers train differently than elementals. Too few are born with the ability to heal, so we are pushed into the field much earlier. There are no years of training at the University. We are gathered there and given minimal study as an apprentice. Once a master arrives who can train us, we become their acolyte. Maggie was my master. I had barely been at the University before she took me away.¡±


    ¡°I remember. It caused a stir,¡± Kammon said.


    ¡°You were there?¡± Alvrey asked.


    ¡°I know little of the healers, but Maggie oversaw my Vow. So when there was talk, I listened. They expected Master Marisong to take an acolyte among the many who had been waiting and pass on her experience with the Vow. There was quite the uproar when she took you, who had not properly learned the ways of the Imperium yet. Even more so when she moved away from the study of the War-Sworn¡¯s words.¡±


    ¡°Why did she do it?¡± Ezo asked.


    At least Ezo¡¯s sense of curiosity wasn¡¯t hindered by his anger with Alvrey.


    ¡°She would never speak of it,¡± Alvrey said. ¡°In all the years I trained with her, she never told me why she broke in that way with the Imperium. And she refused to teach me even the most basic understanding of the Vow. I had to learn about it when I returned as a master healer.¡±


    ¡°You were lucky to be trained by her.¡± Kammon smiled softly at the memory of her. ¡°I remember her kindness when I said the words. She came to check on me, after. Everything else was a blur to me, but there was concern in her eyes, and her hands were warm when she touched my forehead. I had little enough kindness in those days.¡±


    ¡°Some people see goodness in others. Sounds like she saw through your glares and bad moods,¡± Ezo teased from his other side. ¡°Too bad that¡¯s not a skill that can be taught, too.¡±


    Alvrey looked at her feet, and Kammon wanted to yell at Ezo for berating her again. Kammon needed to help them bridge this gap before Ezo did something that would drive a wedge between them forever.


    ¡°You think she¡¯ll help us?¡± Kammon asked.


    Alvrey took a deep breath. ¡°She is the only one I know of who could. We have to try.¡±


    A village appeared ahead of them on the horizon, and Kammon was grateful. ¡°We should make it there before dark. It would be nice to have a bed. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be missing it before long.¡±


    ¡°A week to get to her?¡± Ezo asked.


    ¡°Yes. Five days to the border and another two days into Mailan, if she hasn¡¯t moved since we last corresponded,¡± Alvrey confirmed.


    ¡°Could we send Ember ahead to see if she¡¯s there?¡± Ezo asked him.


    Ember had disappeared, but she was still on the edge of his consciousness, to be called at need. ¡°I don¡¯t know the way and I don¡¯t know that she could follow the instructions like that. You¡¯re stuck on the road with us.¡±


    ¡°It could be worse. At least we get a bed tonight,¡± Ezo said with a wink.


    Kammon let out a small laugh at that. At least in the village, he could get a brief reprieve from Ezo lashing out at Alvrey. For the night, at least, he could steal him away without fear of being too far from the healer.