Elements of Change

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?"

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."