Diamond Bonds

by Jeff Kish

  Era glances at Jem, who seems equally surprised by the conversation. He meets Pearl’s eyes, this time with a confident grin. “Pearl, I promise I’ll see you again. And, well, I’d like to spend more time getting to know you when this is over.”

  Pearl leaps off the sky boat and into Era’s arms. She leans close and grips his back tightly, and Era reciprocates the hug as the emotion of their evening together floods back to him.

  “H-Hey!” Jem shouts, annoyed by the display of affection. “He said he’ll be back, so no need for that mush.”

  Pearl releases her friend and gazes into his eyes. “I know he will.” With that, she leans in and gives him a kiss on the lips. Jem’s jaw drops as Pearl takes her time before releasing her embrace. “For luck,” she whispers, her eyes drifting to Jem.

  His face red, Era awkwardly scratches his head. “Th-Thanks…” he stutters. “Are you set for this?”

  “Yep,” Pearl says, her excitement building. “I’ll circle the city twice to give you time for your jump. I take it this is also the rendezvous point for afterward?”

  “It is,” Jem affirms, still annoyed by what she just witnessed. “Wait for us, but keep in mind that Satari is an hour’s walk from here. Give us enough time to make it back.”

  “Got it,” Pearl says with a nod. The pilot straps her goggles back on and climbs to her perch on the craft. “Hop inside! I’ll stomp the roof three times when we’re over the capital.”

  As she fires up the runes, Jem jabs Era with his elbow and shoots him a look that screams, ‘What was THAT?’ He offers an awkward shrug and hurriedly opens the hatch for them to enter, grateful for once that the sky boat noise is so overbearing.

  * * *

  A loud knocking prompts Era to jump to his feet in the rocking craft. He shoves the door open, filling the cabin with wind. Fighting his fear, he carefully leans outside and observes the city below. He locates a particular pair of spiral towers, and he follows those north to locate the palace and adjoined military barracks.

  He turns to Jem, shouting over the wind. “READY?” Jem nods, and Era slams the roof, indicating to Pearl they’re jumping. Taking a deep breath, he squeezes his eyes shut and dives from the sky boat. He activates his pressure pack, and the high volume of wind immediately works to slow his descent.

  As he gets closer to the roof, he can start to make out the details. Watching carefully for any signs of life as he lands, he reaches his legs out and finds himself with a surprising amount of momentum, and he frantically works to cut the rune off before being yanked off the opposite edge of the building. The rune deactivates, and he comes to a stop just in time to avoid a fall.

  The noise from Jem’s pressure pack is quieter than he expected, which brings him relief. He rushes to his partner, and they stash the packs next to the edge of the roof, having planned to use them to escape if necessary.

  The two crouch low in the darkness, taking a planned break to evaluate the situation before proceeding, but there are no indications they were noticed. They bump fists and move quietly along the rooftop until they find a hatch. Jem rests her ear to it before signaling Era to move it. The thief pops a latch and removes the wooden covering. After confirming the room below is empty, she slides her legs off and lowers herself into the hole.

  Era waits up top while dangling his arms down, ready to pull Jem out if needed. When she signals for Era to descend, he does so with uncharacteristic grace. Jem points to a small table in the corner, which Era immediately retrieves. He places it below the hole and climbs on top to test it, ensuring they can use it to escape.

  The intruders pause to take in their surroundings. Large crates line one wall of the room, and military uniforms hang over the edges. It becomes apparent this is the studio of a tailor.

  Footsteps approach from the hallway outside. Era and Jem each dive behind a box on opposite sides of the room. The door creaks open, and a tall, lanky man walks in. He gets about halfway into the room when he notices the moved table. As he walks up to it, he barely notices the opened hatch above before Jem shoves him against a wall, covering his mouth while Era hurries to close the door.

  Jem draws her shattered dagger and pushes it into the man’s neck. “Tell me where you keep your prisoners,” she mutters in a low voice. She uncovers his mouth slowly while adding pressure with her knife.

  The man’s eyes widen in shock at the sight of an Allerian. “I-I-I’m just a tailor! I’m not armed-”

  Jem covers his mouth and twirls her blade in intimidating fashion. “You only get one more chance. Tell me where you keep your prisoners!”

  He nods his head, and Jem removes her hand once more. “Th-The jail is outside town.”

  “Outside!?” Jem repeats. “There are no prison cells here?”

  “Th-There are some in the basement, b-but those are only used for high-profile prisoners.”

  “We’re looking for a short, blond girl named Di,” Era says with hushed urgency, cutting to the chase. “Do you know of her?”

  “Y-Yes! She’s in the b-basement as well.”

  A wave of excitement sweeps through Era’s body. “Where are the stairs?” he demands.

  “O-Outside. To your left.”

  Era glances to Jem. “Anything else?” When she shakes her head, he clocks the man in the head with a newly-formed club. The tailor falls forward, unconscious, and Jem lowers him to the ground. Era grabs a cloth from a nearby table and gags his mouth while Jem ties his hands behind his back. They lift him and dump him into one of the crates full of uniforms.

  The two move to the door, again confirming no one is outside before making a dash for the stairwell. They descend quickly but quietly down the stone stairs, masking their sound as best they can. The barracks is built four stories high, creating a long trek to the basement.

  Era glances through the stair’s entryway to find a narrow hallway illuminated by light runes embedded in the ceiling. There’s no choice but to run all the way down without any cover, hoping no one rounds the far corner while they’re making their move. He signals the information to Jem, and she nods in confirmation. They dash into the open, with Era taking the lead and Jem watching their backs.

  It feels like it takes an eternity to reach the end of the hall, but they manage to do it without anyone happening upon them. Surveying his options, Era targets a large and heavy door. He pushes it open and hurries inside, and Jem files in behind her partner.

  “H-Hey!” a guard calls out from the back corner of the cell area. “Who are you?”

  Era wastes no time tackling the private. Jem closes the door, dejected to find the cells are all empty.

  “HELP! HELP!” the guard cries as he kicks Era into a nearby cage wall, causing further racket. Era manages to trip him, and Jem swiftly brings her dagger’s handle down on his head to end the fight. The two freeze, desperately hoping no one heard the ruckus, but they soon hear a set of footsteps approaching. They hurry to hide behind the door.

  The door swings open, hiding them from view as the new arrival steps into the room. The person stands in the doorway for several moments before noticing the unconscious warden. Rather than rush to his side, he carefully searches the room from his vantage point before swinging the door shut to check behind it.

  Era attempts to tackle him, but their opponent had been prepared for an attack and throws Era to the side instead. Jem tries to kick him, but he grabs her foot and twists it, forcing her to the floor. He draws his sword as the two intruders leap to their feet, only to find their opponent is none other than Commander Galen. The officer is stunned by their presence. “You two!?”

  Era panics, knowing they can’t beat him. The commander’s last words to him echo in his head, promising he would kill them if he ever saw them again.

  And yet the commander just watches them, making no aggressive movements as he especially seems to study Jem. He sheathes his sword, almost amused. “You two are here for the girl? I’m impressed you’ve made it this far.”

&nb
sp; Surprised by the attempt at conversation, Era forms his earth sword and directs it at the skilled warrior. “S-Surrender! We have you outnumbered!”

  Amazingly, Galen raises his hands in the air. “You’ve got me. But if I may ask, what exactly is your plan here?”

  “We’re asking the questions here!” Era insists as he awkwardly holds his blade up to the commander. “Tell me where-”

  “What is your relationship with that girl?” he asks. “How is it you know her?”

  “Di is just a young girl who wants to go home, and we’re trying to get her there,” Era spouts. “Why do you even want her? You’re inhuman for putting her through all this!”

  “So you truly have no idea,” Galen mumbles, confirming his suspicions. “You’re involving yourselves in something you’d do well to forget. If you want to survive, forget about the girl and leave now, before you’re found out.”

  Jem is confused by the casual nature of the conversation, but Era isn’t so taken in. “You’d sure like that, wouldn’t you?”

  “That girl isn’t who you think she is. She’s no daughter of a mayor, and that’s the least of her surprises.” Solemnly, he adds, “She will not leave with you.”

  The partners meet eyes. Their knowledge that Di isn’t the daughter of Canterin’s mayor gives weight to Galen’s words. However, Era’s determination outweighs his uncertainty. “She’s our friend. We won’t abandon her.”

  Galen remains unmoved by the display. “Then your lives are forfeit.”

  Era aggressively pushes his earth blade forward. “Where can we find Di?”

  “Head into the hall and turn left. Take that until you find the large sparring room. You’ll find her there, but you should hurry, because she’s due for an audience shortly.” Galen surveys his surroundings and asks, “So will you lock me up in one of these cells?”

  Era grows frustrated by Galen’s casual response to his predicament. “Y-Yeah, we’re locking you up! Shut up, already.” Galen meanders into a cell, allowing Era to close it behind him. “That won’t hold him for long. It’s likely he has a way to create fire.”

  Jem shakes the cell door. “But these bars won’t just melt, either. We should have time.” She looks at Galen, annoyed to find him continuing to study her. Ignoring him, she makes her way to the door and verifies the hallway is again clear. “Come on, let’s go!”

  Galen sits on the stone floor as he watches the two exit the prison room. He crosses his arms and thinks about the Allerian, realizing it’s the first time he’s seen her in good lighting. “There’s no mistaking it,” he mutters to himself. “That’s definitely her.”

  Chapter 22

  Era and Jem creep down the hallway, moving swiftly while looking for the room Galen described. Though Era is intent on finding their friend, Jem’s thoughts are stuck on the way the commander had acted. Dread starts to creep in as she wonders if this is their last chance to make a clean escape. “E-Era, I…”

  Era signals for Jem to stop and wait as they approach an entryway. He peeks around the corner, observing the room inside, and he swings around energetically. “She’s in there!” he whispers.

  Jem peeks around Era, finding Di amidst a group of soldiers. “What is she doing?”

  “Who cares!? Are you ready?” His partner swallows hard, and Era’s eagerness drops as he watches her hesitate. “What is it?”

  “It’s just what the commander said…” Shaking it off, she looks back at Era resolutely. “No, never mind that. We’ve come this far, so let’s go get her.”

  He dashes boldly into the room, an earth club drawn and ready. He runs behind a soldier, who turns just in time to get smashed in the face by Era’s blunt weapon. He turns to another and slams him in the gut as Jem sweeps her opponent’s legs out from under him.

  The rest of the soldiers clumsily draw their blades and rush toward the two intruders, leaving Di to watch in disbelief as her guardians pick a fight. “E-Era? Jem!? You’re alive!!” she squeals with excitement. However, realizing the two are still outnumbered, Di clenches her fists and hurries to join in. She assaults a soldier from behind by kicking out his knees and yanking him forcefully into the wall. Admitting to herself that a ponytail is far more suited for combat, she slugs Jem’s opponent in the back of the head with solidified air around her fists.

  Jem’s jaw drops. “Di? What in the world!?”

  Di beams proudly at Jem and moves to help Era, but he finishes his opponent before Di can join in, smashing his side with his club and kicking him to the floor. Not wasting any time, he runs up and embraces Di.

  The girl hugs him back, clinging tightly to him as she holds back tears. “Era, I thought you were dead!”

  “Not yet, at least!” He places his hands on her shoulders and looks into her eyes. “We’ve come to save you. Let’s get you home.”

  Though at first exhilarated, Di’s heart sinks as she grasps the reality of the situation. “N-No, Era! I can’t leave!”

  “It’s okay! We’ve got a safe way out, but we have to move now!”

  Era tries to tug at Di’s arm, but she pulls back, refusing to go. “Era, I can’t explain it right now, but you have to leave me here! I’m not… I’m not who you think I am. I can’t go with you!”

  The wave of terror crashes back over Jem. “That’s what the commander said,” she realizes. “What’s going on here? Why are you wearing a military uniform?”

  “I have to listen to him! He’s making me fight… and kill. And he’ll make me fight you, I know it!”

  Era furrows his brow. “You’re not making any sense, Di! Just explain it later, but come with us now!”

  “She isn’t capable of leaving,” someone calls out from the entrance of the room. “That’s what she’s trying to say.”

  Di’s eyes widen in terror at the sound of Graff’s voice. Without looking back at him, she urges, “Hurry! Leave NOW!”

  Era refuses to heed Di’s advice, instead stepping between her and the general, holding his sword ready. “Who are you!?”

  Graff ignores Era, instead setting his sights on the girl behind him. “See, Diamond, this is what I’m talking about. Here’s an Allerian, standing right before you, and you haven’t killed her yet? Shameful.”

  Di throws herself on the ground and bows. “Please, I’m begging you! Let them go! They don’t understand!”

  The general raises his head back and strokes his chin. “Ah, now I get it. So these two were the ones who caused poor Commander Galen all that stress.” Addressing the intruders, he says, “How brave of you to infiltrate this place. You were her abductors?”

  Era points his sword at the general. “YOU were her abductors!”

  “You grasp nothing,” Graff says as soldiers enter from behind him. Era and Jem watch helplessly as the men swarm in, prompting flashbacks to the forest outside Canterin. However, when the soldiers see Graff and Di, they merely step back and observe.

  “Don’t worry about them. They were coming for a demonstration,” Graff says as he motions around. “It seems we’ll be starting early, but this should be even more effective than what I had in mind.”

  Di turns and hugs Era, gripping him tightly. “I’m so sorry, Era…” she squeaks out, her voice trembling. “I never meant for you or Jem to be hurt.”

  “Jem?” Graff asks, interested. “Is your name truly Jem?”

  “None of your business,” she sneers.

  “I once knew a man by the name of Colonel Jemson. Perhaps you’ve heard of him?” Jem’s eyes widen, prompting a scoff from the general. “Your reaction is enough. So you’re Colonel Jemson’s daughter, all grown up? I wonder if Galen ever realized it was you he was pursuing.”

  Focused on the threat around them, Era mutters, “Di, you can fight. You two need to break through the line and make a run for it. I’ll keep this guy back.”

  The small girl again pleads, “Era! You have to listen! I can’t-”

  “To everyone who has now gathered,” the general announ
ces, “these brigands are personal friends of the weapon. It wants desperately for them to be safe. Keep that in mind as we move forward.” He looks to Di with cold eyes. “Diamond, I think it’s time to begin our demonstration.”

  Tears streaming down her face, Di falls to her knees. “Please! I’ll do anything!” she shrieks.

  “You already do that,” he says with a devilish grin. Graff extends his hand outward, his hand symbol glowing as he orders, “Let’s start out slowly. Diamond, disarm that man.”

  Confused, Era glances at Di just in time to notice her make a diving lunge at him. He stumbles backward as she assaults him, kicking him in the gut before punching hard at his left shoulder. Jem watches in shock as Di shows no sign of letting up.

  “Di! What are you doing!?” he calls, but his friend continues her attack, and it’s all he can do to defend the strikes without dropping his sword. He desperately tries to grapple Di, but the runic twirls around him and kicks him from behind.

  Stumbling forward, he runs wide to put space between them. “What did you do to her!?” he shouts at the general.

  “I did nothing,” he coldly states. “This is what Diamond is.”

  Di solidifies the air around her hands into blades, and Jem watches in horror as the girl charges Era, swiping at him with her deadly weapons as he skillfully deflects each attack with his own elemental blade. As the sounds from the skirmish echo out, even more soldiers pour into the room. Cut off from any chance of escape, all Jem can do is watch her two friends duel.

  “Di!” Era cries as he gasps for breath, growing exhausted from the struggle. “Di, snap out of it! It’s me!”

  The air shaper swings at him harder and harder, and it’s clear she’s taking great pleasure in each blow. Era finds himself barely keeping up with his miniature opponent, and he determines to take the offensive. He defends an attack and swings a club at Di’s head, but she deflects the strike with both blades and knees him in the stomach. She slams her weapons into his earth blade, which sends his left arm out, leaving him entirely defenseless.