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.