Free Diamond Bonds by Jeff Kish Page A

elements are earth, fire, air, and water,” she says as she draws twelve small circles, themselves arranged in a large circle.  “This is called the Elemental Dodecagram.  The four core elements are each assigned a quadrant with three circles.  Two of the circles are dedicated to the control of each core element, which is divided into ‘instantiation’ and ‘contortion’.  Or, for the uneducated, making and shaping .”
    Jem is annoyed by Di’s subtle insult, but Era doesn’t get the hint.  “I’ve never heard those terms before,” he says with interest.
    Di practically glows, enjoying her spotlight as she etches two symbols into the sand next to her drawing.  “This symbol represents instan- err… making, and this one’s shaping,” she says as she points to each one.  She then fills two circles in each quadrant with the symbols.  “Let’s say this quadrant is earth,” she explains as she points to a group of three circles, “then these next quadrants are fire, air, and water.  Since you have both making and shaping for each of the four core elements, you have eight primary elemental manipulations.”
    Era looks the drawing over, having never seen anything like it.  “So what are the four empty circles?” he asks, pointing to the remaining ones that haven’t been designated by a symbol.
    “Those are the derivatives!”  She etches a third symbol into the sand under the previous two.  “This symbol means ‘derivative’, and each element has one.”  She fills the last four circles with the third symbol, completing her drawing.  “Water has ice, air has lightning.  Fire, light.  Earth, wood.  There are twelve elemental instances: eight cores and four derivatives.”
    Era studies the drawing with interest, and, though Jem does her best to act bored, she finds herself drawn in.
    Di flops back against the ground.  “Everyone is born in possession of a single instance, though most people never put in the effort to develop their talent.  Those possessing core instances are called manipulators, while those with derivative instances are known as elementalists.  Elementalists are much rarer than manipulators, plus they have the ability to both make and shape the derivative element.  Core manipulators can only do one or the other, never both.”
    Jem nudges Era in the side.  “See, I’m special!   You should show more respect.”
    Era grimaces.  “Sure, but she said you should be able to both make and shape ice.  You can’t shape ice, so maybe that means you’re not talented.”
    Jem glares at Era.  “Sounds like you want to drink warm water the rest of the way to Canterin.”
    Di adds, “Well, I should specify that some of that is theory.  Based on our understanding of elemental structures, elementalists should be able to both instantiate and contort, but that’s never been documented.  As it stands, elementalists are generally split into makers and shapers, just as with core users.”
    “Next time tell me that sooner,” Era complains, hoping Jem forgets her warm water threat.  “So can Jem also control water?  Being a water derivative and all that?”
    Di shakes her head.  “Only one instance per person.  What nature gives you at birth is what you have all your life.”
    “So how does nature decide that?” Jem asks.
    Di shrugs.  “It’s theoretically inherited, but there are many cases that can’t be explained.”
    Era laughs.  “All those smarties studying this for hundreds of years, and they don’t even know that!”
    The young schoolgirl wants to object, but Jem squats and brushes Di’s diagram away with her hand.  “Okay, break’s over!” she orders.
    Di groans, but Era scoops her up.  Before she can argue about being carried again, he eases her concerns.  “Don’t worry, it’s just for a minute.  The hilltop is right there, see?”  Di relaxes and enjoys her water as Era carries her up the last leg of the hill.  Reaching their