[IRP] Dread Star's Zenith

[WyvernSlayer]

As he stood, Yuri’s attention was drawn to a familiar voice from the crowd.
 
“YURI!”
 
Yuri blinked as Cass pushed a young man to the front of the congregation and stepped out from behind him.  “Cassandra?  What are you-“
 
“His cousin and I owe you a favor, so accept his help and we'll be even!"
 
“What-“ was all Yuri could muster before she slipped away.  The man she volunteered stepped forward, introducing himself as Lennox Hyperion.  Yuri heaved a sigh, though whether it was one of relief or exasperation, he couldn’t say.
 
“Elimine’s blessings to you all,” he said to Lennox and the somewhat mercurial Imperial guards.  He lifted his spear high and gestured to the crowd.  “Retreat to your homes!” he cried.  “The Emperor’s shield protects you.”  The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving Yuri with the volunteers and conscripts.  A pair of villagers approached.
 
“Please… let us provide your friend with a proper burial.  It’s the least we can do,” said one.  The other nodded his head in agreement.  Yuri nodded in gratitude, then gestured to the group with his weapon.
 
“Let us make haste to the north,” he said.  “If my brother’s dying words hold truth, there is no time to waste.”


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Several hours later…
 
Yuri stepped carefully over the gnarled roots and brush that littered the forest floor.  The fog hung low in the air, preventing much vision beyond the first dozen meters or so.  Still, the commotion of the people behind him brought Yuri a sense of calm.  His comrade’s dying words tumbled in his head as he walked.
 
The children’s stones…, he thought.  What could he mean?