[IRP] Beginnings of Change

[WyvernSlayer]

Yuri's face was expressionless as two of the men proceeded to give him an earful about the error of his ways. He did not say anything to either of them - not even to the one with the black magic tome. Even though he had believed that such magics were the product of heresy and evil, Yuri could not rationalize the man's - or the group's - actions as anything but noble.

The young woman in front of him lowered her blade and knelt next to him.

"Look," she said. "If you can get us into town, we can take you to a healer. We're not here to cause trouble. There's just someone I wanted to visit."

The men behind her appeared to scoff at the idea. Yuri found his voice.

"They have a checkpoint at the far end of town... near the gate," he said quietly. "That is where they keep the detainees." Yuri reached in front of him and drew a little picture in the dirt with his finger.

"Your best entry point is probably the same way you came from... there are fewer of us now." Yuri stared at the ground for another moment, gathering the courage he needed to turn on his comrades.

No..., he thought. I am doing the right thing. They were never my comrades. I have been led astray.

Yuri slowly rolled onto his good leg and tried to get to his feet. His ankle did not appreciate it. "Rrgh!" he fell forward into the girl's arms.

"My name is Yuri," he said, bracing against the girl to gingerly stand on his own. "I will help you."

Gods forgive me...