Snippet #2817302

Kaor and Xanth began to follow the sparse group of families through the back-alleys. A few ran into open-doorways and grabbing a few precious belongings before exiting again and running passed the mercenary duo, toward the town-square. The crowd of families dwindled until the only followed the mother and the crying child she held. There was a disquieting stillness to the backstreets of Poyo now. A few wind-chimes sung, a few doorway lanterns rattled, but the only consistent sound was the bells.

Suddenly Mutt began to growl from their basket just as a voice called out: "And where are you guys going?"

"Back to our farm. There's a shed we can hide in," The mother whispered to the man. Kaor and Xanth squinted at the shadowy figure: he appeared to be human- with wild hair, green eyes, and a long-blue cloak. His hands were in his pockets, an unfathomably degree of casualness given the situation. "Oh no, you don't wanna go there," Yuwen replied to the family. "There's- BIG danger outside those walls. Rogue elements that want to do terrible things to the denizens of Poyo!" Yuwen leaned in to the child, who stared back at him with watery brown eyes. "You ever hear of crucifixion, kid?"

The mother gasped. Yuwen nodded sadly. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. Just get to the square- it's safe!"

The mother and her child began to run, passed Kaor and Xanth, back down the alleyway toward the square.

"Claws!" Yuwen called out to Kaor as he strolled by. "Get your fur to the square, the mayor's got something to say."