Thaddeus (Act II)

Template:Thaddeus nav Yea, O people who dwell in this place,

Rejoice, for you shall weep no more.

The sounds of your cries, the wail of your

Children, the weeping of your widows,

Has come to me. Rain shall fall for the seed.

The oxen and asses will eat salted grain.

There will be majestic songs in the night,

And your hearts will skip like young lambs.

-- The Book of Haisin, c. 30, v. 19-26

Thaddeus and the Rogues walked with the caravan wagons during the slow trek up, back and forth through the switchbacks of the pass. The underground passage short-cut had saved a lot of time, but the wagons couldn't possibly go in there. There were still a few demons and corrupted animals lurking about; it would take a while to ferret them all out. The saddest were a few pockets of Rogues, still warped in body, and sometimes in mind. Most ran away or hid at the approach of their sisters. Some just sat there, crying or pulling at the horns and spikes growing out of their bodies. Others attacked them, but without any of their old enthusiasm; Thaddeus wondered if it was some form of suicide.

After a short goodbye at the monastery, Warriv took the wagons on their long-overdue trek into the great desert of Aranoch. The journey is always dangerous, not only from the heat of the desert, but the ubiquitous bandits who roam the dunes and salt flats. Some of them are nothing more than the local nomads, who think anything they can take is theirs for the taking. Others are "civilized", but have no stomach for work and try to better themselves at the expense of their fellow men. The bandits were out in force this trip; they assaulted the caravan no less than four times. Warriv could never remember them being so ferocious.

The bandits came so often, Thaddeus was sure, because Diablo had gone through this area. Like a shadow trailing in his wake, corruption and doom were defiling the land and its creatures. The wells and oases were going dry, or black with poison. Many of the desert animals attacked them; several horses and people were stung by scorpions or snakes, and Thaddeus had to cleanse their bodies of the poison. As they approached Lut Gholein, a group of Sand Leapers, cliff-dwelling reptiles common in the desert, attacked. According to Warriv, Leapers are predatory, but these were larger than any he'd seen before, with enormous claws and a thick hide. They attacked as a pack; one would distract, the others would come in from behind.

On the journey across the desert, Warriv and the other merchants entertained each other with stories about their travels, and a lot of the talk centered on Lut Gholein. The port was the gateway to the west, the first port ships traveling from the rich old lands of the east come to. No ships had come across in recent years, but Lut Gholein was still important, as the mountainous terrain of the west often made transporting things by sea more economical than taking them over land. They were all eager to get there; Andariel had delayed them for a long time, and besides, their water was running out. Warriv thought the local well water might be drinkable if they boiled it first, but he didn't want to try unless they had to.

To Thaddeus's surprise, the caravan arrived at Lut Gholein without serious losses. Warriv assured him it was no surprise to anyone else. Over the years, he had led many caravans, some of which suffered great misfortune, but never when a Paladin accompanied them. Not only does the Paladin defend the merchants physically, but their prayers of restoration and cleansing can heal almost any injury. Thaddeus was just glad they'd made good time across the desert. According to the Rogues, Diablo went through the pass more than three weeks ago. Finding him before he dug up his brother Baal would be critical. To find him, Thaddeus would need to know where he was going.

The city of Lut Gholein was fairly large, larger than any of the towns Thaddeus had seen in Khanduras. There were also no farms surrounding it -- just empty dunes and rocky wastes. The city walls and buildings were made of baked mud bricks, sometimes painted colorfully but more often left the same drab tones as the desert soil. The people were a great contrast. Even the gate guards had robes of white and bright red. Beyond them, the people on the streets were brilliantly clothed in yellow, vibrant blue, crimson, beautiful purples and subtle pinks. No great cheer went up when the caravan pulled into the open gates, but a few local dignitaries (to judge by their beards) greeted them quietly. A young man, richly garbed and of noble bearing, was among them.

As he looked about the streets, Thaddeus wondered about the place. The "subtle pink" he'd seen earlier was more outspoken than he'd thought, on a rather unsubtle garment a young woman was wearing. A narrow strip of pink cloth was wrapped around the woman's chest, leaving her belly, shoulders, and most of her back completely bare; he'd misjudged the color because he was unaware that most of what he was seeing was flesh. Red satin trousers rode low on her hips, pressing close against her body with every movement and every breeze. A slit up the outside, from ankle to waist, was held together by a row of widely-spaced brass buttons, permitting the exposure of even more skin. Cheap-looking jewelry sparkled from her neck, bosom, and arms. Topping it all off, a veil over her face preserved her modesty.

As Thaddeus stared at this unencumbered vision, she noticed, and winked before moving on. After looking around to make sure she'd winked at him, he wondered what that could possibly have meant. Maybe she was laughing at his clothing; he was decked out in full armor, which was uncomfortably hot in the desert sun. Looking around, Thaddeus saw many of the town's citizenry were lightly dressed, even naked from the waist up. Perhaps the young woman's attire was simply sensible desert garb, and if Thaddeus thought it a bit revealing, he just had different standards. Nonetheless, even though it was very hot in the mail, Thaddeus wasn't about to change into local garb. For what he had to do, armor was the only appropriate fashion statement. Besides, that woman was still a bit suspect.

"Greetings." The noble young man he'd seen earlier had come over to greet him.

"Hail, noble lord," Thaddeus hastily bowed. "I am Thaddeus, and have come from afar, on a quest of great importance."

"Warriv has told me of your quest, Sir Thaddeus. I am Jerhyn, Sultan of Lut Gholein, and I bid you welcome to my fair port city. It is good to know you are here."

It was a bit jarring to hear the title attached to his name. In an objective way, he could see that defeating a lord of Hell in combat was a suitable test of valiance, and he deserved the title, but it would take a while to get used to it. "I am glad to be here, mighty sultan. Perhaps Warriv has also told you of what I seek?"

Jerhyn frowned, looking uncomfortable. "The dark wanderer he described did come to the city, perhaps 4 days ago. He came seeking knowledge of the location of the Tomb of Tal Rasha, and left when he discovered that the tomb is lost. Though he was peculiar, I did not attach any importance to his visit, until terrible things began to stalk the desert sands. The dead are rising from their tombs, and beasts unknown to these lands fill the night with alien calls. I must confess, I fear for my city."

Four days ago; at the Rogue Pass, Thaddeus had been behind by weeks. It was good to know he was catching up, but Thaddeus wondered what was delaying Diablo on his journey. Was he stopping along the way to raise demons, terrorizing the land? "You should not worry, my lord. Your walls are strong and well guarded, and your foe does not seek to destroy you at this time. If he is allowed to find what he seeks, then you must worry for all humanity."

"If only it were so simple," Jerhyn muttered. "The dangers outside these walls are great, and I hesitate to send you forth unadvised. You must speak to Drognan, my father's court wizard and the wisest man I know. He will be able to tell you much of what is happening. Oh, and many merchants about town have things for sale you might want. I would give you a tour, but I must inspect your caravan and then return to my palace."

"Thank you, my lord. May I visit you there again later?"

Hospitality is usually offered by a noble house to a visiting knight. So Thaddeus was a bit surprised when Jerhyn started at the suggestion. "Ah, no, please, you may stay at Elzix's inn, free of charge. His place is near the north gate, you will find him an excellent innkeeper and good company, besides. I am sorry, I cannot invite you into the palace right now. Things are... a bit of a mess."

A mess? Surely my lords' servants..."

"My servants are all gone, visiting their relatives. Ah, when the troubles began, they wanted to make sure their relatives who live outside the city were all right. I granted them leave to visit them, and they have not returned yet."

Now, Thaddeus was embarrassed. If all of Lord Jerhyn's servants were gone, he would have to wait on guests himself, not a position a sultan should be forced into. "I beg your pardon, mighty sultan, I had no idea. Your generosity impresses me deeply."

"I thank you for your understanding. And I nearly forgot: Atma, who keeps a tavern east of the market square, has been requesting my help on a matter of grave concern. While I cannot spare a single man to aid her, if you would do so, I would be grateful."

If Diablo was only a few days ahead of him now, Thaddeus probably had a little time to tour the city and see what services it had to offer. While the gifts of the church and that odd fellow from the Rogue's camp were of inestimable value, there were other things he might want or need for his quest. By the docks, several ships were moored, with sailors sitting about playing games of chance and skill. They said all ships had been ordered to stay in port until further notice. Apparently, Jerhyn was worried about travelers taking small demonic stowaways with them, something which has been known to happen. Though still a young man, Lord Jerhyn was well-advised in his rulership.

Moving up through the central market, Thaddeus saw many merchants peddling wares, from bright copper bowls to clothing of all sorts. Light and breezy was definitely the fashion here; certainly not like the staid garments the church favored for sons and daughters of Zakarum. Perhaps it was a bit dull, Thaddeus thought as he looked around, but making a display of the body could be a terrible distraction, even a temptation to stray from a balanced life. In one hour in Lut Gholein, he'd seen more skin than he had in years. Even the Rogues, who prefer to dress light so they can move quickly, would find some of the women here a bit untoward.

All of a sudden, an explosion ripped through a shop at the north side of the square. The shop held together, but smoke billowed out as a fire started inside. The people looked up... and after a moment, went back about their business. An old man stumbled out, coughing and waving the smoke away. Pulling on a handy rope, a sprinkle of water came down from pipes set in the shop's ceiling, extinguishing the fire. Judging from his preparedness and the unconcerned attitudes of his fellow citizens, this was not an uncommon occurrence, but Thaddeus decided to look and see if he needed help anyway.

"Greetings," Thaddeus said. The old man, muttering imprecations, didn't seem to hear him, and went back into his shop. Following him in, Thaddeus tapped him on the shoulder.

"Hah?" The old man whirled about, looking around, then up at Thaddeus. "Oh, hello! You'll have to pardon me, I'm a bit deaf."

"I would never have guessed," Thaddeus said, looking around at all the sooty blast marks decorating every inch of the shop's walls and ceiling. "You must be an alchemist."

"Lysander's the name! I'm the alchemist here; I make potions and things. Anything you might like, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you. Do you know where I might find a wizard named Drognan?"

"Lizard banes? Have you been having a problem with them? Pest control is a specialty of mine, but scorpions are the usual complaint." This might be harder than he thought. "I'll just have an antidote, then."

"Oh, for antique coats, you'd better go see that pack rat Elzix. He runs the inn near the north gate, and is forever selling old stuff off. I think he's trying to fence all the things he stole from other people's tombs when he was still a bandit!"

If he got anything he wanted out of this Lysander fellow, it would be by accident. "You've been very helpful. But I must be off. I bid you good day."

Friendly enough people, Thaddeus thought, but it would be better to find someone with two good ears to talk to. North of the square, past some houses and a magnificent palace, an inn called The Desert Rain sat directly against the north wall. Soldiers patrolling the walls could actually step down and walk on its roof. Elzix, the inn keeper, only had one good ear, and eye, and leg; he was the most mutilated person Thaddeus had ever seen smile.

"You look like a sturdy adventurer. I used to go adventuring a lot in my day."

The word "adventurer" has a lot of negative connotations to it, mainly because a lot of adventurers are nothing but bandits and thugs using a fancy name. "You look like you've seen a lot of adventure. It must have been a daring life."

"Daring isn't the word for it! I was the terror of the sands, no caravan ever got away from me! But that's over now. I'm too old, and too beat up to make a living like that. My days of adventure are behind me."

He spoke of it so openly and cheerfully, Thaddeus couldn't help but frown. "What do you think of the things roaming the deserts now?"

"I wouldn't go near them! The worst thing I've ever faced was an old tomb guardian, and it killed half my men after we'd put it down."

"You mean before."

"No, I mean after! They're poisonous. Not to be taken lightly."

"I see. Lord Jerhyn has told me I can take lodgings with you here."

Elzix smiled ingratiatingly. He was missing several teeth. "Anything Jerhyn says is ok by me! Remember, there's always cool wine and hot ladies at The Desert Rain."

Any port in a storm, but Thaddeus decided to keep his footlocker locked and hidden. Even if he didn't go raiding, Elzix might not have given up thievery completely. The shirt he was wearing looked suspiciously like one of Warriv's. Leaving the inn, Thaddeus wondered if he could somehow get into the palace unawares, and store his things there. It would be an inexcusable breach of etiquette, so he never really considered it. The city's north gate was right beside Elzix's inn, and a single guard stood there.

"Greetings. Could you tell me where I might find Drognan the wizard?"

"South of here, to the left, before you get to the inn. New in town?"

"Yes, I have only just arrived. I am Thaddeus."

"Greiz. Head of the Desert Eagles, the best damn merc unit in this desert."

He was wearing the same colors as the guards on the wall. "You and your men here are mercenaries, not town guards?"

"Don't ask me what's up with the town guards. They're all busy in the palace for some reason. Jerhyn hired my men to watch the gates for them. You look like you're here to do some adventuring."

"I suppose I am," Thaddeus reluctantly agreed. "Have you any advice?"

"Hire one of my men to watch your back. There's packs of monsters out there. You don't want to go up against them alone."

"You may be right. I hate to risk their lives on my own adventures, though. Perhaps I will take you up on that later, when I run into greater difficulties."

The wizard Drognan ran a small shop, selling magical wares such as staves and scepters. The shop was not very large, or particularly luxurious, as Thaddeus might have expected from someone wealthy enough to trade in such expensive enchantments. Perhaps Drognan understood the folly of ostentatious display; or he might not have many customers. The wizard himself greeted Thaddeus quietly.

"Hello. I understand you are responsible for banishing Andariel back to the burning Hells."

Word traveled quickly. "I am, though I had the assistance of the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye."

"Impressive nonetheless. You will find many things here which may be of use to you. This scepter, for instance, will help you cleanse yourself of poison."

"That would be useful, but I am in possession of Knell Striker, the weapon of Saint Herven, with which he banished the --"

"Yes, I perceive that you are. Many of the creatures wandering the deserts now are the bodies of our ancestors, raised by evil spirits. The weapon you hold should be very useful. But poisonous insects are also common, and many of the living dead were embalmed with chemicals which make their touch poisonous."

Thaddeus could cure himself of poison, or visit Lysander's shop. Would visiting Lysander be safe? Probably not, but Knell Striker was such a wonderful gift, Thaddeus was reluctant to replace it. "That does sound dangerous. Carrying antidote potions with me would be wise, when moving against such foes."

Perhaps a bit miffed, Drognan nodded. "As you see fit."

"What do you know of the wanderer from the west, who came here 4 days ago?"

"He was very tall, had broad shoulders, came wrapped in a long cloak, and kept his face and body hidden from view. Of me, he asked the location of Tal Rasha's Tomb, and I told him rightly that I did not know, that no one knew anymore. He left the city, and I know nothing more of him or his travels."

They looked at each other. Thaddeus could tell Drognan suspected the wanderer's true nature, and he wasn't going to say what he thought to a stranger. The word of a Paladin means little to wizards, though history has shown magicians to be far less trustworthy where demons are concerned. "Thank you, great wizard. I shall remember your words."

Atma's tavern was just south of Drognan's shop. It was a large building, nearly the size of the palace; Thaddeus wondered how a drinking place could merit such a priority among the city's establishments. There wasn't a church in town. Inside, a dozen people sat at tables, drinking and playing with dice and cards. It wasn't much later than noon. At the back of the tavern, a beautiful young woman in very revealing clothing was standing next to a curtain which separated a small private area from the rest of the tavern. A door behind the bar led to a circular tower, perhaps the owner's living quarters. As Thaddeus looked around, with everyone in the tavern staring at him, a middle-aged woman in black came out of the door.

"Hello," she said. "Are you the one who came through the pass to the west?"

"Many have come through that pass," Thaddeus said suspiciously. "If you mean am I the one who banished the demon Andariel, yes. How may I help you?"

"If you could do that, you can help me. Excuse me. I am Atma. My husband and I used to run this tavern."

"Your husband?"

"Yes, my husband and son. A horrible thing has invaded the city sewers. It used to stalk the city at night, kidnapping and killing, until Greiz and his men bottled it up down there. But they were unable to kill it. My family was among its victims."

Thaddeus nodded. So, the city was under attack on two fronts, from without and from beneath. No wonder Jerhyn hired Greiz. "Then the sewers are where I must go next. They should be easier to explore than the desert outside."

"I hesitate to ask this of you. I do not think you would approve."

"There is a threat to the people of this city, which must be dealt with. If I could do so without killing the thing, I would do so, but that may not be possible."

"I want you to kill it. I want it to suffer like I have."

Thaddeus slowly nodded. "It may not be possible to make it suffer. Tell me..." Thaddeus gestured to the young woman at the back, and in a low voice, asked, "Why is she here?"

Atma looked at her for a moment. "She is my cook. The kitchens are back there."

"Ah, thank you. I had wondered, as I did not smell any food."

"Lunch hour hasn't begun yet. She will be busy soon. Won't you?" The woman nodded to Atma, and disappeared into the back.

Perhaps I am growing too suspicious, Thaddeus thought as he left. The way that woman had been standing there, next to the relative privacy of that curtained-off area, he really wondered just what she was doing. She certainly didn't look like a cook, they wear aprons. Well, maybe she hadn't put hers on yet. The way she was dressed wasn't unusual for the city of Lut Gholein, there was no cause to wonder. Even if there was, what was he going to say? He was here on a mission to save their bodies, not just their souls.