Gomorrah
Winds sweep over the golden dunes of Gomorrah. Mido stands beside Augustus and the elderly cleric Eustes. Around them lie the bodies of cloaked bandits. Mido had done his best to prevent casualties, but his efforts proved to be in vain. The bandits around them do not stir, and Mido clings onto the steel shotel in his hand. Eustes rips his spiked mace from the cracked skull of one of the bandits, the wet squelch of brain matter brings Mido to his knees. His stomach twists in knots. Having been raised in Loria, he had heard of the dangers of the Desert Cities, but never did he expect bandits to attack members of the Faith.
The elderly man itches the grays of his beard. “Quit squirming,” he mutters to Mido, glaring at him with a look of pity. “You were born in Gomorrah. You should know how it is out here.”
Mido’s eyes flick up at Eustes, his ears on point. “It’s been a long time,” he replies, forcing himself to stand straight. “Did…they all have to die, though?”
Augustus chimes in while he sheaths his saber, “Mido, not all life is sacred,” he says with a nonchalant wave of his hand.
Eustes hums to himself in contemplation, then wipes the blood from his mace. “All life is sacred, but not all people deserve the lives they’re given.”
Mido looks at Eustes in shock. “I-I thought we were supposed to protect life? That all life had value?”
“We do our best to protect the sanctity of life…but if someone tries to kill you, you had best act quickly. The good you do in the world is certainly greater than that any of these bandits would have done,” Eustes explains, dragging a rag between the sharp spikes. He itches his bearded chin in thought. “Or you can walk a path of peace and see how far that gets you in life.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be teaching him?” Augustus questions quietly, adjusting his steel headband. “Why did Saint Nina send us with you anyway? Or…were we sent with you?”
Mido swallows hard and sighs. “I told her I wanted to see Gomorrah…I thought maybe it would be nice to see it once again.”
Augustus sighs and waves his hand while he passes him. “Gomorrah is the same as it was, a center of depravity. You already know what kind of place it is.”
Eustes clips his mace onto his belt and brings his cloak over his shoulder. “I’ve been to Gomorrah many times, I’d say you’re too quick to judge a culture you don’t understand. Much like many Lorians,” he chides, then pushes past both of them.
The massive cleric kneels beside one of the bandits and upturns his pockets quietly, while Mido and Augustus watch with curious stares.
“And are we supposed to also rob the dead?” Augustus sneers, tossing his hands up in disbelief. “W-What kind of cleric, are you?”
Eustes looks back with a look of reproach. “What good is gold on a dead man? Besides…you want to be a cleric, Mido. You’d best perform their rites.”
“W-What? Why me!?” Mido asks with a look of confusion.
“Because I’m bloody tired, and you’re training…what other reason do you need, boy?”
“I’ll help,” Augustus begins with a clap of his hand on Mido’s shoulder. “You don’t have to worry about that old bastard for long. We’ll lose ‘em once we get to Gomorrah an—”
“It’s fine,” Mido whispers, his eyes meeting Augustus’ with firm resolve. “Eustes…may not be the teacher I wanted, but he does know more than I care to admit.”
“What’s that?” Eustes preens. “Did I hear you say something about me?”
Augustus groans, “When I took to being your protector…it was because I knew you would do good in the world. I doubt you’ll do any good with this one,” he says, motioning to the elderly man.
Mido’s eyes narrow at Eustes. He watches carefully, the man bites the golden coins from the bandit’s leather satchel, placing them one by one into his own pouch. Mido’s tail wags behind him, “He…is different. But I never told you to make an oath to protect me, Augustus…your parents were furious.”
“They’ll get over it. They would have been happier if you were to join the Sun Temple, but this is just as honorable, isn’t it?” Augustus asks, a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “They were just upset at losing their favorite servant.”
“And their son,” Mido adds, laughing while he pushes Augustus back. “I told you to stay in Loria!”
“And live amongst the other Helvia nobles? It’s bad enough that I was born on the human side…and we live in the shadow of our Fortuni cousins,” Augustus growls with a shake of his head. “I can’t stand them…and hells, Beatrix is the worst.”
“If you came with me because…of something so petty. Because you’re not born with the right features? I’ll have Saint Nina send you back to Loria!”
Augustus rolls his eyes and pulls the hood up on his cloak, shielding himself from the scorching sun. “You know how it is in Loria. The majority of the nobility is elven now…humans are second class. Even human nobles are looked down on by those haughty cunts.”
“Augustus!” Mido snaps. “How do you think I felt in Loria?”
“Are you lads done?” Eustes asks with a silver coin between his teeth.
Augustus covers his eyes and sighs. “Don’t…do this to me.”
“Your family bought me to be a servant!” Mido shouts, “how do you think that makes me feel? You complain about not being noble enough…to me. Your servant?”
“I released you,” Augustus whispers, “I told you to leave long before you decided to pursue the Faith!” He shouts suddenly.
Eustes stands and massages his brow. “Yes, shout more. Attract more bandits. Very wise of you,” he chastises. “This is why I reckon the saint asked for Mido to come with me. ‘Cause you’d already be dead.”
Mido stares at Augustus, the elderly man standing between them. “What’s done is done. There is no changing the past.”
“What’re you hoping to find in Gomorrah?” Eustes asks before he bites down on another coin with an audible clink.
“Maybe I’ll be able to see my family again?” Mido questions himself, his fingers nervously coiling into the fabric of his traveling cloak.
Augustus’ mouth drops and with an incredulous look asks, “Why? They sold you! You stupid dog!”
Eustes sighs and looks at Mido. “Things…may not be how you hope them to be, lad. Just imagine how they would feel if they saw you? Even if they parted ways with you out of desperation.”
“Do you think I care about their feelings?” Mido asks in a whisper. “I just want to know why…”
“Because…Mido. We have already been over this. Your father owed quite a bit to a Gomorrahan merchant prince and was going to lose his livelihood. He would rather give up his own child than suffer losing his business,” Augustus explains cautiously. “It’s not too late to go back. Go to Porat, or Betset.”
Eustes sighs then turns on his heels, his wrapped leather boots skid over the sand. “We’re going to Gomorrah. Perhaps a sense of closure for the pup will do him some good.”
“Fine!” Augustus snaps, tossing his hands into the air again. “When this ends poorly…just don’t blame me.”
Mido follows behind Eustes, quietly contemplating what will await them in his homeland. It had been many years since he had been to Gomorrah, he could only recall images and bits from when he was younger. Images which seem out of focus and confusing. Most of his memories seem to be after his arrival in Loria, where he had been trained on the etiquette of being a proper servant to the nobility. Mido looks up to the sky and pulls his hood up to block the sun.
“Come on,” Eustes encourages, “them horses couldn’t have gone far.”
Augustus follows behind, his arms folded. Ever the one to have the last word, he mutters under his breath, “Horrible idea. All of this.”
***
The city of Gomorrah is much like many of the other Desert Cities, built to fit among the natural world around them. Across the stretch of desert, the city rises into view. Built among a stony outcrop and situated only a few miles from the coast, it is a center of trade among the Desert Cities, but one which is often overlooked when compared with the more prosperous Sidi or Rhaz.
Unlike many of the other Desert Cities, it is surrounded by a high wall which runs directly into a stony formation that rises behind it. A passage had been carved through the stone, which leads directly to the coast, enabling trade by sea. Though Gomorrah has never been considered prosperous, it has always been considered one of the most protected and respected of the Desert Cities. Among the mountains, specks of life begin to form, and Mido recalls the sound of goats bleating when he was a child. Livestock, one of the greatest trade assets it had to offer, could be seen everywhere.
Eustes clicks his tongue and urges his mare toward the gates. Augustus and Mido speed behind him, their horses kicking up sand and dust behind them. The massive stone and brick gatehouse stands like an ominous barrier, an uncomfortably ancient door is shut, several guards rush towards them from the gate. Spears wave in the air, brandished high over their heads. Eustes pulls the reins on his horse, which whinnies in annoyance.
“We’re guests of Gomorrah,” Eustes calls over the small group of guards. “I’m cleric Eustes of the Temple of Life,” he adds while lifting his necklace containing a golden disc with lapis inlay. “Pray, allow us entry into your walls for food and shelter.”
“There were bandits,” Augustus adds, “we were attacked some distance back.”
Mido remains silent but nods to the guards.
A dark-eyed lottore sighs and shakes his head. “They’ve only gotten worse of late. Best you come inside, but there isn’t much hospitality available, I’m afraid.”
Eustes leans forward from his horse once he nears the guard. “Is something amiss, my friend?” He asks in his husky tone.
“We’ve taken in many from the south. You know, with everything that’s taking place in Dolmas…we have a lot of mouths to feed.”
“Then I can lend a hand,” Eustes replies to the lottore while they take the bridle of his horse. “Mido, Augustus. There is work to do, it seems,” he calls behind him.
Mido smiles, there had not been many times when anyone needed him. “O-Okay!” He replies, his short cropped tail wagging happily behind him.
Augustus clicks his tongue and turns to Mido. “It seems you’ll get your wish after all. To do good in this world,” he mutters, facing towards the towering walls before them. “I’ve always wondered why they built their walls so high,” he whispers under his breath.
Mido follows Augustus’s gaze. The walls of Gomorrah are indeed high, the highest he had ever seen apart from Loria. It is a wonder that a city nestled among the mountains in the desert would need such high walls. “Probably from the damned bandits,” he blurts out.
“Looks more like they were preparing for a war or something,” Augustus snorts with a shake of his head. He clicks his tongue and urges his horse to Eustes. “Old man, why does Gomorrah need these walls? I should’ve brushed up on my history.”
Eustes looks to Mido then Augustus with woeful eyes. “Pity, Mido’s from Gomorrah, and he doesn’t even know?”
Augustus scoffs, “Know what?”
The lottore man looks up with heavy eyes. “Aye, Gomorrah has a history. One that makes it so it has use of those walls there,” he says, tilting his head to the high stone walls. “Domuzi raiders, dragons, bandits, ogres, worms…many other foul beasts have all tried their hands at taking the city throughout our history. But we have held our own and kept the beasts at bay.”
Mido approaches, his ears perk up at the mention of dragons. “Like…the Dolman dragons?”
“Different sort all together,” the man replies, itching through his stubble. “The Dolmas family hails from a different sort. Their scales are as dark as ebony and tough as granite. The dragons that haunt here aren’t as numerous as the Dolmas, but they are far more wicked. They were rumored to have migrated to the Desert Cities from across the great expanse.”
“What…kind of dragon is more wicked than the dragons of Dolmas?” Augustus questions thoughtfully.
“A brood of dragons led by a greatwyrm by the name of Aida. She hides away to the south, somewhere among the crags and crevices of the desert. They say she flays her victims alive…adventurers and thieves who would rob her hoard.”
“Has no one sought to slay this greatwyrm?” Mido asks, a voice of righteous concern.
The men around the lottore leading Eustes’ horse all chuckle simultaneously, and the lottore shakes his head but manages to smile while he turns to Mido. “You know why they’re called greatwyrms, don’t ya?”
“I’ve heard tales of heroes slaying villainous dragons…it cannot be that difficult? Imagine it! You could take all the soldiers in Gomorrah and storm the dragon’s lair!” Mido says with a hopeful lilt.
Eustes chuckles in response and claps his hands together. “Don’t laugh at the boy, he’s got a good head on his shoulder, albeit one that’s up in the clouds.”
The dark-eyed lottore glances back again at Mido with a cheerful smile. “Greatwyrms are no mere dragons, boy. Those are the beasts of legend that topple kingdoms…or make kingdoms to protect themselves. The Dolmas family to the south, then Wymar deep beneath Talmus is said to rule an underground kingdom.”
Mido’s ears wiggle at his words. “Then…what are you supposed to do?”
“Fortunately for us, it seems she has grown bored with us over the years. Her brood has not attacked in what seems to be ages, and none have made note of seeing her or her kin in some years,” the lottore answers with a tilt of his head. “But that does not mean we don’t have enemies. About a year ago, a band of orcish marauders appeared outside the gates, claiming to be merchants. For weeks, we were trapped behind our own walls, waiting for aid from any who would hear us out.”
A woman with a pock-marked face glances back at them, “We don’t have the numbers like many of the other Desert Cities…but it was mages of eld who helped build these walls — to protect us.”
“I see,” Augustus ponders aloud, “are these mages still around? I know mages tend to live…a bit longer than the average human.”
The lottore shakes his head, “None of the original mages are still around. Some had taken to traveling after constructing the walls, and others since have passed on, though their arcane towers still stand in tribute. There are some mages who come by from time to time, seeking what lies in those towers, or they are curious about what remains behind the walls of Gomorrah.”
Mido looks up at the walls, “Forgive my ignorance,” he mutters quietly. “But at least the walls help.”
“The walls may look imposing, but…you’re right, they help. And we are forever grateful to the mages that helped our ancestors construct them,” the woman says, bowing her head respectfully while they pass through the narrow opening in the gate.
Eustes clears his throat and looks between the guards while he dismounts. With his massive form, he stands several heads higher than any of them. “The pup here,” he motions to Mido, “he’s looking for his people. Are there many canis families around?” He asks with careful consideration and an eye on Mido.
The guards look among themselves, whispering to one another, before the lottore speaks again. “There are a number. Canis aren’t rare in Gomorrah, but I’ve seen few that look about like him, but if anything comes to mind…we can let you know. Do you happen to know where you’re from?”
Augustus sighs and leans forward on his horse. “When I was a boy, his family lived on the ridge. Against the rock face. It was a small house no larger than a shed.”
Eustes shoots a glance of disapproval at Augustus, “Not everyone gets to grow up in a garish estate,” he pauses. “Does that sound familiar to any of you?” He asks, turning back to the guards.
“Most of the housing along the ridges have changed over time. Houses were destroyed during a rockfall and since then larger, more supportive structures have taken their place,” the lottore pauses, his thumb brushing over his chin, he closes his dark eyes. “When was the last time you’ve been here again?”
Mido dismounts from his stallion and runs his hand along the length of its neck, pausing to pat him reassuringly. “I was brought to Loria around my seventh nameday.”
“It was about fifteen years ago,” Augustus confirms. “I was around my tenth nameday from what I recall.”
The woman sighs and shakes her head. “I couldn’t be sure, but if you know the area, you’re welcome to take a gander, there were hundreds that were forced to relocate after the incident.”
Eustes thanks them with a nod of his head and takes the bridle from the lottore. “Should you need a name for your log book, it’s Eustes of Sidi, cleric of the Gods of Life.”
“Quite a name,” the woman whistles playfully. “Don’t need the name, your symbol is enough to allow you passage through the city. And we reckon you speak for the laddies?”
“I do,” Eustes replies in his typical gruff tone. “I’ll see them around the city and hopefully find shelter for the night.”
The lottore itches his cheek and looks among the guards, “We’re not really supposed to do this…but if you can’t find a place to sleep, we’ll let you stay in the guard stables.”
Augustus groans and tilts his head to the skies, “Not the stables again,” he cries, “if I must sleep with horses one more night…”
“Quit your crying and be thankful,” Eustes snaps, his eyes narrowed in anger. “Be thankful you’ve been offered anything.”
“We slept in barns before,” Mido nods to the guards and offers a smile. “We’ll be sure to give our thanks…and lend aid where it is needed,” he adds meekly.
Leading their horses through the city, Mido walks beside Eustes, a determined look on his face. He scans the surroundings desperately for other canis. The guards at the gate had meant what they said, canis are hardly uncommon in Gomorrah, and Mido’s excitement fades to anxiety the longer they walk along the streets. After a short break among a central market, Mido fills his water skin from the well, his heart filled with dread. They’re likely dead…and I’ve wasted everyone’s time.
“Whatever you’re thinking, Mido. Quit it,” Augustus says from behind. “I know that look. It’s never good for either of us.”
“I just wanted to know why,” Mido pleads while he looks down the well.
Augustus sighs aloud. He unbuckles the sides of his breastplate. “Mido, Mido, Mido,” he says in a sing-song tone.
Mido turns and lowers his hood. “I don’t mean to say that I don’t believe you, Augustus. I’m sure your family had noble intentions when they took me from this place…but I want to hear it with my own ears.”
The steel plate begins to fall, and Augustus takes it into his hands, revealing his tunic beneath. Laden with sweat, Augustus holds out a hand for the waterskin, tucking the plate between his thighs.
“Bloody thing is heavier than I expected. Can only imagine wearing a full set like the Emperor’s guards wear,” Augustus says, taking the waterskin from Mido. “Listen, Mido. I don’t mean to sound like I’m scolding you, or chastising you. You’ll always be my best mate…but bloody hells. Just listen to me. Who cares if your family is shit. For what it’s worth, you know I think most of my family is shit.”
Mido chokes back a laugh and leans against the well. “I know…but I just wanted to know. I barely have any memory of them. I just want to see them.”
“And if it’s woven by the fates then it will happen, Mido…but I guess now that we’re here. We’ll do our best. How’s that sound?” Augustus asks quietly.
Mido nods in silence and looks up at the mountains to their east. “Gomorrah is larger than I remember,” he mutters to himself.
“Sometimes it’s like that. Things change when we ag—”
“Boys,” Eustes interrupts, rounding the corner on his sable-maned mare. “Saint Nina sent a summons. We’re to return to the temple. There is important news.”
Augustus offers a smile, thrusting the waterskin back to Mido. “As I said, if it is fated, then it will happen.”
“I guess,” Mido whispers, glancing up at the towering mountains once again. Where are you guys?
Eustes snaps his fingers, “On your horses,” he commands with a sense of urgency.
“Can’t she just…I don’t know…send us a message?” Augustus asks playfully. “All that mind magick you play with one another.”
Eustes frowns. “When the Faithful receives a call from a higher power, they must answer. There is no time to question or flounder about. Now, on your horses.”
“They need to rest,” Mido pleas, glancing about the town. “Just…one night. Eustes, I’ve waited my entire life to come here!”
Eustes grits his teeth, but eases back. “Fine, you’ve until sunrise. I’ll find us shelter. We have a long ride back. We’ll need provisions. Augustus! Oats and dried meats. Mido…good luck.”
Eustes vanishes just as quickly as he appeared, the horses’ hooves smash against the stony streets until they fade into the distance. Apart from their conversation, there is almost an eerie silence. Despite the guards comments about the refugees from Dolmas, there are few people to be seen. Mido stands and looks at Augustus, walking toward him with his bridle extended.
“Can you see to the horses?” Mido questions quietly. “I’ve got to at least try, Augustus. If I’ve only got tonight.”
“Right…just don’t get lost or disappear on me. I’m supposed to be your warden. I’d rather not find out you were robbed or beaten by some vagabond,” Augustus replies, taking the bridle. “If you find them…just remember that I’ll always be your family, Mido.”
Mido scoffs. “You make it sound like we’ll never see each other again,” he says, suddenly suspicious of Augustus’ softening expression.
“Never mind,” Augustus snaps, ripping the bridle from Mido’s hand. “I’m sure Eustes will tell us where to meet.”
***
The sun shifts low, the sky grows darker by the moment, and Mido feels a sense of despair. Eustes had already sent a message hours back, informing him of their shelter for the night, and which rooms he had procured.
Along the rocky face of the mountain, Mido walks in silence, his hand trembling along the stone walls. Would I even recognize them? The thought is one that often plagued him when he thinks about his family. He had no recollection of his siblings, or if he even had any. The only thing he knows for certain is that his mother was a healer. From what he can remember, the walls of his home were typically covered in dried and drying herbs, rare flowers grown in the deepest reaches of the mountains. Laleh, the name strikes him like a bolt, his heart begins to race. Hope, it had been the first time he felt so hopeful in so long.
Stumbling down the stony stairs along the center of the city, Mido rushes to the inn. With Augustus and Eustes there is a chance – a hope – that he may finally find his family. With a wide grin, he turns around in the town center and looks up to the mountain behind the city.
It is far more beautiful than he recalls. Even in his dreams, he could never imagine the beauty that the city holds. The walls around the city only serve to hide the wonder that is behind it. The buildings have a similar appearance to those in Rhaz, yet are constructed in their own unique and beautiful way. Many of the homes have been built directly into the side of the mountain, creating deep and intricate caves in which the citizens call their homes. Among the upper tiers of the mountainous city, torches, and braziers light up the rocky face. Mido had been told earlier in the day that a temple had been constructed to the Gods, a general temple made for the worship of any order of the Faith. The structure holds a sense of wonder and mystery, just as many buildings pertaining to the Gods do. The clean earthy scent of the desert excites Mido, there is something about this place — something magick.
Mido brushes his hands through his dark hair, his excitement pumping through his veins. Tears brim in his eyes. Gomorrah — it is his home. Mido turns on his heels and tears through the center of the town towards The Broken Tassel, the inn Eustes spoke of earlier. The streets are mostly empty except for a few merchants collecting their wares while guards stroll past in their linen tabards.
The inn is smaller than Mido expects, no larger than some of the barns that Augustus and himself had slept under during their journey from Loria. A warm glow shines through the open door and the sound of conversation flows freely. Peering through the open window, Mido can see Eustes at a wooden table among others. Augustus seems pale, even more so than normal, his face pinched in what Mido would guess is anger. Through the various conversations in the inn, Mido can make out their voices clearly. Eustes’ gruff voice sounds strained and thoughtful, while Augustus’ words sound angered and pointed. The figure across from them, a young man by his estimation, manages a collected tone. Mido sidles beneath the window to hear better.
“It’s as you thought then, Augustus,” Eustes says plainly. “Perhaps we could ask a mage to locate them.”
“Wouldn’t do any good,” Augustus grumbles. “You need something of theirs to make that work. A lock of hair, a bit of cloth. Anything.”
The other figure speaks up, a curiosity in their voice. “I’ve not heard from them in nearly twelve years. Last we heard, they intended to make a new start somewhere to the north of the Desert Cities.”
“As in the North? Or do you just mean Loria?” Augustus questions. “This means a lot to Mido…”
“I barely remember him as a kid, he wasn’t around much. Always out with his mom and sister…but if I can be of any help. I’d be glad to. I can reach out to some of the others that lived around there and see if anyone else heard anything.”
Eustes releases a throaty growl while he clears his throat. “Is it wise to give the boy hope? They could be anywhere…or nowhere. Beastkin live by the beat of their heart, they may have said they were going north, then gone to Dolmas instead. We’ll never know, and he’ll spend years searching for something that has long since been lost.”
A loud bang on the wooden table starts Augustus’ rebuttal. “Family means everything to Mido…for years when we were growing up, he spoke about his family. About how he would find them. Do you know what it’s like, to face someone who has so much hope in their eyes? How hard it is to tell them that…one day everything will be okay. That he’ll get to see them again.”
“Calm yourself,” Eustes grumbles. “I only speak of the practicality behind it.”
“Can’t you just TRY to reach out to them? Maybe your Gods will want to help Mido…he’s gone through so much already,” Augustus begs uncharacteristically. “It would give him some closure at least.”
“No,” Eustes snaps. “That form of magick is restricted. It is not to be used for conversing. And without a clear image of them in mind, there is no guarantee that it would even work, or what could happen if it’s done wrong.”
“I’ll pledge my sword to the order for a year…just try.”
Eustes laughs, his chair creaks beneath him while he leans back. “Mido is already pledged to our order, and you’re pledged to him…I don’t need your sword,” he whispers, pausing thoughtfully. “But, your words have moved me. I’ll speak with the saint when we get back to the temple.”
“You’d better keep your word,” Augustus growls under his breath.
“How about a pint?” The stranger says uncomfortably.
Mido sighs and sits against the edge of the brick building. The news breaks his hopes of finding his family soon. At least…Augustus still cares. The thought lingers in his mind. For years, he had been under the assumption that Augustus had grown tired of him begging to learn more about his family. Yet, hearing Augustus plead with Eustes brings a sense of relief. With his hand over his chest, he offers a prayer to the Gods, to any that can hear him, begging to help him find his family.