Thaltos thought briefly...and spoke what was on his mind.
"My comrades...I do not wish to impose upon you, but I have a small request. Well, actually it's really not that small at all..."
He sighed, his expression serious once more, and weary.
"I have sworn an oath to myself, to find and slay my mother before I die...and if the opposition we are to face at Daemon's lair is truly as great as Balthizar describes, I fear the meeting of my end in the battle to come."
Thaltos looked at the faces of those around him...they had all shown him a kindness he had never felt before from any mortal. Even if the love of Torque and Asakai rendered him bitter and jealous, they were not at fault and had always been kind to him. Balthizar, his charge, had been almost a friend. The others, he did not know well, but they had shown him no malevolence or disgust...
He pointed. "My mother's temple lies in that direction, in a swamp cavern just beyond that mountain there. The dangers in that direction are fewer save her herself and her few temple guards and worshippers.
I cannot go to face Daemon and my possible demise without first contending with my mother. Should you choose to go to his domain right now, I shall have to part ways with you...I cannot renounce my oath, and my mission from the Gods is complete, as I was to guide Balthizar until his loyalty was proven, his tasks becoming my own. His loyalty is proven, he is no longer my charge...I must fulfill my oath.
I do not wish to leave you, and I fear for your chances without the Shears of Atropos by your sides...but I do not wish to stray you from your mission. Nevertheless, I will ask."
Thaltos paused for a moment and took a deep breath.
"Will you accompany me to my mother's temple, and aid me in the fulfillment of my oath? There is little Daemon can truly do beyond what he has done already, and he will still be here when we return.
If you do not wish to suspend your attacks upon him, if you choose to go forth and wage war against the beast, I will understand...but know that I cannot join you...but I would be delighted and in your debt if you were to help me kill my mother...after which I would be all too happy to accompany you against Daemon and his forces.
I know it is much to ask, but please consider it."