“Ah, master Kareem!”

An Elderly man lifted his robed hand upwards in greeting, waving it side to side gently as the folds revealed his weathered, wrinkled skin. He continued to do this for a few moments until the man he spoke to had arrived at the base of the steps of Suravani’s temple. Karkeem was a solid warrior, a man who worked to build his own destiny and his body reflected that. He was courageous of heart, quick thinking, and many people within the provinces of the Glassworks knew of the mighty Karkeem. So when Faruq had explained that Karkeem was done with a fighter’s life, seeking the blessings and knowledge of Suravani, many had been surprised.

Of course, the events that happened in the Glassworks last caravan raid would scar even a hearty warrior. Several members of the Glassworks team had died on that trip, and some say the return of Karkeem and Faruq was just another form of death. Neither man had acted the same since that encounter. And while Faruq tried to move on in a manner best known to him, Karheem merely took the vow of silence after declaring he would join the priesthood.

So, with sun shining overhead in the midday heat, Karheem rested at the stone steps to the temple with a look of wonder and great curiosity. A steady beat drummed along his bare chest, his fingers dancing in anticipation. It was a nervous tick he picked up after the encounter in the desert sands, but the priest paid it no mind. He had a grand vision from Suravani in a dream before this day. A great darkness was coming over the land soon, and Karheem would be the warrior to see them through to the light.

He beckoned the man to his arms, patting his back gently with enthusiasm as he smiled turning into the building and grinning. He had a good feeling about all this. He observed Karheem looking upon the walls of Suravnai’s teachings, reading them and drumming his fingers, before soon long he stepped deeper in. With a nod the priest followed him, and took a moment to look at the man as he gazed at something in a glass container. It was only a brief moment, and the priest assured himself he was just seeing things as Karheem looked back to him and nodded.

No, Karheem did not have glowing green eyes, the priest reminded himself.