"You walk with purpose," the priest murmured. "But purpose does not always equal wisdom."
Rhozan exhaled. "We found him. The one who arrived through the doors. The one the prophecy speaks of."
Akaruun finally rose with staff in hand, turning toward him with eyes like old embers.
"And how are you so certain, Rhozan?" His voice carried none of the awe Rhozan hoped to hear. Only fatigue and doubt. "How can you be so sure he is the Iruhun? The savior who will protect our people?"
Rhozan squared his shoulders. "Because the signs align. He passed through the eternal temple... passed through the challenges and arrived here. All the signs..."
"—The last one passed too." Akaruun's voice hardened, cutting him off. "And he accomplished nothing. He died accomplishing nothing. His coming changed nothing. The prophecy spoke of salvation..." His eyes narrowed as he stepped closer. "And what deliverance did he bring? What miracle?" The priest's staff tapped the floor coldly. "Nothing."
