Chapter 2
The House of the Venari
The side streets just off the east side of the central plaza were much quieter, with only a few people coming and going. The buildings on this street were long and low, only two stories at most. Kareem already knew the house of the venari was the one without windows. A set of large, wooden double doors stood forebodingly at the front with no sign or indication that the city’s venari lived and trained here. Kareem eagerly hiked his bag further up his shoulder and knocked three times. He thought he could hear the faint sound of people training coming from the roof, but he couldn’t be sure.
The door opened quickly to reveal a broad man with arms as thick as an ox. Before he had a chance to say anything, Kareem interjected.
Hello, my name is Kareem Maamoum
