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Karkash saw no reason to respond, so he merely waited for Abdul to continue.

"...And I do like the idea of building a new sect. If I join, do I get a say in who else to bring in?"

"A say, yes. Nothing more."

"Interesting..."

Again, Karkash waited.

"How many people do you already have?" said Abdul.

"Three."

"Heh. Lean indeed. And who else do you plan on inviting?"

"We can discuss that after you join, not before."

"Mm." Abdul stepped closer, rubbing his chin. "And you're the leader, of course, yes?"

"Yes."

"But what if someone were to challenge your authority? You know how much our peers like to do that, I'm sure."

"Then I will kill them."

Abdul chortled. "Without even a conversation? Just straight to execution?"

"A challenge is formal. A conversation would have already occurred."

"Aha, I see. So if, for example, I wanted to be the boss, how would you react?"

Karkash let the moment linger. The other man was meeting his gaze steadily now, just waiting for him to say or do something.

This domain of shining rocks was still all around the two of them, and the longer Abdul stared at him, the more Karkash found the place unpleasant. Abdul was obviously under the impression that he was in full control of the situation so long as this domain held true.

So Karkash replaced it.

A wave of lightning surged forth from the ground at his feet, tearing through the rocks all the way up and around them like they were no more solid than paper. Electricity crackled in blue and white, filling the domain entirely until nothing of Abdul's creation remained behind.

Abdul looked around at the new sparking environment. "So it's true. You've been blessed, as well. Who is your benefactor?"

Karkash made no response.

"Why so reluctant to tell me? We're clearly kindred spirits, you and I."

"If this is all it takes for you to trust someone, then perhaps you are not a good fit for my sect, after all."

"Hah! What a stick-in-the-mud. I'd hoped Desmond would've helped you loosen up a bit by now."

So he already knew Desmond, then. Not terribly surprising.

"But y'know, I've got big dreams," said Abdul. "If we're gonna be teaming up, I don't mind letting you take the lead, but I will mind it if we're just gonna be doin' as we're told by the higher ups the whole time like good little boys."