One day, about a decade ago, a sudden storm blew a fishing boat off the coast of Qudra far out to sea. After spending most of the night fighting the elements, the three fishermen found themselves on a bright morning with a brisk wind and a mostly intact boat. Thanking the gods for their mercy, they set sail for home.
A short while later, they saw over a wave a strange sight: a red-dressed figure, walking on the water, waiving at them. Two of the fishermen thought that it was a mirage at best, and an evil genie at worst and wanted to avoid the apparition. However, the older fisherman said that clearly Fate had brought them here to encounter this figure and that they should see it through. The fishermen changed course to intercept what turned out to be a stout bearded man in red robes and an old fur cloak, carrying an axe. With a broad smile, the man asked for a lift to the coast and stepped on board.
Thus did the wanderer Lal Qualandar, of the Purple Lands, arrive in Zakhara.
After spending some time in Qudra, Lal took to the road again, traveling the lands of Zakhara wide and far (although, some noted, sticking to land travel). Visiting cities and villages, talking to priests, mystics and children; lecturing camels about the nature of Truth, Fate and the Universe; he sometimes was asked what he was searching for. He simply stated that he would know once he saw it. To travelers and caravan drivers, his presence on the road was always welcome – not only were his fireside stories entertaining, he gained a reputation as a fierce warrior, ducking and weaving into the fray, fearlessly confronting brigands - or worse.
Lal grew to love these lands, the sand, the climate (it’s a dry heat!) and its beliefs. Yet recently he felt disquiet… why had Fate brought him here? So when he heard a rumor that the Sheikh was investigating the disappearances of caravans in the High Desert, Lal knew what he had to do....
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using
EN World mobile app
It's also possible that some caravan leaders, pilgrims and lesser merchants would sponsor him as a champion to protect the roads. He doesn't charge much, after all 
6 g b 7 cjku t rgt55w ,d÷@@
