Order of Fate

William's customization request was rather simple, it was to forgo all protection personnel and merely have the experienced guide and the first generation fortified carriage. Naturally, his request did not only appear ludicrous to the clerk assisting them but also to the overseer which she had to call forth. 

His request was promptly rejected, however, William was rather adamant about his desire to proceed without external guards. The reason for such was simple, if it was not necessary then why do so? In the end though, the overseer only reversed on his decision after William revealed his insignia along with having Rosena take a moment to demonstrate the extent of her capabilities. After such a monumental reveal, not only was his customization request granted but the overseer even escorted them to a private chamber where they would await for the preparations to be completed. Beyond that multiple servants were also deployed to see fit that any request which they had was fulfilled. 

Just like so an additional two hours passed until at last a figure stepped inside the private chamber. Their guide had arrived. 

Cladded in dark brown robes, possessing a bald head along with white brows and a thin beard of the same color, was the man who was to be their guide; Kernah-Ru. Upon seeing William and Rosena situated on a few lavish seats, Kernah-Ru bowed politely as he greeted. 

"Venerated-Highness, I stand before you as a Sand-Guide of Rellunh's City Traveling Services. I have been informed of your mighty status and of the honor which I now hold. Rest assured that my experience shall not fail you in reaching The Capital City; Dorn-Ru." 

At his words, William merely smiled. 

"I shall be in your care then… That said, shall we get going? Waiting around is rather uneventful." 

With his introduction made, Kernah-Ru promptly began escorting William and Rosena towards one of the numerous yards where the many carriages were kept. Upon arrival, they were met by the sight of a six-legged lizard-like creature with dark orange scales and slit, blood red eyes. Strapped to the creature's neck and shoulders were thick iron chains which attached themselves to a carriage. 

The carriage itself was not made of wood but rather forged out of thick steel. It was larger than the average carriage by almost double, however the design still retained the familiar side windows for outside gazing and the sole driver window. Apart from its armored state, what distinguished the carriage further was that it possessed six wheels forged of steel which had protruding spikes. The purpose of those spikes would be made clear once the carriage began its traversal through the desert terrain.

Upon witnessing the fortified carriage, William turned to Kernah-Ru. 

"Is that the first generation fortified carriage? May I ask what exactly separates them from the second generation?" 

William asked, not just because he wished to quench his curiosity but also because from the corner of his vision he could see Rosena's eyes shimmering with excitement. Considering her passion, he quickly guessed what had her so elated. 

Kernah-Ru smiled before answering. 

"Of course, ask whatever comes to mind Venerated-Highness… As for the differences, it is rather simple. The first generation fortified carriages have more sophisticated runes which are to ward away the heat. Not only are the runes better, but the Fire Mana-Gem which absorbs the heat is many times larger which allows for longer traveling time. Beyond the better cooling system, the fortified carriage also possesses engraved defensive magic circles upon its steel surface which shall activate should a monster reach the carriage." 

Enlightened, William did not ask more. To his side, he could see that Rosena was also satisfied to have heard Kernah-Ru's explanation. 

Kernah-Ru then led them towards the carriage where upon entry, they immediately felt the temperature drop to a level where one almost felt cold. The sudden shift was so jarring that William could not help but tremble slightly. 

"Fine work, yes. Truly so!" 

Behind him, he heard Rosena excitedly comment. William chuckled to himself before taking a seat. Moments after Rosena joined him. 

Not long after they sat inside, Kernah-Ru finished his needed preparations before climbing upon the driver's seat. The six-legged lizard-like creature unleashed a low roar which made even the fortified carriage shake slightly. After the tremor ceased, the heavy steel carriage began moving. 

And just like so, they were off. 

*****

Around two hours after departing from Rellunh, William had found himself within the driver's seat with Kernah-Ru by his side. Despite the fortified carriage having a small protruding slab which attempted to shield them from the sun's infernal embrace, the two still had to cover themselves. William did so by pulling up his robe's hood once more while Kernah-Ru had a cloth wrapped around his face, leaving only his eyes bare. 

Despite the heat however, William did not mind, after all, it was he who chose to leave the interior of the fortified carriage. As for why he had done so? It was simple, because he did not wish to remain inside alone. Such a journey would be simply too boring for him to bear. 

While at the beginning Rosena was to his side, giving him a partner to have leisure chatter with, after they crossed the city walls she had exited the fortified carriage and began fulfilling her role as its protector. Currently she was standing atop the fortified carriage, her emerald green eyes watching far into the distance for any signs of trouble. Additionally, pieces of rocks which varied in size were floating upon the air, like moons to a planet they steadily circled around the fortified carriage. Such a sight brought both William and Kernah-Ru a sense of security. 

They continued forward in this way and long after the towering walls of Rellunh could no longer be seen without any complications emerging. All around them now was but orange sand which was in the shape of dunes. As a result, the carriage would sometimes sway one way or the other, however, the steel teeth of its six wheels prevented it from ever losing its grip on the sand.

That along with the six-legged lizard-like creature's tremendous strength ensured for a relatively smooth ride forward. Upon just a glance, it was evident that whatever the creature was, it was home when embraced by the desert sand. 

Not only did its dark orange scales blend in perfectly, but its grip never faltered and it even could seemingly barrel head first into the sand dunes with frightening ease, swimming inside as if it was water. However, Kernah-Ru did not let the beast indulge itself often, only allowing it to do so when he needed a sand dune to be lessened in size. The creature did so by entering then shaking profusely until its massive frame displaced some of the sand. 

And just like so they continued to move forward for yet another hour. Within this time, neither William nor Kernah-Ru caught sight of any monsters. Instead, they would merely see the rotating rocks suddenly increase in pace before a few shot forth into a distant direction with incredible speed.

Most of the time, they would hear pained cries of varying sounds follow after, along with the sight of sand being sent high into the air. 

At first this sudden action would startle them, however the more time passed, the more relaxed Kernah-Ru and William became. Then, as they stared upon the distant mountain ranges just barely peeking out, the two engaged in some leisure conversation.

It was as they conversed that the first sights of trouble at last arose. 

Situated on the carriage's ceiling, Rosena's head suddenly snapped north as her eyes narrowed and her soft brows furrowed. Beyond her reaction, the hot desert air had also begun increasing its pace, as if fleeing, it began rushing south. 

Only then did Kernah-Ru halt his talking and pull on the reins. The six-legged lizard-like creature disobeyed Kernah-Ru's first attempts at halting it, even increasing in pace somewhat. However, after a few more methods, Kernah-Ru was able to halt the creature. 

His head then turned to face north and his expression turned ugly. 

Far, far ahead, a massive wall of sand which rose to the heavens could be seen. Like a storm the sand inside raged forth. What made such a sight so daunting however, was that it appeared to be growing, to be approaching towards them!

With a trembling voice, Kernah-Ru muttered. 

"T-The Morthak…" 

The moment those words left his lips, as if the beast had heard its calling, deep crimson lightning flashed within the distant raging sand storm, revealing the outline of a colossal figure for a split second. Then a thunderous roar reverberated forth, one which could shake the heavens and earth alike. 

The few nearby clouds which hung in the sky dissolved under such a cry and the orange sand vibrated violently as dune after dune collapsed. When it arrived to where they laid, the fortified carriage groaned as it too was made to tremble. Meanwhile, both William and Kernah-Ru felt pain assault them. As if in tune their bones vibrated with the sand around them, making them feel like they would shatter at any moment. 

Luckily, the pain soon subsided as the trembling of the world ceased. 

However, what followed was the six-legged lizard-like creature's own roar, one made from clear distress. This immediately made Kernah-Ru begin his attempts to prevent the beast from sprinting forth. As he struggled he spoke out. 

"Damn it! The Morthak changed course from what we estimated, it's traveling south! With it nearby I do not dare move or risk losing control of the carriage! But if we stay then we are as good as dead!"

Despite the clear horror etched into Kernah-Ru's voice and the horrific scene which slowly traveled towards them, William's expression remained calm. Instead what shone in his eyes was merely curiosity rather than fear. 

In the distance crimson lightning continued to flash within the vast sand storm, revealing yet another glimpse of the colossal creature which dwelled at the heart of the storm. And yet, despite the frequency in which the lightning flashed, he failed to fully make out the shape of the outline which revealed itself.

Perhaps only when it was far more closer would he be able to discern its full appearance. 

After a while he merely sighed in disappointment before then turning to Kernah-Ru. 

"Worry not, it is far away. Let us just wait here and see if it changes directions. If it does not do so within the next two dozen minutes, then my personal guard shall take action to deter it."

Kernah-Ru flashed a look to William which seemed to say: 'Are you mad?!' However, given William's status, he refrained from saying anything unbecoming. 

He is a royal of Vanastrea, if he is not afraid then… Then his guard might actually be a Great Rank herself! 

His whole body felt a chill, even as the desert heat continued to assault him. Kernah-Ru could not help but stare in the direction where Rosena still stood. He could not see her from where he sat, however, had he been able to do so, then he would have witnessed Rosena staring upon the distant sand storm, undaunted. 

Beyond her calm state, her green eyes now possessed a sharp shine to them. One full of murderous intent, and tyrannical will.