The following dozen minutes felt like an eternity had come and gone many times over. Or at least it did so for Kernah-Ru. Within that time, two more thunderous roars had spread forth, causing the world to tremble beneath its power once again.   

Despite his attempts, Kernah-Ru could not calm himself as the storm kept on approaching. To him the end was all but inevitable. However, upon just a few more minutes before the time in which Rosena was meant to interfere, the sand storm suddenly shifted slightly. 

Before it had been traveling south, yet now it was shifting eastward ever so little. Considering the distance, if they began a steady pace forward then they could very well avoid colliding against its path. At that moment Kernah-Ru could not help but feel eager to sprint forward at his maximum speed, yet his rich experience allowed for him to remain calm of mind. 

Even now things were not over yet, The Morthak needed to shift more eastward and create more distance between them for its mere presence to not startle his Xorapter; the six-legged lizard-like creature. That frustrated him to no end, he could see the light within this dreadful tunnel yet he had no means to travel towards it. 

However, just as trepidation continued to rise within his heart, Rosena’s calm voice suddenly reverberated. 

“Sir Kernah-Ru, worry not for your beast, I shall ensure that it does not fall into a frenzy.” 

As she said such, the rocks which orbited around the carriage suddenly stirred and a few of them detached from the main body and began circling the Xorapter’s large frame. Upon witnessing this, Kernah-Ru’s eyes shone with elation as he did not hesitate to act. 

He began carefully controlling the Xorapter, their pace much slower than before. The Xorapter meanwhile was rather restless, it wished to flee at full speed to escape the dreadful being which loomed nearby, however whenever it attempted to do just that the rocks which circled it moved to contain it. After a while of this, the Xorapter had little choice but to obey the directions which Kernah-Ru bestowed upon it. 

And so, after an unknown time of traveling forth using this method, they at last truly escaped clashing with the distant storm. 

*****

Kernah-Ru brought down the cloth which covered his face as he sighed in relief. His body too was at last able to exit its tense state. Meanwhile, to his side, William sat unperturbed as he occasionally stared behind and unto the disappearing storm. 

After a few minutes of doing so, he returned his full focus forward as he retrieved into his gray robes for a flask. He then drank some of the water stored within before turning to the recovering Kernah-Ru and inquiring. 

“Tell me, how long has the Morthak been roaming around within Sounra’s borders?” 

Kernah-Ru turned to face William with a thoughtful expression before he answered.

“It has been two years since it entered our lands from The Laywin Kingdom.” 

William nodded, however his questioning did not cease there. 

“The Morthak is a Great Rank, yes? Perhaps one at the level of a Worldly Saint, why has The Sounra Kingdom not demanded that The Laywin Kingdom send forth their Celestial King to eradicate the grave threat. After all, is it not The Laywin Kingdom’s duty to slay any and all Hell-Fiends?” 

Kernah-Ru’s brows knitted slightly before he shook his head. 

“Ariadne Fu Bellot huh… Hmm well Venerated-Highness, from what I know The Laywin Kingdom did offer to send her after it crossed our borders, however the king of Sounra himself denied their offer. You see to us, those of the sand, The Morthak could be considered a Sacred Beast.” 

Hearing such, William showed a visible sign of surprise. Kernah-Ru then continued. 

“Venerated-Highness, just what exactly do you know of The Sounra Kingdom’s founding?” 

Kernah-Ru asked. 

“Hmm, the records I read said it was founded with the start of The Fourth Age.”

Kernah-Ru shook his head. 

“Yes, that is not wrong… However, it was merely officially founded within the first year of The Fourth Age, but in truth, our land joins The Nathery Kingdom in the right of stating that we were founded during The Third Age.” 

Taking a small moment to stare behind them, where the sand storm slowly etched further and further away, Kernah-Ru continued. 

“What I shall speak now is our founding legend… From the witch’s touch they fled, a group which had no fear of the sand entered the desert in search for a sanctuary. Leading them was a single man, Dorn-Ru Sounra, his heart vast with compassion, his strength even greater. However, the sand did not welcome them, and beyond the many beasts which lurked in its sea was one towering titan, one of stone and thunder, a Morthak. The beasts of the sand they could fight against, yet the massive Hell-fiend alone barred their path forward, threatening to finish that which the witch had failed to do. The people were ready to surrender it all, yet it was their leader who stood forth in defiance to such a fate. And so the heavens trembled and the world shattered as the two clashed for three blistering days and three moon lit nights. Only after the third day threatened to arrive did one at last fall. In the end, the treacherous stone behemoth fell and Dorn-Ru alone rose with the sun. When the people saw him stand with the beast’s corpse to his feet, then they knew; he alone was meant to lead them, he alone could be king, he alone was worthy of the sand. And so, Sounra was born...”

Pausing for just a moment, a look of reverie appeared within Kernah-Ru's eyes. He then turned once more to William. 

“The Morthak is our foundation. Just as every person which holds power must prove themselves worthy to be placed there, be them a worker, a city captain, or even warden, so must the king. The Succession Trial has been acting as the test for royals in the absence of a Morthak. However, since only our founding father, Dorn-Ru Sounra, has slain a Morthak then it would not be wrong to state that only he has been a true king of Sounra. That is why our current king; Maxanh-Ru Sounra, has rejected The Laywin Kingdom’s help for if he could gather his army and slay the Morthak, then history shall be made and he shall become the second one to truly be a king of Sounra. If accomplished, then rest assured Venerated-Highness, none in Sounra would ever dare question his words again.” 

When he saw that Kernah-Ru was finished, William nodded in enlightenment. 

“So it is then. However, would slaying The Morthak with an army not dilute his achievement somewhat?”

Kernah-Ru shook his head. 

“Perhaps a little, but the times have changed. Back then, the king fought because he was the only one powerful enough to do so, however now that a kingdom stands behind him, is it not within the right of a king to move his forces? Would it not be just as impressive to lack the strength to clash directly but prevail regardless through strategy and intellect?” 

After he finished stating such, Kernah-Ru frowned slightly before he added. 

“Actually, perhaps even that shall not be enough for The Sand-Dwellers.”

William did not need to inquire just what Kernah-Ru meant, after all, his expression said it all. Seeing such, Kernah-Ru continued to explain, however this time his voice turned somewhat bitter. 

“The Sand-Dwellers are those which fled into the desert after King Dorn-Ru died. They claimed that since he was the sole true king then unless his son showed that he was also worthy they would not follow him or walk upon the soil which he saw after. Ever since then, they have been nothing but pests which harass travelers and Sounrans alike. They even attempt to attack cities from time to time. Truly worthless scum.”   

Unknowingly Kernah-Ru’s expression had turned sour as he spoke of the Sand-Dwellers, all the while William listened on with keen interest in what was being spoken. Then when Kernah-Ru finished his rant, William flashed him a charming smile. 

“You are certainly full of wisdom, I can see why you come at such a high price.” 

William said amusedly. Meanwhile Kernah-Ru could only chuckle awkwardly as he thought to himself. 

Surely to a royal of Vanastrea, the cost for the entirety of The City Traveling Services’ assets would be but spare change… 

Naturally he did not comment such a thing out loud.

From there the conversation shifted away from more serious matters and into mundane topics. Despite the difference in status between the two, Kernah-Ru found William to be quite amicable. 

And just like so, they continued heading west, towards The Capital of Sounra; Dorn-Ru City.