Love of Fortune and Steel

Part 1

James froze. An SUV? A bulletproof SUV? He stared at Bisera, who was still oblivious to the strange offers the voice was giving him. Her attention was fixed on the entrance, where smoke was slowly creeping in again, despite the air purifier.

His mind raced as he considered the offer. It was insane—but what choice did he have? They were trapped, and there was no other way out.

"Yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible—a silent plea that the strange voice wouldn't fail him now.

The moment the word left his lips, the air around them shimmered, and a low hum resonated through the cave. Bisera, ever vigilant, turned toward the sound, immediately stepping protectively in front of James, her sword arm poised and ready for battle. Her battle-hardened eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of the impending threat.

Then, almost magically, a sleek black SUV began to materialize before them, appearing out of thin air. Its presence was both commanding and utterly foreign to Bisera. Massive and armored, the strange contraption stood on four enormous black wheels that gripped the ground with menacing assurance. Its body was smooth and gleaming, like the surface of polished obsidian. No horses, no visible means of propulsion, yet it emanated a silent power.

Bisera's hand tightened on her sword, her voice a mixture of awe and wariness. "What manner of beast is this?" she murmured, eyes narrowing as she studied the object. "A creature of shadow and steel summoned by divine magic?"

James felt the weight of her gaze and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's not a creature," he began gently. "Think of it as a wagon—a carriage that moves on its own."

She glanced at him skeptically. "A wagon? But it has no horses, no oxen. How can it move?"

"It's something the voice offered—the same voice you believe is Seraphina," he explained. "She gave me this to help us escape."

Bisera's disbelief softened upon hearing the name Seraphina, her voice tinged with reverence. "So Seraphina has provided us with this divine wagon?" She circled the vehicle cautiously, her hand never leaving her sword's hilt. "It is truly marvelous and blessed. Yet, I wonder, how does one move such a cart without beasts to pull it?"

James chuckled softly, the tension easing slightly. "It's... complicated. It moves on its own power, without the need for animals or reins."

Bisera's brow furrowed as she reached out to touch the cold, smooth surface of the vehicle. Her warrior instincts screamed that this was no ordinary creation—too flawless, too otherworldly. "It will move on its own?" she echoed, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Is it driven by magic?"

He smiled. "You can think of it like that."

Her amazement deepened as she took in the situation, but then realization dawned on her. "If Seraphina wills it, then it shall be so."

James was taken aback by her sudden shift in demeanor. He laughed nervously, trying to ease the moment. "I know it's hard to believe, but creations like this that move without horses or beasts are common in my homeland. Seraphina simply made it appear here."

Bisera stepped back, her eyes now filled with a blend of confusion and conviction. "Your homeland must be a realm of wonders."

He nodded. "In some ways, yes. But right now, we need to move quickly."

Bisera nodded sharply, her focus returning to the immediate threat. "Yes, the fire is spreading, and Alexander's men will close in soon."

James hurried to the cave's entrance, where the electric fence still hummed faintly—a barrier he had set up earlier. "I need to disable this first. Then we'll use the wagon to escape." He began dismantling the small posts and wires with swift, practiced movements, efficiently coiling the wires and sensors.

Bisera watched in silent admiration, her wariness tempered by growing respect. "You handle these enchantments like a seasoned sorcerer," she murmured, almost to herself. "You are no ordinary moneylender. Is this why Seraphina has chosen you?"

James couldn't help but grin, feeling warmth at her words. He packed the last of the equipment into the vehicle's rear compartment, the quiet clunk of the door breaking the silence. Bisera's eyes widened in surprise as she observed the wagon more closely.

James opened a door on the side of the wagon and gestured for Bisera to climb inside. She hesitated, her eyes scrutinizing the mysterious opening. She had expected to sit on top of the "wagon" rather than get inside it. In the Vakerian Empire, enclosed carriages were extremely rare; Bisera had never seen one before. Bisera leaned in, expecting the rough wood of a cart or the hard seat of a saddle, but instead, she felt the softness of plush leather beneath her fingers.

Tentatively, she climbed into the passenger seat, her body sinking into the comfort. As she adjusted herself, her long legs, encased in intricately crafted armor, stretched out before her. The confined space of the SUV's interior made her acutely aware of her armor's bulk. Bisera's knees, protected by armor plates, were bent more than she was accustomed to, and the limited space made her shift uncomfortably. As she shifted around in her seat, she found her legroom constrained by the dashboard. Watching from the side, James felt his heart flutter at the sight of Bisera curled up like a cat.

"Is there a way to make more room?" she asked, glancing at James with a slight, embarrassed blush.

"Yes, let me help," James offered. He leaned over, reaching for the lever on the side of her seat. As he did, the small space between them vanished. His arm brushed against the side of her armored legs, the cool metal contrasting with the warmth of his skin.

"Sorry," he murmured, his face close enough to catch the subtle unpleasant scent that clung to her. His fingers fumbled for a moment before finding the lever.

Bisera's breath hitched slightly at the unexpected closeness. She could feel the warmth radiating from him, a stark contrast to the cold steel of her armor. His proximity made her acutely aware of his every movement.

He pulled the lever gently, and the seat slid back smoothly. Bisera gasped softly. "It moves!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise. But her gaze quickly shifted back to him, their faces still only inches apart.

"Better?" he asked, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Much," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She stretched her long legs out, the armor catching the light. "Thank you."

James closed her door politely and walked around the front of the vehicle, trying to shake off the unexpected flutter in his chest. Climbing into the driver's seat, he glanced over at her. She was running her fingers over the interior, marveling at every detail.

"By the Spirit..." she whispered. "What magic is this? It cradles me as if I am wrapped in the finest leather. How can this be within a wagon?"

"It's designed for cushion and comfort," James explained. "Think of it as the wagon's way of keeping us safe and rested."

"Safety?" she echoed, shifting slightly. As she did, her armored elbow accidentally bumped the center console between them. "Oh!" she exclaimed, pulling her arm back. "Forgive me, it's a tight fit."

He chuckled softly. "It's alright. These wagons aren't exactly designed for full armor."

She smiled sheepishly. "Perhaps I should have left some of it behind."

"Given the circumstances, I think it's wise to keep it on," he said reassuringly.

For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still between them. The air was charged with an unspoken connection, and the cacophony of the outside world faded into a soft, distant murmur. James felt his heart race as their eyes met, each second stretching into eternity. Then, Bisera's cheeks flushed a rosy hue, and she averted her gaze, a nervous laugh escaping her lips.

Suddenly, James was reminded of the seatbelt. Determined to break the lingering awkwardness, he reached out to help Bisera fasten it, forgetting to ask if she needed assistance. In his haste, his body brushed gently against the curves of her breastplate, sending an unexpected spark through both of them. "I'm so sorry," he stammered, pulling back slightly. "Let me just help you with the seatbelt."

Bisera's face burned bright red, her heart pounding with a feeling she hadn't experienced in years. She forced a casual smile, trying to hide the tumult of emotions swirling within her. "It's okay," she replied softly, though her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.

After James secured the seatbelt, he leaned back into his own seat, cheeks still flushed as he attempted to sound casual. "These seatbelts are essential," he began, but Bisera was too engrossed in her own swirling thoughts to fully hear him. Despite spending most of her life among men, she had not felt this way since her first and only unrequited love married eight years ago.

As the engine roared to life, Bisera flinched, her hand instinctively reaching out. Her fingers brushed against James's arm resting on the gear shift.

"What was that?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of embarrassment.

"It's just the engine starting," James reassured her, his voice gentle. "It's how the wagon prepares to move."

She withdrew her hand slowly, her face now fully flushed. "Your world is full of surprises."

He offered a soft smile, noticing the depth of her reaction but choosing to ignore it to maintain their comfortable silence. "I suppose it is."

As they began to move, the SUV glided forward smoothly. Bisera gazed out the window, watching the cave walls slip by in a blur. "It's so quiet," she mused. "No rattling, no clatter of hooves."

"That's one of the benefits," James replied, a hint of pride in his voice.

She shifted in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position despite her armor. The center console stood between them, but when the vehicle took a gentle turn, she instinctively braced herself, her hand landing tentatively on James's left thigh.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, quickly pulling her hand back. "I'm so sorry. I thought I might fall."

James felt his face heat up, a blush creeping across his cheeks. "It's okay," he said, keeping his eyes on the road ahead. "These turns can be unexpected."

She laughed lightly, the sound warm and genuine. "I suppose I'm not used to a wagon that moves so swiftly."

James returned her smile, the tension between them easing as the SUV continued its smooth journey. The moment had shifted from awkward to something more tender—a delicate dance of two souls finding comfort in each other's presence amidst the uncertainty of their escape. And for the first time in a long while, Bisera felt a glimmer of something unfamiliar creeping into her chest: hope.

Part 2

The morning sun was climbing steadily, casting dappled light through the dense canopy of the forested mountains as James guided the SUV down the winding, uneven path. Tall pines and ancient oaks flanked them on either side, their branches forming a natural archway over the narrow trail. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the earthy scent of pine needles and the faint traces of smoke from the fires.

Bisera sat beside him, silent and tense, her sharp eyes scanning the landscape ahead. Though her body was steady, her thoughts churned. As the SUV navigated a tight bend, a glint caught her eye. She turned to see a reflective surface protruding from the side of the machine, capturing the forest's image with uncanny clarity.

"What sorcery is this?" she exclaimed softly, reaching out cautiously toward the mirror. Her fingers hovered just above it, her reflection gazing back at her in startling detail.

James glanced over, realizing her astonishment. "It's just a mirror," he explained gently. "It shows us what's behind without needing to turn around."

Bisera stared in wonder. Mirrors in her world were rare and imperfect, polished metal at best. This was unlike anything she'd seen. "Incredible," she whispered. "We can see the path we've traveled, even as we move forward."

He nodded. "It's helpful for spotting anyone who might be following us."

Her eyes widened slightly at the implication. "Then we must remain vigilant," she said, her gaze shifting between the mirror and the dense forest receding behind them.

She had suggested the southern route as the least likely to be heavily guarded, but there was no certainty in that. Alexander was known for his thoroughness and cunning, and he had proven again and again that he rarely left anything to chance. If there was any hope, it was in the fact that the Gillyrians would expect her to head directly toward Podem or Nviom, both of which were north of their current location. Therefore, the northern exits would likely be the most heavily guarded.

As they continued, the forest began to thin. Sunlight pierced through the gaps in the foliage, and the rugged terrain started to give way to gentler slopes. The mountain's edge was approaching, where the towering peaks gradually flattened into the vast valley below. The view opened up, revealing a sweeping expanse of grasslands stretching to the horizon.

"How far until we reach the mountain's edge?" James asked, his eyes fixed on the emerging landscape. His knuckles were white on the steering wheel, the strain of their escape etched on his face.

"Not far now," Bisera replied, her voice tight. She was uneasy, her instincts telling her that they were not out of danger yet. "But we must be prepared. There could be guards stationed at the pass."

James nodded; his eyes focused on the road ahead.

The path widened as they descended, the trees becoming sparser. Suddenly, Bisera stiffened. "There," she said quietly, pointing ahead.

At the mountain's edge, where the forest ended and the valley began, rows of armored soldiers stood in formation. Their weapons glinted in the early morning light, and banners bearing Alexander's emblem fluttered in the breeze.

"Gillyrians," she murmured. "It looks like around five hundred men."

James followed her gaze, his heart sinking as he saw the well-armed force blocking their path. The Gillyrians were stationed precisely where the mountain flattened out, creating a natural chokepoint. It was a strategic position, chosen to intercept anyone trying to escape the mountains.

The terrain made sense now—while the forested mountains had provided cover, the open valley offered none. The Gillyrian soldiers, trained to hold the line in tight formations, were arrayed in ranks, their spears and shields forming an imposing barrier.

"They're well positioned," Bisera said, her voice low. "Alexander's men are always disciplined. They'll be trouble for us."

James could see the problem clearly now. The Gillyrians were waiting for them at the only point of exit from the mountains into the valley. Between them and freedom stood around five hundred soldiers, all of whom seemed ready for battle.

Bisera's hand rested on her sword, her mind calculating their odds. "They won't know what to make of this machine at first," she said, her eyes narrowing. "But we must act quickly. Once they understand that it's magical—"

"Magical?" James interrupted, his eyebrows rising.

"What else could it be?" Bisera shot back, her eyes briefly locking with his. "It moves without horses, it's faster than any chariot, and its shell is impervious to arrows. They will think it's a weapon of the gods."

James bit his lip but didn't argue. From Bisera's perspective, everything about the SUV must seem like magic. And perhaps that perception would give them the edge they needed.

He tightened his grip on the wheel and took a deep breath. "What's the plan?"

Bisera scanned the formation ahead, her tactical mind racing. "We can't break through their center; it's too dense. But if we can find a weakness along their flanks, we might slip past before they can react."

James nodded, glancing at the terrain. The left side of the pass was bordered by rocky outcrops and patches of dense shrubs. "The ground is uneven near the edges. Do you think the SUV can handle it?"

"It has managed so far," she replied. "Aim for the left flank. The soldiers there are fewer, probably less experienced. If we move quickly, we can outmaneuver them."

"Alright," James agreed, adjusting his grip and rolling up all the windows. "Hold on."

He veered the SUV slightly to the left, accelerating as they approached the Gillyrian line. The soldiers began to notice the approaching vehicle, their expressions shifting from confusion to alarm. The morning sun gleamed off the SUV's polished surface, casting an otherworldly glow that only heightened their apprehension.

At first, there was no immediate reaction—many of the soldiers stood frozen, their minds struggling to comprehend what they were seeing emerging from the forest. This wasn't a wagon; there was no visible driver commanding the movement of the strange metal beast. The closer the SUV got, the more the Gillyrians stirred, their shouts rising in disarray.

"Demon's work!" one soldier yelled, his voice tinged with fear.

"Witchcraft!" shouted another, gripping his spear tighter.

Their officers, experienced and battle-hardened, tried to steady them. "Hold the line!" a commander barked. "Do not falter!"

But as James steered the SUV toward the uneven terrain along the left flank, the soldiers there hesitated. The ground was rocky and sloped, making it difficult for them to maintain their tight formation. The officers hadn't anticipated an approach from this angle.

"Form up!" a lieutenant shouted, but his commands were lost in the growing confusion.

James accelerated, the SUV bouncing slightly as it traversed the rough ground. The engine roared, echoing across the valley like the growl of a colossal beast. Arrows flew from the archers, darkening the sky momentarily before clattering harmlessly against the SUV's exterior. The metallic clangs sounded like hailstones striking armor, further unnerving the troops.

The soldiers on the flank, unprepared for an assault from this direction, began to waver. Some took hesitant steps backward, their eyes wide with fear. Others stood their ground, gripping their spears tightly, but the uncertainty was palpable.

Bisera leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the gap forming between the hesitant soldiers. "Now, James! Go through there!"

He didn't need further prompting. James pressed down hard on the accelerator, the SUV lunging forward with a burst of speed. The vehicle weaved between scattered rocks and stunned soldiers, its tires kicking up clouds of dust and gravel. The smell of churned earth filled the air.

As they closed in, a few brave—or perhaps desperate—soldiers lunged forward, thrusting their spears toward the oncoming SUV. The wooden shafts splintered upon impact with the reinforced grille, the remnants snapping back and knocking the men off balance. One soldier was thrown aside, tumbling into a fellow comrade as the SUV brushed past them.

The men nearest to them scrambled out of the way, their fear overcoming their training. Panic rippled through the ranks like a stone cast into still water.

"Stand your ground!" an officer yelled desperately, his voice straining to rise above the din. "It's a trick! Do not break formation!"

But the command was futile. The sight of the unstoppable metal beast bearing down on them was too much. The flank crumbled as soldiers retreated, creating a wider path.

From within the SUV, Bisera could see the whites of the soldiers' eyes, the terror etched on their faces. She felt a pang of sympathy; these were men unprepared for such an encounter. But survival demanded they press on.

An archer, steadier than the rest, took aim at the SUV's windshield, releasing an arrow that sailed straight and true. It struck the glass with a sharp tap but failed to leave a mark. James glanced at the point of impact, momentarily surprised by the arrow now sliding off the windshield and tumbling over the roof.

"That was close," he muttered, his grip steady on the wheel.

"They will grow bolder," Bisera warned. "We must not slow down."

As they sped through the gap, James and Bisera could hear the chaotic shouts behind them. Bisera glanced at the side mirror, marveling again at its clarity and utility. She could see the Gillyrian soldiers attempting to regroup, their figures growing smaller as the SUV accelerated into the open valley.

James let out a shaky breath, his heart pounding in his chest.

"We're through!" he shouted, the relief clear in his voice.

Bisera didn't relax. Her eyes were fixed on the rearview mirror, watching the Gillyrians as they desperately tried to recover from the assault. "They'll chase us," she said, her voice cold and resolute. "They won't stop until they catch us, or we're far enough away that it's no longer worth the effort."

James nodded, his grip still tight on the wheel. "We just need to keep going," he said, his voice calmer now that they had broken through the immediate danger. "We'll head deeper into the valley and find cover."

The SUV sped down the slope, leaving the wreckage of the Gillyrian formation behind. Bisera finally allowed herself to exhale, though the tension in her body remained. They had made it through the first obstacle, but the danger was far from over.

As they descended into the valley, the landscape began to shift. The jagged cliffs and rocky terrain gave way to rolling hills and sparse trees, the land stretching out before them like a vast, untamed wilderness. It was a place where they could disappear, where Alexander's men would struggle to find them.

But Bisera knew that this was only the beginning. Alexander would not let them go so easily, and the Gillyrian emperor's reach was long. She glanced at James, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered their next move.

"We might have this magical wagon," she said quietly, her voice filled with both respect and wariness. "But we will need more than that to survive what comes next."

James glanced over at her, unsure of how to respond. But in this moment, he didn't argue. The SUV had been their salvation, and for now, that was enough for him.

"We'll find a way," James said, his voice steady. "We just have to keep moving."

The SUV sped on, the vast valley stretching out before them, as they left the mountain—and the Gillyrians—behind.