He was right. Nanu could practically see the steam coming off her horse, the sweat evaporating just as fast as she could produce it under the fierce sun. Her horse, Ebony, was but a palace horse, a beautiful and regal animal only meant to prance her around the palace, or short distances outside the palace, like a jewel. She was never meant for such heavy riding, that was what her other horse was for, for if she had to travel great distances with her father.<br/><br/>Leaning over she stroked her suffering mare, praying to the goddess she'd survive, giving the loyal animal a parting kiss despite her determination. Sitting up Nanu, pulled the reins and got as close to Odi's steed as possible, hoping up to brace her feet on the saddle. Reaching over she clasped Odi's outstretched left arm to the elbow with her right and jumped, feeling like a bird for half a moment before she landed hard on the saddle behind Odi. Bringing the gourd of water that had been attached to her horses saddle, up under his arm, she said in his ear, "drink." It was the only source of water they had until they could find refuge and shelter from their pursuers. With a click of her tongue, a whistle and a command her horse immediately slowed down and began turning around to go back.<br/><br/>It was as she made sure her horse did not continue to follow them, that she spotted the guards had gotten closer. Cursing beneath her breath, she held on tighter to Odi and gave Abrax a slap to the backside to encourage him to go a little faster. "Look!" She called out, pointing to how the sands were kicking up to the right of them. A small whirling tornado like storm was heading their direction. But if they could get ahead of the storm, they could use it to lose their pursuers. The next town they were closest to appart from the royal capital, was Iken that was situated near a lake. It was a little far if all you had was one gourd of water between two people. But if they made it and lost the guards in the chaos of the storm to split them apart, then they would have a chance.<br/><br/>"We must go faster, get ahead of that swirling storm. We can lose them that way." Another couple of taps to the horses backside, got them up to speed. Just in time too, because five minutes later and the storm had kicked up, just getting ahead of it in time to see the guards getting smaller and smaller to no doubt get ready to brace themselves, dust whipping at their backs.<br/><br/>By mid afternoon she could finally see the town of Iken ahead of them more clearly, their gourd of water down to its last few drops. It took them another hour, but they finally reached the town, making sure to pull her hood up and obscure her face as they entered, slowing to a stroll as they went through a market. "We must find water and shelter soon in case they continue after us." Problem was she had no coinage on her person, just the jewellery that decorated her person. "A well..." she pointed out a little bit ahead of them, where sheep and goat seemed to be gathered with their herders.<br/><br/>Hoping off in one smooth move despite her mild heat exhaustion, she slowly parted the farm animals for Abrax to get access to the water, making a few quick yanks before bringing the bucket close to the horse. "Good boy," she whispered, stroking his nose with appreciation and affection. Another bucket later and she was handing Odin a ladle of water. "Drink," she ordered, knowing he had probably taken the barest sips from their gourd.