Twenty Two484 BC
Somewhere in the heart of the Persian Empire
(Before everybody dies)
Cotiso's horse was on the brink of complete exhaustion. The poor animal could barely manage to lift his legs. The Thracian wasn't in much better shape, his cracked lips and swollen eyes were sure signs of severe dehydration. The merciless desert sun was beaming over the two struggling travelers.
Three weeks had passed since Cotiso left Ancyra under the cover of the night. He sneaked out of the palace, leaving only a hasty note to his wife with instructions what to tell everyone about his sudden trip.
Three days ago an unfortunate incident saw him losing the last of his supplies of fresh water. His horse was scared by a desert snake during one of the rest breaks and while jumping madly around he tramp
