Sweat trickled down Shail's back, little by little becoming more than a trickle. It stung his eyes and wet his hair. The dry air and breeze evaporated it quickly, but more sweat just took its place so he felt drowned in it. But that would be more pleasant. At least then he would have water. When he collapsed under the outcropping, the shade offered a comfortable area that he could even stretch out in. Now it was a thin line that left him pressed up against the hard rock surface, squeezing in his toes to keep them from the harsh sun. He was stupid, stupid, stupid. Like this, he would die out here.

Shail turned his eyes up to the bright sky. Would Allah save him now? The being he sent his prayers to wasn't Allah at all though. Gemini! Desperately, he called out to the one being that might save him. Even if he ran away from her in the first place. With an arm pressed over his mouth, his body still fighting a cough, he thought he heard horse hooves on the sand. Was he dreaming now? It certainly felt like he'd slipped into a dream.