Cambyses's Struggles (Part-1)

On his way to Zanzan, Alexander crossed many a frozen and half-frozen creeks and streams, picturesque small villages with thatched roofs cottages that were laden with snow and had black smokey rising out of them, and many small towns and cities, where the noble or caretaker there received them with grace and cordiality as per the Queen Mother's beforehand instructions.

And these permanent resting points were a godsend for Alexander, for what he most liked was having a hot shower there which was naturally impossible to have while on the road, with the bonus of having a soft bed, a comfy meal, and sometimes even a warm, eager body to keep him company through the long night.

With this steady pace and no major problems, Alexander managed to complete his journey two weeks faster than Lady Inayah had anticipated, in one and a half months, reaching the closest allied city of Megrab, which belonged to a Shordar (Baron) Haziz, just at the start of January.