 The fortress town was situated in a waterless wasteland, but Metellus was not deterred by this, he commandeered pack animals, saddled them with water sacks and marched his army through the desert to Thala.Along the way a storm unleashed a torrent of rain, greatly benefitting his soldiers, who believed the gods favoured them.Unfortunately for Metellus, Jugurtha got advance warning and fled with his family.