VIII
Creature ComfortsSea and sand washed a limp, bedraggled figure on the shore, etching paths with no destination on dark skin. At the fringes, drying salt gave an unhealthy, otherworldly pallor.
A long snout nuzzled at the body, searched snuffling along its edges. It licked a time or two, then barked.
“Hoy, Santra!” a voice responded. “Found a live one?” Footsteps clattered on the rocky beach as heavy-laden feet descended to the water. The snout barked an affirmative, before wedging itself under one battered shoulder to lever it up and over.
“Hmm. No injuries.” The man examined broad features, a face the color of rotting wood. “Of course, with these southerners, how can you tell? Could be bruised, for all I know.” The dog beside him wagged her tail, gave the body’s salty cheek anot
