Inktober 2019
Day 6:
“Marrok!” Embo called.
For a while, there was no movement in the abandoned settlement other than the banners fluttering weakly in the breeze. His quarry had been here, all right - the thermal detonator scorch marks attested to that - but she was long gone. Embo would have to backtrack, find a different lead. He’d see if he could jog that barkeep’s memory -
A snarl interrupted his thoughts. A juvenile grey-furred anooba bounded towards him, long tail lashing behind it as it ran. Its broad muzzle, paws, and underbelly dripped with a reddish-brown goop, and Embo couldn’t tell if it was blood or mud.
It came to a stop, tail wagging as it stared up at him. Sighing, Embo bent down and scooped it up.
“Getting into mischief again, Marrok?” Embo asked, already feeling the strain of holding the anooba in his arms. At this rate, Marrok would be full grown within a few months.
The anooba’s tongue lolled out of its mouth in response. He looked extraordinarily pleased with itself. Embo chuckled, setting him down. Marrok pranced forward a few paces, then froze and stared back at Embo.
“Alright,” Embo said, hefting his bowcaster onto his shoulder. “Show me what you found.” He took off after his pet.