A dark bird circled him in a sky dominated by a fierce and unsympathetic sun. The man knew he was going to die. The sand burned his back, but he lacked the energy to turn, let alone stand ever again.

His dry eyes scanned the horizon- his heart soared. A figure, rippling in the heatwaves! It was small and stooped and dark against the sunbleached sand. It approached.

"You've saved me- thank you", he whispered through cracked and burnt lips. Grey eyes blinked back at him, uncomfortable in the bright light.

"No m'sieur. I've only come for your boots"

The dark bird slowed and descended, its patience rewarded.