Ankyra Sound Meditation and exploration

All it took was Steele's gentle push to get Ephraim on his feet again. He wisely chose a direction perpendicular to the bull seal, heading instead toward the high cliffs that bordered the sound. The bull huffed, satisfied with their decision, and lumbered away back to his harem.

Ephraim's confidence returned with each step he took; it was only moments before he was back to his usual self. He remained indifferent to Steele while also maintaining his acute awareness of the adult's presence as he investigated a clump of dried seaweed near the base of the cliffs. Each strand was shriveled and crusted with salt. He picked through them momentarily, wincing at the sharp taste on his tongue, and found beneath them a better treasure: a petrified starfish, which he hoisted and showed off to Steele with a toss of his head.