A Shadow in the Desert

Chapter Six

Laurel paid the balance of the bill and was given two pages of instructions along with medication and fresh bandages. She found herself once again drawn to the picture window while she waited for the dog.

The morning smiled softly over the pastures as its breath gently stirred the tree tops and pushed a few dried leaves across the pavement. As she took in the serene view, a mixture of peace and apprehension pressed against her. She was used to being alone, but in this new and isolated place, for the first time she felt lonely. Not for long.

"Here's Clancy."

Laurel turned to find a young girl holding out a lead that was wrapped around the Airedales neck.

"He's ready to go home," the overly cheerful girl relayed.

"Oh, thank you."

Laurel took the leash and bent down to pet the dog's head. He wagged his tail in response, then tucked it back down.

"I bet you'd like to get out of here. Let's go."

He slowly limped forward and Laurel changed her pace so not to rush him.

"Bye, Clancy," the annoyingly happy girl called out in a sing-song voice as they moved through the door.

When they reached the parking lot, Laurel looked down at the dog and said, "There's no way I'm calling you Clancy."

He looked up at her with his soulful brown eyes and once again brought his tail up in a wag.

"Good, we're in agreement on that."

She had brought the wood slat to get him in and out of the car.

*

Once she had him unloaded at home, she led him into the living room and settled him on a soft blanket she had laid out the day before.

"Here you go," she said as she removed his leash. She had been given a plastic cone collar for him if and when he needed it, but he showed no signs of bothering his injured leg for the time being.

He seemed to relax on the blanket and laid his head on his front paws before closing his eyes.

"Good boy," she soothed. "Now let's figure out a name for you that we can both live with." She looked through the bookcase that sat beside the rock fireplace, searching for a pamphlet she had bought at the museum in Sage Mont. It was titled 'The History of Pine Valley'. She wanted to find a name that was regional to the area. About halfway through, she came to a section titiled 'The Piute Indian in Pine Valley'. Included was a selection of English words translated into Piute. Laurel liked the idea of using a Piute word that meant something in nature – like mountain or river. Unfortunately, she found the Piute words were impossible to pronounce. She was about to move on when she thought of one more word.

There it was, his new name – Sat-do, meaning dog. She took a try at pronouncing it, "Satdo." She tried it several more times and decided it should be pronounced with a soft a sound.

He opened his eyes when he heard her gentle, lilting voice speak his new name. It floated to him on air that smelled of sage and pine and many more scents he would have to investigate – but later. He gave up a big sigh and fell back into a peaceful sleep knowing the lady was near.koo

Laurel laid down on the couch and pulled the throw over her legs. She had run out of adrenaline and was ready to give in to her exhaustion. She rested easy, knowing her dog, Satdo was near.

*

He dreamt he was resting on a bed of pine needles in the shade of several trees that encircled the campsite. He half dozed and half listened to the sounds around him. The muffled rush from the river that ran a few yards from where he lay, softened the sharp sounds of the boys' excited voices as the ran and climbed over a pile of rocks near the water's edge. The man kept a watchful eye on the little ones, but Clancy knew it was ultimately up to him to protect his pack.

Several minutes later, with the sun soaking into his fur and the fresh air filling his lungs, he began to drift further away. The sounds of the others floated to him on the warm steady breeze, and all was well with the world.

*

Satdo jerked awake with a yelp when the first thunderous blast invaded his dream, followed by the man's terrified shout.

Laurel sat up and looked over at him. "What's wrong, boy? Are you in pain?"

Getting up, she went to re-read the instructions to see if it was time for his medication.

"Here you go. This should help."

He reluctantly took the liquid she squeezed in his mouth and sighed. He was on edge but it wasn't from pain. There was something here, in this house – something threatening, but he couldn't get up and find it. Slowly he lowered his head and closed his eyes. His last memory was the lady's soft voice as she gently stroked his head.