Blacktail Deer Plateau Don't let the sun outshine you

Had she not been watching so intently, Diane might have missed the clever strike of the canine, who had anticipated the aim of the reptile's ire. She had only ever seen a seahawk so gracefully dispatch the venomous fiends, and the faint squeal she made was part fearful surprise and part delight. She watched the body of the snake write to and fro, its muscles struggling wildly to regain control of its head, but the stranger's grip was resolute— and to Diane's mild surprise, nonlethal.

She tiptoed closer, ears up and nose outstretched curiously, though she didn't come nearer than several feet of the male and his captive. Her tail twitched, and a faint smile crossed her shy face. He was valiant, and merciful, and his gold fur like sun-baked sand reminded her so deeply of home. Swallowing the swell of her emotions, the girl nodded in the direction of the river. "Let's let him go by the water," she suggested gently, nodding her small head in encouragement, before eagerly leading the way.