The heat struck up, reflected from the sand.

But it was a March sun, and no more than pleasant to Slone.

The wind rose, however, and blew dust and sand in the faces of horse and rider.

Except lizards, Slone did not see any living things.
Miles of low greasewood and sparse yellow sage led to the first almost imperceptible rise of the valley floor on that side.

The distant cedars beckoned to Slone.