Fellow leaves desert shelter (3)
I believe the answer is:
lee
'shelter' is the definition.
(as in lee side, the side sheltered from wind)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lee that I've seen before include "Protection" , "The sheltered side - of Cork's river?" , "Sheltered accommodation" , "Commander of the Confederate States Army in the American Civil War" , "Area sheltered from the wind" .)