To desert, returning cards (5)
I believe the answer is:
tarot
'cards' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'to desert returning' is the wordplay.
'desert' becomes 'rat' (ratting is a kind of deserting).
'returning' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'to'+'rat'='torat'
'torat' in reverse letter order is 'TAROT'.
(Other definitions for tarot that I've seen before include "Pack member" , "Fortune-teller's pack of cards" , "One in special suit" , "Pack of cards used in fortune-telling" , "Fortune-teller's card" .)