Fifteen
Contains spoilersOverview
Odessa and the Turan caravan ride through a pitch-black forest all night, led by the Guardian, before emerging onto vast plains toward a distant, snowcapped mountain range. Exhausted and in pain, Odessa reaches a riverside camp where many fires are lit and she is given a tent, bath, and rest. The Guardian taunts and tests her in private, warning of difficult travel beyond the river and forbidding wandering past the fires. As Odessa tries to recover, a feral roar rips through the camp, underscoring the dangers of Turah.
Summary
After riding through an unusually dark, dense forest all night, Odessa suffered severe pain and exhaustion. The caravan stayed tightly clustered, following the torchlit line while the Guardian scouted ahead without a torch, cutting a trail. Odessa noted his apparent night vision as another power to report to her father and realized she could not orient herself in the darkness.
At dawn the trees thinned and gave way to sweeping plains leading toward a vast, snowcapped mountain range. Zavier finally spoke to Odessa, explaining they had traveled by night because grizzurs had poor nocturnal vision and the coastal forests were safer then. The Guardian spurred ahead with riders to establish a camp, while Zavier held Odessa back, telling her there was no need to rush.
They arrived at a large camp by a winding river, with numerous fires being built and tents erected. Zavier helped Odessa dismount and, apologetic, guided her to a central tent as Tillia took their horses. Jocelyn checked on Odessa and went to fetch Brielle and food. Inside, attendants prepared a cot and a tub of hot water, which promised Odessa some relief.
The Guardian intruded, mocking Odessa’s soreness and insinuating about her intimacy with Zavier, then informed her that they would rest for two days to recover and that training would resume tomorrow. He ordered her not to wander beyond the ring of fires, even to the river. When Odessa asked to speak privately with Zavier, the Guardian was possessive, claiming the crown prince was always his concern, and further implied that Zavier “likes to share,” unsettling Odessa. He held Odessa’s gaze as his eye color shifted slowly to green, exerting a dangerous pull until Odessa broke it and dismissed him.
Brielle arrived, warning Odessa to be careful around the Guardian. Odessa bathed while Brielle rested on the cot. Brielle remarked on the unparalleled darkness of the forest and suggested they had been ridden through the night to keep them disoriented; Odessa agreed the Turans did not trust them. They wondered if the many fires would keep predators away.
Before Odessa could sleep, a vicious, feral roar erupted across the campsite, confirming the real dangers lurking in Turah and hinting that nighttime travel might indeed be safer along the coast.
Who Appears
- Odessa
protagonist and princess; endures a grueling night ride, observes the Guardian’s night vision, requests a private talk with Zavier, resists the Guardian’s provocation, and rests at camp.
- Zavier
crown prince and Odessa’s husband; rides with Odessa, explains night travel due to grizzurs, helps her dismount, remains mostly distant.
- The Guardian
Zavier’s deadly protector; leads through the dark without a torch, sets pace, taunts Odessa, warns against leaving the fires, schedules training, displays shifting eye color that unsettles Odessa.
- Brielle
Odessa’s companion; rides with Tillia’s help, later rests in Odessa’s tent, cautions Odessa about the Guardian, reflects on the night ride and Turans’ mistrust.
- Jocelyn
Odessa’s companion; checks on Odessa, goes to bring food, shares a tent with Brielle near the fires.
- Tillia
Turan woman aiding the group; rides beside Brielle to keep her safe and takes charge of the horses at camp.