Odessa spent a week training at Ellder’s center with the elegant, unembellished sword the Guardian had given her. The instruction was grueling; she collected bruises, adjusted her hair to keep it out of the way, and endured the Guardian’s stern critiques. During a sparring bout, he pressed a blade to her throat, and his eyes shifted from hazel to green as desire flared between them before he ended the session, acknowledging her stamina had improved.

Odessa noted her growing, conflicted attraction to the Guardian—especially his shifting eye colors—and her continued morning sessions despite nightly vows to avoid him. She tested whether he or Zavier truly granted her freedoms by asking the Guardian for permission to resume riding; he said he would mention it to Zavier. Zavier remained largely absent, spending time with Evangeline, leaving Odessa to wrestle with feelings for the wrong man while technically married to Zavier.

Walking through Ellder, Odessa appreciated Turan culture: hard work, familial devotion, and kindness. Enjoying anonymity—no one recognized her as the Sparrow or a princess—she reflected on her father’s likely war plans and the potential bloodshed in both Turah and Quentis if he invaded. Unable to find answers in Cathlin’s books and after Luella emptied the dungeon cache, she observed that Turans avoided speaking about Allesaria.

Odessa began to doubt Allesaria’s existence, considering that Perris might still be the capital or that the “capital” could be a ruse. Deciding caution was wise, she resolved to stop mentioning Allesaria to avoid suspicion and to protect the relative peace she had found in Ellder. She also noted that few knew of her marriage to Zavier, and even Evangeline seemed unaware.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a public scene: the Guardian carried a screaming Evangeline, who begged to accompany Zavier, saying he always left her. The Guardian calmed her with a gentle tone, explaining that strength could mean staying out of danger. To soothe her, he proposed a special trip: a ride to Treow to fetch a horse.

Realizing the horse was Freya, Odessa’s, the Guardian glanced at Odessa, silently including her in the plan. When Evangeline asked to go, he agreed on the condition she behave, and then asked Odessa to join them. Evangeline pleaded, and Odessa agreed to make time for the trip.