Odessa woke to Faze, the surviving tarkin pup, demanding comfort. She described his improving condition over the past four days and settled him against her chest, reflecting on how Evangeline had quickly bonded with the pup and named him. Odessa missed Evangeline, whom Ransom had taken back to Ellder two days earlier for safety under Luella’s care, and anticipated she might soon be sent to the fortress as well.

Ransom arrived and informed Odessa that a lionwick had been killed in a nearby village, likely due to Lyssa. He planned a rapid ride to Ravalli to gather information and asked Odessa to come, warning there would be minimal stops. Odessa insisted on bringing Faze despite Ransom’s objections, citing the need to keep the pup hidden and the lack of caretakers in Treow.

They set out through the forest and into an open river valley. On the ride, Odessa asked who else had sworn to kill Ransom if Lyssa overtook him. Ransom listed Tillia, Halston, and all the rangers in Halston’s hunting party, adding that Zavier had been the first and that Ransom preferred Zavier’s blade if the time came. Odessa pressed about a cure; Ransom dismissed the possibility, speaking of his death as inevitable, which Odessa quietly refused to accept.

Discussing their approach in Ravalli, Ransom emphasized listening for gossip to trace Lyssa’s creator, believing someone involved might have spoken to others. Odessa suggested seeking out pony riders who crisscross the kingdom and spread news; Ransom admitted it was a good idea and decided to visit a pony rider outpost beyond Ravalli after the village inquiries.

As they rode, Odessa reflected on her role, resisting Ransom’s teasing that she spoke like a queen, and reaffirmed her commitment to helping all of Calandra. She continued to tend Faze on the journey, acknowledging both her affection for monsters and the danger they pose.