Odessa wakes in the Ashmore inn to a familiar scene: the Guardian has left only a pillow on the floor and a note on the table. The reality of the prior day’s attack is confirmed by the green blood on her boots and her soreness and bruises. Determined to leave Ashmore and retreat to her treehouse in Treow, she goes downstairs and meets Cathlin, who hugs her and gives her a book on Turan customs. Cathlin says she will leave Ashmore within the week after a goodbye to the woman she came to visit, and she honors Odessa with a Turan gesture—hands over heart and a slight bow—addressing her as Princess Odessa Wolfe. Odessa returns the gesture.

The Guardian arrives, surprisingly hugs Cathlin, then curtly signals Odessa to follow. Outside, Odessa observes the town’s grief and laments the lack of warning or protection for Ashmore. When she suggests King Zavier could send rangers, the Guardian bristles, challenging her right to question. Odessa asserts her voice as princess and Sparrow but offers no concrete solution, then admits she wants to help. He orders her onto his horse, lifts her into the saddle, and mounts behind her, holding the reins close around her, making the ride physically close and tense.

They leave town, passing the burial grounds where Sariah was laid to rest, and Odessa reflects on the gods and the fate of souls. She asks the Guardian if he believes in the gods. He replies that he believes in them but calls their “gifts” a curse and the gods vindictive and manipulative. Their conversation falls quiet as they reach the road toward Treow.

Without warning, the Guardian steers off the road toward mountains and a river valley, stating they are not going to Treow but to Ellder because of Zavier. Odessa realizes she is being returned to her husband and decides this may be for the best, hoping distance from the Guardian will help her regain her composure and resolve. She expects the Guardian will not remain once she is confined within the fortress.

They ride for hours in silence. When Odessa asks about the size of the bariwolf pack, the Guardian confirms it was larger than normal, noting packs usually number three or four. Exhausted from the previous night and the journey, Odessa fights sleep, scanning the landscape for threats, and ultimately drifts off, pressed against the Guardian as the stallion continues toward Ellder.