Book excerpt: Ali is the apple of Freya’s eye and a prime candidate to become her Odr—her destined one. After Ali fell into slavery, her true identity as the prince of Shalzad has been known to a select few, but nothing escapes Freya’s watchful eye. Enamored with the girl, Freya insists on accompanying Ali during her journey to take back her fallen country. As the two prepare for their trip to the bazaar in Leodo, Ali realizes that accepting a goddess’s help may not have been the best idea...