House of Earth and Blood

Hunt is led out of his cell to join Sandriel in the lobby of the Comitium. She is accompanied by her evil henchman, Pollux. To everyone’s amazement, Bryce bursts into the room and offers to buy Hunt’s freedom. Jesiba has loaned her millions. She also offers the protective amulet around her neck, which is worth a fortune too. Sandriel melts the amulet and rejects the money. As a last resort, Bryce offers herself in exchange for Hunt. Sandriel considers the possibility, announcing that she knows Bryce is a Fae princess. Hunt is staggered to learn that Bryce is Ruhn’s sister. Ruhn arrives to forbid the transaction and drags his sister away. Bryce is furious at his interference and takes off for the river. While she sits there brooding, a kristallos demon attacks her.

As Bryce falls into the river, grappling with the demon, Ruhn and his friends rescue her. His comrades realize for the first time that Bryce is royalty.

The Summit begins with pomp and ceremony as the four magical houses send their representatives to the meeting. Hunt has been brought along in magic-negating handcuffs to watch the display. The two stars of the show are Sandriel, governor of northwest Pangera, and Micah, governor of Lunathion.