Theodemir dismisses his court and agrees to honor his debt in a private, tense conversation with Ildico. 'Attila spared me. You and the boy will have my protection.' Initial relief washes over Ildico. A narration box indicates a time jump of several days. Ildico's inner monologue reveals her growing unease as she watches guards from her window: 'They are not my protectors. They are my jailers.' Her fear is confirmed when she overhears a heated argument between Theodemir and his advisors about the danger of harboring Attila's heir. Ildico realizes she has traded the dangers of the wilds for a political prison.