This chapter opens with a soliloquy by Alexander the Great in which he curses the fates of his people. He laments the fact that they will not be able to use the armor they are about to receive. He says that he will have to learn to fight in full armor, which defeats the purpose of the training suit he is about to take. Alexander tells his uncle that the registers of death are settling in, and that only the dead will be safe. He tells him that the armor is skinning and that if his body has perished, he will face oblivion. He also tells him about the duels that are taking place between the dukes of Venice and Trebizond. The duke of Venice refuses to pay a tariff to the duke tanis, and the duke intends to retaliate. The tabor of Venice has been refusing to pay any tariffs, and he has been involved in an affair with the duke's wife. He has recalled his envoy from the icos, who has advised him to prepare his defenses. The count has sent a message to the emperor, asking for advice on how to deal with the situation