This chapter opens with a soliloquy by Araneo in which he tells the audience that he is going to kill the king of Aragon. He tells them that the king's guards have fled, and that the victorious army has resumed its march. He also informs them that he has lost the freedom seal, which means that he can no longer travel with them. He says that if they could use their magic, they would be able to free the prisoners from the dungeon in which elias is being held. He then tells them about the curse of the fan, which accuses him of involvement in a plot against the king. He explains that the curse is a kind of poison, which he needs to find out the composition of. He reminds the audience of the fact that the plague only affects humans, but that he himself is a man, small in stature, but still big in spirit. He asks the audience to pretend that he believes the curse, but he says that he knows someone who can cure them. The king tells him that he will protect them from the plague, but will not do anything to stop them from believing that the sorcerer can restore their legs. He adds that he cannot ignore the opinions of the counselors, who believe that the prisoner is guilty of the crime. He implores the king to torture the prisoner to see if his words are true. He concludes that the cure for the plague will take place in the next room, where melchioor will assemble the parts to make the metal monster. He is convinced that the prisoners are guilty, but the king refuses to believe him. He continues to lead the battle against the plague with a thirst. He hears the preparations for the infernal weapon, which, when hot, will soon burn him to death. He believes that if he speaks now, he will avoid torture.