Chapter 2 Summary

The other messengers warn Khan of famines and advise him on the prices of materials found in his land holdings. Polo, having returned from lands equally as distant, only speaks of the thoughts that come to him while sitting on a doorstep in the evening enjoying the nigh air. Khan wants to know what the point of Polo's traveling. Polo responds that it is now evening, and they are seated on the steps of the palace enjoying the evening breeze. He goes on to say that whatever country he evokes will be seen from this specific vantage point.

The two men seem to have an understanding. Marco knows that, when he has irritated the emperor, the emperor needs to be left to follow a private train of thought. It does matter whether questions and answers are spoken aloud between the two of them...