Chapter Summaries

Key plot points and events

• Vitus returns to Constantinople in December and learns that the Ottomans have defeated the Mamluks in a second war.
• He also hears that Prince Henry (Enrique) reneged on a promise to surrender Ceuta after returning there. He had offered his brother Fernando and thirty nobles as hostages to secure peace, then reinforced the port instead. Vitus concludes that Henry is too ruthless to trust as a partner.
• The empire’s annual accounts show that the Black Sea war added 26,000 people to its population, bringing the registered total to 2.52 million, and that revenue exceeded 900,000 florins, with a 30,000-florin surplus. Vitus expects further growth as the northern Black Sea coast develops.
• Vitus considers what industries can serve the steppe. Nomads badly need affordable metal cooking pots, while demand for cotton cloth is difficult to meet locally. He sees woolen cloth as the most practical large-scale industry, given the region’s abundant sheep and the climate’s limits on cotton cultivation.
• Constantine reports that the navy has intercepted disguised ships carrying wool and spirits. Inspection reveals that one is a Venetian Galleass warship concealed as a merchant vessel.
• Vitus recognizes the ships as part of Venice’s effort to supply the Ottomans with warships and strengthen their navy. John protests to Venice and the Roman Curia, but the doge denies the sale.
• Venice abandons plans to send the remaining warships through the Bosphorus, whose narrow, heavily defended entrance makes a forced passage too dangerous. The doge instead proposes transferring the fleet at a Mediterranean port, leaving the deal dependent on the sultan’s agreement.

Character developments and interactions

• Vitus shows caution about political alliances, pragmatic economic planning, and readiness for the Venetian naval dispute. He trusts his assessment of Henry and quickly grasps the significance of the disguised warship.
• Prince Henry is portrayed as ambitious and ruthless: he risks his brother’s life and breaks his promise to retain Ceuta.
• Constantine brings Vitus the intercepted-ships report, while John takes charge of the diplomatic response to Venice.
• Vitus’s earlier conversations with nomad chiefs Tucha, Kazhuo, and Sanggebu inform his understanding of their needs and potential markets.

Significant themes

• Trust and political self-interest: Henry’s actions and Venice’s covert deal show how ambition can override promises and loyalties.
• Economic development and adaptation: The empire’s growing population and revenue depend on settlement, trade, and industries suited to local resources and demand.
• Strategic geography and military power: Control of the Bosphorus allows the Greeks to constrain Venetian naval movements and complicate Ottoman access to warships.
• Trade as both opportunity and threat: Commerce can enrich the empire, but it can also serve as a channel for strengthening its rivals.

Key plot points and events

• The Ottoman sultan asks Venice to join a war against the Palaiologos Empire, offering Cyprus, the Peloponnese, and Attica in return. Venice’s envoy gives no commitment: Venice prefers to preserve the balance among the Greeks, Ottomans, and Mamluks, protect its trade, and, above all, keep Crete.
• In Constantinople, Vitus urges the empire to strengthen its Black Sea fleet. He proposes convoying merchant ships under warship escort, maintaining a large numerical advantage over Ottoman vessels, and building a strike fleet to secure command of the Black Sea.
• Vitus outlines a future campaign to recover Anatolia: more than 100,000 troops, a one- or two-year war, and an estimated cost of 700,000 florins. He believes he has a 60 percent chance of defeating Murad II, whose large, mixed army would be difficult to command.
• John VIII recognizes the opportunity but cannot yet approve the costly expedition. The Council concludes that the empire must cut spending and raise funds over the next four to eight years, assuming no major crisis intervenes.
• Vitus argues that Balkan states are unlikely to attack during a Greek-Ottoman war, though he advises the Council to defend in depth if they do. Meanwhile, Thomas, feeling overlooked, has gone traveling in Western Europe and hopes to establish his reputation.

Character developments and interactions

• Vitus shows strategic ambition and confidence, linking naval control of the Black Sea to a later campaign in Anatolia. He presents a detailed military and financial plan and reassures the Council that he can handle threats on multiple fronts.
• John VIII is cautious and financially realistic, weighing the empire’s recovery against the risk of waiting too long to use Vitus’s military experience. He remains undecided rather than rejecting the plan.
• Constantine reacts eagerly to the prospect of war, while the ministers focus on the empire’s exposure and limited resources.
• Venice’s leaders are portrayed as cautious and commercially minded; they reject a risky alliance that might empower the Ottomans and threaten Venetian interests.
• Thomas’s resentment and desire for recognition provide a personal subplot. John is indulgent, believing his brother can be brought back if necessary.

Significant themes

• Strategic patience versus restoration: The empire wants to reclaim territory but must first rebuild its finances and military capacity.
• Control of trade and the sea: Naval strength, protected shipping, and command of the Black Sea are essential both to prosperity and future warfare.
• Political self-interest: Venice prioritizes trade, stability, and Crete over alliances based on promises of territorial gain.
• The difficulty of command: Vitus expects Ottoman numbers to be undermined by the challenge of coordinating a large, diverse army.
• Ambition and recognition: Vitus’s drive to restore the empire contrasts with Thomas’s personal quest to prove himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Constantinople implements a registration system for large merchant ships in early March, requiring them to dock at the Golden Horn harbor and provide detailed information.
• The Sea of Marmara Fleet dispatches warships to patrol and enforce the new system, with violators facing capture or sinking.
• A Venetian merchant ship, the first to pass by, is stopped and inspected. The shipowner, Elion Daltino, complains about the thoroughness of the inspections.
• Venice sends an envoy to Ragusa to discuss financial tribute.

Character Developments

• Elion Daltino, a Venetian merchant, is introduced. He expresses concern about the new registration system and its potential impact on Venetian trade.
• The Venetian envoy is portrayed as astute and reflective, noting the differences in urban infrastructure and sanitation between Venice and Ragusa.

Significant Themes

• Trade and Economic Strain: The new registration system and Venice's financial struggles highlight the economic pressures faced by the city-state.
• Geographical Limitations: The envoy's observations of Ragusa's drainage system and Venice's water collection issues emphasize the challenges posed by Venice's unique geography.

Character Interactions

• Elion Daltino interacts with the Greek clerk, expressing his concerns about the new registration system.
• The Venetian envoy interacts with the guards and reflects on the differences between Venice and Ragusa as he travels through Ragusa's streets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Venetian envoy visits Ragusa, demanding an annual payment of 20,000 Ducats for "anti-piracy protection."
• Ragusa refuses, leading Venice to blockade Ragusa's ports and seize its merchant ships.
• Ragusa seeks help from Hungary's King Albert, but he declines, leaving Ragusa vulnerable.
• Skanderbeg of Albania sees an opportunity and mobilizes his forces, planning to intervene.

Character Developments

• Consul Paladino Gondolich: Starts as a proud and independent leader, but faces a crisis when Venice threatens Ragusa. He seeks help from King Albert but is disappointed by his response.
• Skanderbeg: Sees a chance to gain resources and influence by intervening in Ragusa's conflict with Venice.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and influence between Venice, Ragusa, and other regional powers.
• Economic Struggle: The impact of economic pressures on political decisions and actions.
• Alliances and Betrayals: The complex web of alliances and the shifting loyalties among different factions.

Character Interactions

• Venice vs. Ragusa: Tension and hostility between the Venetian envoy and Consul Gondolich, reflecting the broader conflict between their cities.
• Ragusa vs. Hungary: Ragusa's appeal for help from King Albert is met with indifference, highlighting the lack of reliable allies.
• Skanderbeg vs. Ragusa: Skanderbeg's decision to intervene in Ragusa's affairs, driven by self-interest, sets the stage for potential conflict or cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Skanderbeg's army sieges Ragusa, claiming to help resist Venice's invasion.
• Ragusa's leaders dispatch Metsitik to gather intelligence.
• Albania's heavy siege guns arrive, causing Ragusa to panic.
• Hungarian cavalry, led by Hunyadi, arrives to defend Ragusa.
• Otto Dragases, commander of the Serbian army, stations his forces on the border.
• Demetrius Palaiologos arrives, seeking gifts and profits.
• Representatives from Venice, Hungary, Albania, Bosnia, and Ragusa meet to discuss Ragusa's fate.
• Hungary raises Ragusa's tribute, Venice gains anti-piracy funds, and Skanderbeg seizes supplies.

Character Developments

• Skanderbeg: Shows strategic cunning, aiming to help Ragusa while also benefiting his own army.
• Hunyadi: Demonstrates military prowess and caution, choosing to wait for reinforcements before attacking.
• Otto Dragases: Displays political acumen, trying to balance the interests of various powers while protecting Serbia.
• Demetrius Palaiologos: Reveals his opportunistic nature, seeking gifts and profits without aligning with any particular side.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and influence among various states and leaders.
• Opportunism: Characters taking advantage of situations for personal gain, as seen in Demetrius' behavior.
• Alliances and Betrayals: The complex web of alliances and shifting loyalties among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Skanderbeg and Hunyadi: Though they don't directly clash, their armies' presence creates tension, hinting at potential future conflict.
• Otto Dragases and Demetrius Palaiologos: Otto seeks advice from his nephew, while Demetrius seems more interested in personal profit.
• Representatives of different states: They meet to discuss Ragusa's fate, each pursuing their own interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ragusa's financial crisis due to tribute to Hungary and Venice.
• Ragusan envoys seek help from the Holy See and Constantinople.
• Emperor John VIII invites Ragusan merchants and craftsmen to settle in the Empire.
• Metsitik, a Ragusan councilor, visits Chersonesus to investigate settlement possibilities.
• Vitus welcomes Ragusan refugees, seeing potential benefits for the Empire's economy and development.

Character Developments

• John VIII: Shows indifference to Ragusa's plight, prioritizing the Empire's interests.
• Metsitik: Becomes more open to relocating to the Empire after seeing Chersonesus's prosperity.
• Vitus: Anticipates the potential migration of capital and people due to future wars in Italy, hoping to benefit the Empire.

Significant Themes

• Migration of people and capital due to political and economic instability.
• The Empire's strategic planning for future growth and development.
• The impact of war and political changes on commerce and economy.

Character Interactions

• John VIII and Metsitik: John brushes off Metsitik's plea for help but invites Ragusan refugees to settle in the Empire.
• Vitus and Metsitik: Vitus welcomes Metsitik and offers land and financial support for Ragusan settlers.
• Vitus and Romanus: Vitus allows Romanus to participate in field training, exposing him to new experiences and challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The children set up camp on higher ground, pitching tents and preparing for the night.
• Romanus' squad finishes their tent and prepares dinner, while Third Squad is punished with barley rations due to poor performance.
• Romanus cooks vegetable soup for his squad, and they discuss nomads' alleged ability to perform the 'Stirrup Concealment' technique.
• The next day, they encounter a mill where a Ragusan merchant, Metsitik, is seeking information about sheep farming in the area.

Character Developments

• Romanus: Shows leadership and responsibility in setting up the tent and cooking for his squad. He also displays empathy towards the punished Third Squad.
• Maximus & Chiron: Engage in a debate about nomads' abilities, showcasing their knowledge and competitive nature.
• Metsitik: Demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination in gathering information about Tauris Province's agricultural landscape.

Significant Themes

• Discipline and Consequences: Punishment for poor performance (Third Squad eating barley).
• Teamwork and Leadership: Romanus' role in setting up the tent and cooking for his squad.
• Knowledge and Debate: Maximus and Chiron's discussion on nomads' abilities.

Character Interactions

• Romanus and his Squad: They work together to set up the tent and prepare dinner, showing camaraderie and teamwork.
• Maximus and Chiron: Their debate highlights their competitive nature and desire to prove their knowledge.
• Metsitik and the Miller: Their interaction showcases Metsitik's resourcefulness in gathering information about the province.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Metsitik visits Sufulion Town's livestock market, discovering cheaper livestock prices due to proximity to the Eastern European steppes.
• He meets Ratmir, the headman of Thistle Village, who discusses the increased agricultural tax rate and its impact on his sheep farming business.
• Metsitik observes the layout and daily life of Thistle Village, including the villagers' militia training preparations.
• He decides to move his textile business from Ragusa to Chersonesus, Tauris Province, due to its abundant wool supply and broad market for woolen cloth.
• Metsitik purchases land in Chersonesus to build a textile workshop and agrees to pay a special equipment usage fee.

Character Developments

• Metsitik: Shows curiosity and adaptability in exploring business opportunities in a new region. He demonstrates careful consideration of market conditions and local factors when deciding to relocate his textile business.

Significant Themes

• Economic opportunity and risk: Metsitik evaluates the potential benefits and challenges of expanding his textile business in Tauris Province.
• Impact of taxation: The increased agricultural tax rate affects Ratmir's sheep farming business and influences Metsitik's decision to invest in the region.
• Preparation for war: The Emperor's military preparations and the potential for a large-scale war influence Metsitik's business decisions and the villagers' militia training.

Character Interactions

• Metsitik interacts with Ratmir, the headman of Thistle Village, learning about the local agricultural tax situation and its impact on villagers' livelihoods.
• Metsitik observes the daily life and militia training preparations of Thistle Village's inhabitants, gaining insights into the local culture and potential market for his textile business.
• Metsitik engages with Chersonesus City Hall clerks to purchase land and agree to equipment usage fees, demonstrating his commitment to relocating and expanding his business in the region.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Metsitik buys a plot of land in Chersonesus to build a textile mill.
• Vitus inspects a smoked-meat workshop, tasting the product and witnessing his son Leo accidentally lose a tooth.
• Ilya prepares for the annual competition but receives a letter from a Ryazan noble demanding the return of escaped serfs.

Character Developments

• Metsitik shows determination and decisiveness in his business venture.
• Vitus displays his interest in military provisions and cares for his family's well-being.
• Ilya demonstrates responsibility and concern for the frontier's stability.
• Leo shows curiosity and impulsiveness, while Romanus exhibits mischief and humor.

Significant Themes

• Industrialization and Economic Growth: The introduction of new spinning machines and the establishment of textile mills highlight the growing industrialization in the region.
• Military Preparation: Vitus's focus on smoked meat as military rations emphasizes the importance of preparing for the upcoming war against the Ottoman Empire.
• Social Issues: The letter from the Ryazan noble raises concerns about serfdom and the potential conflict between the frontier and the principalities.

Character Interactions

• Metsitik interacts with city officials to secure a plot of land for his mill.
• Vitus interacts with his family during the smoked-meat workshop inspection, showing affection and discipline.
• Ilya interacts with the frontier's officials to discuss the letter from the Ryazan noble and the potential conflict it may cause.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ilya, a civil administrator, prevents Tucha from starting a war without authorization.
• Cossacks attack a Ryazan nobles' slave-catching party, escalating tensions.
• Ilya organizes summer games, attracting Circassians and drawing large crowds, particularly for one-handed sword competitions.
• Tucha mobilizes forces, including nomads, to respond to the conflict, but Ilya refuses to issue supplies due to procedural irregularities.
• Emperor Vitus decides to send troops to the Ryazan border, aiming for deterrence rather than conquest.
• Ilya is sent as an envoy to Qasim Khan to ensure safe passage through his territory, encountering a mysterious situation upon arrival.

Character Developments

• Ilya demonstrates his loyalty and responsibility by preventing a hasty war and later volunteering for a potentially dangerous envoy mission.
• Tucha shows impulsiveness and eagerness for conflict, contrasting with Ilya's cautious approach.
• Vitus exhibits strategic thinking and a strong stance, willing to use military force to assert his power.
• Yaropolk, Ilya's guard, displays confidence and provocation while interacting with Tatars.

Significant Themes

• The tension between caution and impulsiveness in decision-making, exemplified by Ilya and Tucha.
• The power dynamics between different factions, such as the Roman Empire, Ryazan nobles, Cossacks, and steppe khanates.
• The use of military force as a tool of diplomacy and deterrence, as seen in Vitus's decision to send troops to the Ryazan border.

Character Interactions

• Ilya and Tucha clash over their approaches to the conflict, with Ilya demonstrating his authority by refusing to issue supplies.
• Ilya and Yaropolk work together as envoys, with Yaropolk taking the lead in interacting with Tatars due to his language skills and familiarity with their customs.
• Vitus allows his sons, Romanus and his playmates, to accompany the campaign, indicating his desire for them to gain experience and broaden their horizons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ilya arrives at the Qasim Khanate's camp and witnesses its chaos.
• He is taken to the Khan's royal tent, where he learns that the Khan has fled, and the camp is divided into seven groups.
• Ilya delivers a letter from the Emperor, explaining that the Roman legions are not targeting the Khanate.
• The Khanate's leaders reveal that the Khan fled due to fear of the Roman legions, and the camp is now leaderless.
• Ilya persuades two tribes to surrender to the Empire, while five others refuse and plan to leave the region.
• The Emperor's army, led by Vitus, arrives, and the surrendered tribes are integrated into the Empire.

Character Developments

• Ilya demonstrates courage and calm under pressure, and his diplomatic skills help convince two tribes to surrender.
• The Khan is revealed to be a weak leader who fled at the first sign of trouble, showing a lack of responsibility and courage.
• The tribal leaders display varying degrees of ambition, loyalty, and pragmatism, with some prioritizing their tribes' well-being and others clinging to power.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and Responsibility: The Khan's flight highlights the importance of strong, responsible leadership, while Ilya's actions showcase the value of competent, level-headed leadership.
• Power vs. Pragmatism: Some tribal leaders prioritize their power and refuse to surrender, while others prioritize their tribes' well-being and accept the Empire's terms.
• Integration and Assimilation: The surrendered tribes' integration into the Empire raises questions about cultural assimilation and the loss of tribal identity.

Character Interactions

• Ilya interacts with the Tatar officer, who initially threatens him but later respects his calm demeanor.
• Ilya negotiates with the seven tribal leaders, using diplomacy and understanding to persuade two tribes to surrender.
• Vitus interacts with the surrendered tribal leaders, accepting their oaths of fealty and arranging for their integration into the Empire.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Roman legions, led by Emperor Vitus, arrive near Ryazan, seeking the return of escaped serfs and free trade.
• Grand Prince Ivan III of Ryazan panics and decides to negotiate rather than fight.
• Ivan III and his delegation meet with Vitus to discuss terms.

Character Developments

• Ivan III shows initial panic but later displays relief and understanding when Vitus presents his demands.
• Vitus demonstrates strategic thinking, aiming to maintain balance among northern powers rather than conquer Ryazan.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence among northern states (Ryazan, Moscow, Lithuania, and Rome).
• The impact of migration on political dynamics.
• The potential for economic growth and political transformation in the Kazan Khanate.

Character Interactions

• Ivan III and his nobles interact with Vitus, seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
• Vitus interacts with the Ryazan delegation, clearly stating his demands and intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vitus refuses to sell firearms to Ivan III of Ryazan to prevent a power imbalance in Eastern Europe.
• Vitus accepts a "departure fee" from Ryazan and leads his army back along the same route.
• Vitus encounters and intimidates the Nogai Khan, gaining additional horses and cloth.
• Vitus returns to the lower reaches of the Don River and appoints Ilya as financial officer in Circassia.
• Vitus finds Genoese residents fleeing civil strife in Genoa at Gray Antelope Town.
• In Northern Italy, Thomas Palaiologos hunts and returns to Montferrat, where he learns about the French royal army's approach.

Character Developments

• Vitus demonstrates his strategic thinking and diplomatic skills in dealing with Ryazan and the Nogai Khan.
• Ilya is promoted but expresses internal resistance to his new appointment in Circassia.
• Thomas Palaiologos enjoys his time in Montferrat, displaying a simple and contented life.

Significant Themes

• Power balance and the prevention of dominance (Vitus's refusal to sell firearms to Ryazan).
• Diplomacy and intimidation (Vitus's interaction with the Nogai Khan).
• The consequences of civil strife (Genoese residents fleeing their homeland).

Character Interactions

• Vitus interacts with his eldest son, Romanus, sharing historical knowledge and military strategies.
• Vitus and Ilya discuss Ilya's new appointment, with Ilya expressing his reluctance.
• Thomas interacts with his cousin, John IV, discussing the impending French invasion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thomas dines with the Marquis of Montferrat's family, learning about their dire military situation.
• Thomas travels to the French army's camp outside Genoa to observe their siege operation.
• The French army, led by Arthur, successfully breaches Genoa's walls after a week-long bombardment.
• Arthur and Thomas meet at the Bank of Saint George to discuss the city's governance post-siege.

Character Developments

• Thomas shows concern for Montferrat's plight and seeks to gather intelligence for them.
• Arthur demonstrates strategic prowess in leading the French army's siege of Genoa.
• Thomas reflects on his military capabilities and laments his lack of an army to command.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power between different factions (Montferrat, Savoy, Milan, France) is evident.
• Warfare and Strategy: The chapter explores the strategic aspects of war, including siege warfare, troop management, and intelligence gathering.
• Wealth and Resources: The wealth of Genoa and its bank are central to the chapter, highlighting the importance of economic power in medieval politics.

Character Interactions

• Thomas interacts with the Marquis of Montferrat, offering advice but ultimately leaving to gather intelligence.
• Thomas and Arthur meet at the Bank of Saint George, showing a level of mutual respect and understanding.
• Thomas observes the French army's siege operation, interacting with officers and comparing their capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Charles VII appoints Jean Coeur, son of Jacques Coeur, as the Governor of Genoa, sparking outrage among the local representatives due to the Coeur family's humble origins.
• Thomas speculates that Charles VII aims to use the Coeurs to amass wealth and then imprison them to win favor with the nobility.
• News of Genoa's occupation prompts the Duchy of Milan to react strongly, leading to a proposed defensive alliance against France.
• Arthur plans a war against Milan and seeks Thomas's help to persuade Montferrat to join their camp.
• Thomas's journey to Montferrat is ambushed by bandits, resulting in the loss of three guards and two horses.

Character Developments

• Jean Coeur is introduced as the new Governor of Genoa, demonstrating ambition and lack of awareness about the political climate.
• Thomas shows strategic thinking, understanding Charles VII's schemes, and displays combat skills during the ambush.

Significant Themes

• Social Class and Power Dynamics: The outrage at Jean Coeur's appointment highlights the tension between the nobility and the newly wealthy commoners.
• Ambition and its Consequences: Both Charles VII and Jean Coeur display ambition, with potential dire consequences for the latter.
• War and its Impact: The war between France and Milan, and the occupation of Genoa, lead to chaos and suffering among the local population.

Character Interactions

• Arthur and Thomas interact as commander and advisor, with Arthur seeking Thomas's help in persuading Montferrat to join their camp.
• Thomas's interaction with the bandits showcases his combat skills and determination to continue his mission despite the odds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• News of Genoa's fall spreads, and Montferrat fortifies its defenses.
• Thomas volunteers to command the Montferrat army in the French offensive against Milan.
• The French army leaves Genoa and enters Montferrat, seizing Pavia.
• Thomas leads Montferrat troops in plundering the countryside, amassing spoils.
• Sforza's Milanese army marches towards Pavia, setting the stage for a decisive battle.

Character Developments

• Thomas demonstrates exceptional skills in plundering and managing spoils, revealing a shrewd and profit-driven nature.
• Arthur shows strategic thinking and decisiveness in planning to meet the Milanese army head-on despite the challenges of winter.

Significant Themes

• The brutal and profitable nature of war, as seen through Thomas's actions.
• The strategic importance of timing and reinforcements in warfare, highlighted by Arthur's considerations.

Character Interactions

• Thomas impresses the marquis enough to be given command of the Montferrat army.
• Arthur, as the French marshal, consults with his commanders about their strategy against Milan.
• Thomas's greed and ambition are contrasted with Arthur's strategic thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Thomas's army leaves Pavia, joining the French army in the Po Valley.
• The French army forms for battle, with Thomas's troops on the right wing.
• The French and Milanese armies face off, with the French artillery bombarding the enemy.
• The Milanese attack both French wings, leading to intense pike and melee combat.
• Thomas's men break the enemy formation, and the French center and heavy cavalry eventually secure victory.
• The French army advances to Milan, awaiting reinforcements and supplies.

Character Developments

• Thomas demonstrates strategic thinking and decisiveness in battle.
• Arthur, the French commander, is revealed to be cautious and calculating, using his troops strategically to wear down the enemy.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and discipline in warfare.
• The impact of morale and initiative on battlefield outcomes.
• The role of heavy cavalry as a decisive force.

Character Interactions

• Thomas and Arthur have differing approaches to battle, with Arthur using his troops more conservatively.
• Thomas's troops display loyalty and obedience to his commands, even in the heat of battle.
• The French army shows unity and coordination in their formations and maneuvers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The French army captures Milan after a half-month siege.
• Thomas, a foreign noble, leads mercenaries to plunder Milan's castles and towns for spoils.
• The French occupation of Milan and Genoa draws condemnation from various nations, leading to an encirclement against Charles VII.
• In Constantinople, John VIII receives a letter from Thomas, who boasts about his earnings and mocks Demetrius.
• Vitus discusses the French army's next move and the potential fate of Northern Italy.
• Vitus increases the allocation for Adrian University Affiliated Hospital.
• Vitus inspects the dock district, noting the influx of Italian immigrants and capital into Constantinople.

Character Developments

• Thomas reveals his mercenary nature and lack of concern for the French army's overall situation, focusing solely on personal gain.
• John VIII shows concern for Thomas's safety and disapproval of his behavior.
• Vitus demonstrates strategic thinking, understanding the French army's strength, and contemplates the future of Northern Italy and the Eastern Roman Empire.

Significant Themes

• Power and Greed: Thomas's actions highlight the mercenaries' greed and disregard for the suffering of the local population.
• Political Alliances and Rivalries: The reactions of various nations to the French occupation of Milan underscore the complex political landscape of the time.
• Economic Impact of War: The war in Northern Italy leads to an influx of capital and immigrants into Constantinople, presenting opportunities for the Eastern Roman Empire.

Character Interactions

• Thomas's letter to John VIII reveals their sibling rivalry and Thomas's disregard for Demetrius.
• Vitus's discussion with John VIII about hospital allocations shows their collaborative approach to governance.
• Vitus's inspection of the dock district with John VIII highlights their shared interest in the economic and demographic changes in Constantinople.

Chapter Summary: “New Tactics”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vitus persuades the imperial council to borrow heavily before war begins, arguing that merchants will demand much higher interest and stricter guarantees once conflict with the Ottoman becomes imminent. The Finance Minister commits to borrowing at least 200,000 florins, while larger loans may require royal estates and mines as collateral.
• On March 1, Vitus travels to the northern Black Sea coast to reorganize and expand the Empire’s cavalry forces for the coming Anatolian campaign.
• He establishes directly controlled Light Cavalry and Dragoon Brigades, each containing five cavalry battalions and one horse-artillery battalion. Existing field legions retain smaller cavalry contingents, while the Tuna Legion’s heavy cavalry is transferred to Vitus’s direct command.
• Vitus evaluates the costs and usefulness of heavy cavalry. Because armor and heavy warhorses are expensive, heavy cavalry costs roughly three times as much as light cavalry or Dragoons. He concludes that field legions are generally more versatile and cost-effective, though heavy cavalry remains valuable for carefully timed breakthrough charges.
• Horse artillery becomes a central part of the new cavalry tactics. Its primary requirement is speed, allowing artillery crews to rapidly deploy, fire on enemy positions, and support cavalry attacks against exposed flanks or weak points.
• By early April, trade routes reopen after the Dnieper’s spring flood. Vitus learns that Casimir, the twelve-year-old brother of Poland’s King Wladyslaw III, has become Grand Duke of Lithuania, stabilizing the region and reducing migration into Tauris.
• Tauris Province has grown substantially through migration, reaching about 320,000 people and 90,000 households. It possesses the Empire’s largest agricultural area, ranks highly in agricultural and commercial tax revenue, and has developed into an important trade and manufacturing center based around Chersonesus.
• Vitus decides that the northern Black Sea region has achieved its main strategic objectives—recovery of the peninsula, control of steppe trade, and access to horses—and that further expansion there is unnecessary. His attention turns toward Anatolia and the Ottoman threat.
• A letter from Georgia’s King Alexander reports worsening pressure from the Ottomans. Georgia had repelled a raid by the Black Sheep Dynasty, but the Ottomans subsequently strengthened their border and defeated Georgia’s frontier army. Murad II may be preparing to establish a vassal regime in Samtskhe.
• Alexander requests 3,000 matchlocks and twenty cannon. Unsure whether the danger is being exaggerated, Vitus proposes sending a delegation under the guise of aid to gather intelligence on Georgia’s military situation, terrain, and southwestern frontier.

Character Developments

• Vitus becomes increasingly strategic and pragmatic. He anticipates wartime financial difficulties, prioritizes efficient military spending, and shifts from regional consolidation to preparations for a decisive Ottoman war.
• His experience with unreliable noble cavalry during the Thracian battle makes him skeptical of relying on expensive heavy cavalry. He favors disciplined, centrally controlled forces and carefully coordinated artillery and cavalry tactics.
• Vitus also demonstrates caution in foreign affairs. Rather than immediately committing large-scale military aid to Georgia, he seeks firsthand intelligence while still supporting his ally.
• Alexander of Georgia appears increasingly vulnerable but proactive. He has modernized his army enough to defeat nomadic raiders, yet remains unable to withstand Ottoman pressure and turns to Vitus for firearms and artillery.
• Casimir’s accession stabilizes Lithuania, indirectly affecting Vitus’s migration and demographic policies in Tauris.

Significant Themes

• Preparation before crisis: Vitus borrows money and reorganizes the army before war makes financing and recruitment more difficult.
• Military modernization and efficiency: The chapter contrasts costly heavy cavalry with versatile field legions, light cavalry, Dragoons, and mobile horse artillery.
• Centralization versus aristocratic privilege: Vitus’s earlier failure with disobedient noble cavalry reinforces the value of troops under direct imperial control.
• Economic development as strategic power: Tauris’s population growth, agriculture, trade, skilled immigrants, and horse supply strengthen the Empire’s military and financial position.
• Intelligence and cautious intervention: Vitus balances aid to Georgia with the need to verify conditions and gather useful information about Ottoman territory.
• Shifting strategic priorities: After consolidating the northern Black Sea, the Empire redirects its expansion and military focus toward Anatolia and the Ottoman Empire.

Character Interactions

• Vitus debates borrowing plans with the imperial council and negotiates with the Finance Minister over the scale and collateral of the loan.
• He takes direct control of cavalry organization and officer selection, reflecting his preference for centralized command.
• His recollection of noble cavalry disobeying orders during the Thracian battle shapes his current military reforms.
• Alexander communicates with Vitus through a letter, reporting Georgia’s danger and requesting weapons.
• Vitus responds by proposing an imperial delegation, combining nominal assistance to Alexander with covert intelligence-gathering for the coming war.

Key Plot Points and Events

• John VIII sends an embassy to Georgia, escorted by the Black Sea Fleet.
• The fleet encounters the Ottoman fleet at Trebizond, including a massive, newly-built warship.
• The Roman fleet avoids battle but is forced to engage when Ottoman light galleys attack transport ships.
• The Ottoman flagship sinks due to a design flaw, turning the tide of the battle.
• The Roman fleet pursues and defeats the Ottoman fleet, ending the battle without further losses.

Character Developments

• Constantine, the young emperor, is present on the flagship but remains in his cabin for safety during the battle.
• Admiral Cohen demonstrates strategic thinking and courage, leading the fleet to victory.

Significant Themes

• The importance of naval power and alliances in the medieval world.
• The dangers of overconfidence and underestimating opponents.
• The impact of technological advancements (here, the massive Ottoman warship) on warfare.

Character Interactions

• Constantine and Cohen interact briefly, with Cohen ensuring the emperor's safety.
• Cohen and his officers discuss the battle and analyze the Ottoman flagship's design flaws.