Marco reunites with his father, while Jingim secures peace in his time.
They sold him, they abandoned him in a strange land.
And now, in The Fourth Step, theyre back.
Credit: Phil Bray/Netflix
But will Marco even be alive when they arrive?
(Most die before their fifth step, explains Hundred Eyes.)
Hes been bitten, all right.
Kublai is greatly concerned about the ill health of his favorite pet.
Or has Marco been demoted to second favorite pet?
The speed with which shes ingratiated herself is slightly dubious.
Id be very disappointed if the great Kublai can be played so easily.
Only the Queen seems to sense the threatthough to her, it may just be a romantic one.
Kublais repeated inquiries into Marcos recovery continue to wound Jingims pride.
Jingim returns home and declares to a pleased father, Peace without bloodshed is upon us.
(Thank you, Neville Chamberlain.)
Jia is a tough egg to crack.
(A Sith Lord was the comparison I made in episode 3).
And his cruelty knows no bounds.
The Polos havent returned to retrieve Marco.
In fact, they dont even mention his name when they bring gifts before Kublai.
Do you have any interest in your son?
Kublai asks, with a trace of incredulousness at their indifference.
When they finally see him, no tears are shed nor hugs exchanged.
These men are two peas in a pod.
But Kublais soldiers interrupt the brawl to arrest Marco.
They tracked him extremely quickly; perhaps Marco really does smell like a dog, as Hundred Eyes said.
You did not need to set the snake, he says.
Soshehad intended the snakefor Marco.
That seems a little harsh, after their one real encounter.
Patience, she says.
We will find cover for our escape within it.
Do we still have doubts that shes of royal blood?
The penalty for such thievery, as Marco knows, is death.
That will allow Kublai to spare his life.
You will decide his fate.
… Then you will find sleep.
Clearly, Kublai did not want to punish Marco, and Marco didnt deserve to be punished.
Politics is perception, and Kublais mercy will be interpreted as weakness, just as he feared.
Sweet dreams, Marco Polo.
