Carter briefly deals with Cannot Spit It Out, before putting his foot in his mouth somehow and offending Dejah. Some things never change.
- He even points out that the love doesn't make sense, and that among other differences, Martians being egg-layers is a pretty big one.
Day of the march, he finds that Sarkoja, the ex-guard (and Tar Tarkas'# 2), has chained Dejah to the carriage. John storms off and confronts Tar Tarkas, who points out it's easier than chaining John up. John asks, in the name of friendship, that Tar takes the key and order Sarkoja to cease tormenting Dejah. Tar's reply? No such thing as friendship, but have it your way. He even offers to unchain her if he promises not to escape. John refuses, but Far unchains her that evening anyway.
- As much as I want to avoid Draco In Leather pants, I find Tar Tarkas to be an interesting character. He just gives off that more than meets the eye vibe.
- John says as much, wondering if Tar has and hides his own version of compassion.
Sarkoja is plotting something, with a huge but undistinguished warrior named Zad (Martians really know how to name people, don't they?), but Carter is almost too lovesick to notice.
What he says, that he has always been a wanderer and never known a home, that he implies that he's not related to the Carters makes me wonder...Amnesiac Martian? Seems lined up for a Not So Different set of Sweet and Sour Grapes.
And that's probably about what he was thinking of when Zad hit his mount with a sword. Duel to the Death!
Zad is an expert swordsman, but John is faster and has better wind. They're stalemated until Zad, tiring, launches a desperate attack...and Sarkoja tries to blind John with a mirror. A single stroke battle results, Dejah knocks away the mirror, and Sola takes the knife for Dejah.
What happens? Find out next time!
- The wikipedia article said this was first serialized in 1912. That would explain the Cliffhangers.
Comments
