On our return to the city
we had gone directly 
to Tars Tarkus’ quarters, 
where I stayed 
while he attended 
the customary post-engagement council 
with the other Chieftains.

As I sat awaiting
Tars Tarkus’ return from council
I heard something enter 
from an adjoining apartment,
and as I glanced up 
there rushed upon me 
a huge and hideous creature,
which bore me backward 
onto the pile of silks and furs 
upon which I had been reclining.

It was Woola—faithful, loving Woola. 
He had found his way back to Thark 
and, as Tars Tarkus later told me,
had gone straight to my former quarters 
and taken up his pathetic
and seemingly hopeless vigil for my return.

“Tal Hajus knows that you are here, 
John Carter.”  said Tars Tarkas,
upon returning from the Jeddak’s quarters; 

“Sarkoja saw you and told him. 
Tal Hajus has ordered me 
to bring you before him tonight. 
He has not forgotten how you humiliated him 
and stole the Princess Dejah Thoris
—his prized captive—
and Sola from him.”

“I have ten thoats, John Carter; 
you may take your choice from among them, 
and I will accompany you 
to the nearest waterway that leads to Helium. 
Tars Tarkas may be a cruel green warrior, 
but he can be a friend as well.
We must leave.”

I asked 
“And when you return, Tars Tarkas?”

He replied 
“The wild calots, possibly, or worse,
unless somehow the Council agrees 
that Tal Hajus may be challenged,
an eventuality I have long awaited.”

“We will stay, Tars Tarkas, 
and see Tal Hajus tonight. 

You shall not sacrifice yourself, a
nd it may be that tonight you can have
the chance you have so long awaited.”
He objected strenuously—
“Tal Hajus often flies into wild fits of rage 
at the very thought of the blow you dealt him,
and if he ever lays his hands on you,
it will mean the most horrible torture 
and your death.”

He said little as I spoke, 
but the great muscles 
of his face worked in agony 
at the recollection of the horrors 
Tal Hajus had heaped 
upon the woman he loved—
the only joy in Tars Tarkas’ 
cold, cruel, terrible existence—
as he had put her slowly and 
horribly to death.
I finished “—and that child—
your daughter—is Sola.”