Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris#1(2011)

437 years before the advent of John Carter, a conflict raged between Greater and Lesser Helium. The two city-states had been at war with each other for centuries. At this point the forces of Lesser Helium, led by Great Jed Tardos Mors, had pushed the enemy to the Crimson Spire of Greater Helium. Men, swords, beasts, and airships clashed in the struggle. Victory seemed finally at hand for Lesser Helium—and for Tardos Mors’s granddaughter, Dejah Thoris. The triumph was close, yet caution was still needed, for banths are most dangerous when wounded. At this decisive moment an envoy from the Jeddak of Yorn approached. The airship carrying Golm landed; a purple cloak was laid upon the ground so that the rotund representative might walk upon it while all knelt in honor. Golm addressed them by name—Tardos Mors, Jed of Lesser Helium; Mors Kajak, grandfather to the last named: Dejah Thoris. Greeting them with “Kaor,” he bade them rise. He brought tidings from their overlord, Senneth Dor, Jeddak of Yorn, and requested that the troops stand down at once. They were his favorite vassals, and he wished Greater and Lesser Helium to come to terms of peace. Mors Kajak asked for an explanation and was told that his son would be wed to a lucky bride—and, to their surprise, that bride would be Dejah Thoris herself, given to Dor Valian, the Jeddak’s son. Dejah Thoris was transported aboard the flagship Pride of Dejah Thoris to the Iss with the Jeddak of Yorn. One of the leading captains warned that spies were everywhere. Another warrior claimed that whenever Lesser Helium seemed about to gain the advantage over Greater Helium, the Jeddak of Yorn intervened to thwart their victory. A third observed that bloated Golm spoke as if the marriage were already a foregone conclusion. Dejah Thoris’s father asked if she would consent. Seeking to broker peace and hoping to give Lesser Helium a stronger voice in the federation of the Jeddak of Yorn, she agreed. When her grandfather asked her, she answered simply, “I am a Princess of Helium.” Two weeks later the Gathering was held at Lesser Helium for the engagement of Dejah Thoris to Dor Valian, son of the Jeddak of Yorn. Golm addressed the assembly, and Dejah Thoris accepted the prince’s hand with honor. Valian’s presentation proved less than spectacular. As he stepped down the stairs he caught his foot in his own purple robe and dashed his face against the floor; even his father breathed a heavy sigh at the sight. Dejah Thoris alone came to help him. Rising, he thanked her, saying, “Your poise exceeds your great reputation for beauty.” He continued to fumble over his words, admitting he was no warrior, that he was not much to look at, and that the situation must be awkward for her. Still he promised he would do his best to be a good husband and make her happy. She thanked him graciously and was escorted by maidens to her chambers. The sun set and a great banquet began. Tardos Mors and the Jed of Lesser Helium remained uncomfortable with the arrangement. Dejah Thoris approached the Jeddak of Yorn, asked leave to speak, and was granted it. She expressed her gratitude for bringing the warring parties together and recounted their long history of battle. The interruption of the war, she said, had been timely—yet not in the sense her father and grandfather had understood. Centuries of conflict had left both Heliums weak while their enemies grew stronger. Looking directly at the Jeddak, she declared it was time for both cities to seek peace and prosperity. Raising her cup she proposed a toast: “To Helium. May we become friends that we may know our true enemies.” Tardos Mors and Khanid Thal answered with toasts to their respective rivals of Greater and Lesser Helium. The Jeddak of Yorn began to laugh. “Peace between the Heliums! Indeed. That is the very reason I brought you all here.” His son Valian stared in surprise. At once the guards seized the guests as hostages. The Jeddak announced he was taking control of both cities. Dejah Thoris called him a calot. Tardos Mors drew his sword and disarmed several soldiers, but more pressed in; one wounded his right eye, an injury that would eventually cost him the sight of it. Mors Kajak ordered him to stand down. Guards seized Dejah Thoris by the waist and dragged at her long tresses of hair; they took Valian as well. Valian confronted his father, demanding an explanation for the lie about the wedding. He now understood it had been nothing more than a ruse to seize power over both Heliums. “Where is your honor?” he asked. Senneth Dor slapped him across the cheek, drawing blood, and called him a little suckling sorak. Were it not for his mother, the Jeddak said, he would have disowned him long ago. Valian retorted, “Do not speak of my mother.” His father told him this was the reality of being Jeddak, waved him away, and ordered him back to his scrolls and poems. Looking down at his new ring on his bloodied hand, Valian thought of Dejah Thoris. Senneth Dor descended to the excavations below. Switches were thrown; electrical power illuminated a cavernous chamber and the monstrous Colossus within. The Jeddak of Yorn gazed upon it and pronounced it glorious.