XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Deception and Manipulation

  Tarzan and Komodoflorensal disguise themselves as guards to infiltrate the quarry, and Caraftap manipulates the situation to gain freedom by revealing their identities.

• Slavery and Freedom

  Talaskar is a slave bought and sold by Kalfastoban, who plans to profit from her; Tarzan risks recapture to free her.

• Survival and Adaptation

  Tarzan uses his swordsmanship skills learned from D'Arnot to survive the guard fight, and both protagonists adapt to the quarry's dangers.

Characters to notice

• Tarzan

  Leads the rescue attempt for Talaskar, fights and kills a guard, and is recognized by Caraftap.

• Komodoflorensal

  Accompanies Tarzan to the quarry, witnesses the fight, and helps navigate Veltopismakus.

• Talaskar

  Has been purchased by Kalfastoban; is shown off as a beautiful slave with a queenly bearing.

• Kalfastoban

  The Vental who bought Talaskar; plans to keep her for a time then sell her for profit.

• Caraftap

  Slave who recognized Tarzan and is brought to Kalfastoban to reveal the information.

• Zoanthrohago

  Mentioned as Talaskar's former master who sold her to Kalfastoban.

• Hamadalban

  Friend of Kalfastoban; present when Talaskar is shown and when Caraftap is brought in.

• Zertolosto

  Komodoflorensal's alias used in the chapter; guides Tarzan and comments on the rescue's difficulty.

Key passages

• ““Where now?” demanded Komodoflorensal as the two emerged from the mouth of The Slaves’ Corridor and stood for a moment in the brilliant sunlight without.”

  Komodoflorensal asks Tarzan where they are going after leaving the Slaves' Corridor.

  Opening of the chapter, sets the scene for their escape and rescue plan.

• ““I know,” said the Zertolosto, “and I commend your loyalty and valor while deprecating your judgment. It will be impossible to rescue Talaskar.””

  Komodoflorensal praises Tarzan's loyalty but warns that rescuing Talaskar is impossible.

  Highlights the theme of loyalty versus practicality.

• ““But my sword is no fool,” snapped the fellow, as he thrust viciously at the ape-man’s breast.”

  The guard attacks Tarzan with his sword, confident in his skill.

  Leads to the sword fight where Tarzan kills the guard.

• ““She is not here. Kalfastoban took her away. He has purchased her from Zoanthrohago.””

  Komodoflorensal reports that Talaskar has been bought by Kalfastoban and is no longer in the chamber.

  Reveals the new obstacle in their rescue mission.

• ““I shall keep her for a time and then sell her while her value is still high. I should make a pretty profit from her.””

  Kalfastoban plans to use Talaskar temporarily and then sell her for profit.

  Illustrates the commodification of slaves in Veltopismakus.

• ““News travels fast in Veltopismakus,” said Caraftap, “and so it was that we in the quarry heard of the death of the two slaves, Aoponato and Zuanthrol, within a short time after their bodies were discovered.””

  Caraftap explains that news of the slaves' deaths spread quickly through the quarry.

  Sets up Caraftap's recognition of Tarzan and his plan to betray them.