The Chessmen of Mars · Chapter
The Chessmen of Mars explained
Tara of Helium, flying her flier, is caught in a violent storm and carried far from Helium.
What happens
Tara of Helium, flying her flier, is caught in a violent storm and carried far from Helium. She crashes in a strange and desolate region, where she is captured by the Kaldanes, a race of beings who have evolved into disembodied heads with powerful intellects, and their servant Rykors, who are headless bodies. Tara is taken to their underground city of Bantoom, where she meets Ghek, a Kaldane who becomes fascinated by her. Meanwhile, Gahan of Gathol, disguised as the panthan Turan, sets out to rescue her, following her trail into the unknown.
Themes in this chapter
Mind vs. Body
The Kaldanes have evolved into pure intellect, while their Rykor servants are mindless bodies, highlighting the separation of mind and body.
Courage and Resilience
Tara faces the terrifying Kaldanes with bravery, and Gahan ventures into unknown dangers to rescue her.
Characters to notice
- Tara of Helium
Flies into a storm and is captured by the Kaldanes in Bantoom.
- Gahan of Gathol
Disguised as Turan, he sets out to rescue Tara.
- Ghek
A Kaldane who becomes intrigued by Tara and aids her.
- Luud
The chief Kaldane who rules in Bantoom and threatens Tara.
Key passages
“The storm caught her and whirled her through the air with the fury of a living thing.”
Tara's flier is seized by a violent storm and tossed uncontrollably.
Describes the onset of the storm that leads to Tara's capture.
“She saw a great head, without body, arms, or legs, rolling toward her.”
Tara witnesses a disembodied head approaching her, a Kaldane.
Introduces the shocking appearance of the Kaldanes.