The Chessmen of Mars · Chapter
A Repellent Sight explained
Gahan of Gathol discovers Tara of Helium's disabled flier and deduces she is a prisoner in the nearby tower.
What happens
Gahan of Gathol discovers Tara of Helium's disabled flier and deduces she is a prisoner in the nearby tower. He devises a plan to rescue her, towing the flier toward the tower. He is attacked by a herd of banths but escapes by ascending the flier. The chapter also recounts the storm's aftermath: Gahan falls from the Vanator after heroically saving a warrior, is tossed by the storm, and lands safely on the ochre moss, where he waits for dawn.
Themes in this chapter
Courage and Resilience
Gahan demonstrates courage by risking his life to save a warrior during the storm and by planning to rescue Tara despite the dangers.
Love and Sacrifice
Gahan's willingness to face a hostile world alone for Tara of Helium reflects deep devotion and self-sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Gahan of Gathol
Discovers Tara's flier, plans her rescue, survives banth attack, and recounts his fall from the Vanator during the storm.
- Tara of Helium
Her flier is found intact but missing a propellor; she is presumed a prisoner in the tower.
Key passages
“The same tempest that had proved his undoing had borne Tara of Helium to this distant country.”
The storm that caused Gahan's downfall also carried Tara to this remote land.
Highlights the shared fate of the two characters due to the storm.
“For Tara of Helium he would face a hostile world alone.”
He was ready to confront any danger by himself for her sake.
Emphasizes Gahan's devotion and courage.