# XVIII: A Task for Loyalty explained — The Chessmen of Mars

> Chapter companion for The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Tara and Gahan share a moment of emotional vulnerability as Tara acknowledges her gratitude and loyalty to Turan (Gahan in disguise), while reaffirming her betrothal to Djor Kantos. Gahan reveals his love for her, but she gently rebuffs him. Meanwhile, Tasor (revealed to be A-Sor, a Gatholian in disguise) rescues Tara from a Manatorian warrior, and later explains his past: he was captured and sold into slavery in Manator, married a wealthy princess, and now serves in O-Tar's guard under a false identity. Gahan pursues Tara after she is taken by a Manatorian, but is halted when the captor threatens her life. A second warrior (Tasor) intervenes, killing the captor and revealing his true identity to Gahan.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Gahan's willingness to die for Tara and his restraint when her life is threatened exemplify sacrificial love.

### Identity and Disguise

Multiple characters operate under false identities: Gahan as Turan, Tasor as A-Sor, highlighting the theme of hidden selves.

### Courage and Resilience

Tara's defiance and Gahan's relentless pursuit despite overwhelming odds demonstrate courage and resilience.

## Character check-ins

### Tara of Helium

Expresses gratitude to Turan but reaffirms her betrothal to Djor Kantos; shows loyalty and emotional conflict.

### Gahan of Gathol

Disguised as Turan, he confesses his love for Tara and later pursues her captor; demonstrates courage and devotion.

### Tasor

Revealed to be A-Sor, a Gatholian in disguise; rescues Tara and explains his past as a slave and later a guard in Manator.

### A-Sor

Alias used by Tasor in Manator; serves in O-Tar's guard and helps Gahan and Tara.

### O-Tar

Referenced as the Jeddak of Manator; his commands drive the pursuit of Tara and Gahan.

## Key lines

> I desire no reward, he replied, other than the happiness of knowing that the woman I love is happy.

Gahan tells Tara that her happiness is the only reward he seeks.

_Gahan's declaration of love and selflessness._

> You mean, Tara of Helium, he cried, that were it not for that you would— Stop! she commanded. You have no right to assume aught else than my lips testify.

Tara cuts off Gahan's implication that she might love him if not for her betrothal.

_Tara's firm adherence to her honor and betrothal._

> When a man chooses to hide his identity behind an assumed name, whatever friend pierces the deception were no friend if he divulged the other's secret.

Tasor tells Gahan that a true friend would not reveal a hidden identity.

_Tasor's loyalty and recognition of Gahan's disguise._

> Save me, Turan! she cried. Let them not drag me to a fate worse than death. Better that I die now while my eyes behold a brave friend than later, fighting alone among enemies in defense of my honor.

Tara begs Gahan to let her die rather than be taken by the Manatorian.

_Tara's plea for a dignified death over dishonor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se/chapters/xviii-a-task-for-loyalty
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chessmen_of_mars_se/chapters