# XII: Ko-Tah Threatens the Princess explained — The Moon Maid

> Chapter companion for The Moon Maid by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Julian is formally presented to the Jemadar Sagroth, his Empress, and their daughter Nah-ee-lah, who coldly ignores him. He discovers a conspiracy between Ko-tah and the Kalkars to overthrow Sagroth, and learns that Ko-tah plans to strike within six hours. Julian spies on Ko-tah, witnesses a Kalkar delegation, and realizes that Nah-ee-lah's fate hangs in the balance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor, Loyalty, and Betrayal

Ko-tah conspires with Kalkars to betray Sagroth; Julian spies out of loyalty to Nah-ee-lah.

### Love and Sacrifice

Julian's concern for Nah-ee-lah drives him to risk espionage.

### Technology as a Tool of Destruction

Kalkars offer 'engines of destruction' from another world to conquer Laythe.

## Character check-ins

### Julian

Presented at court; spies on Ko-tah's conspiracy.

### Nah-ee-lah

Coldly ignores Julian during the presentation; her fate is threatened by Ko-tah's plot.

### Ko-tah

Plots with Kalkars to overthrow Sagroth; threatens the princess.

### Sagroth

The Jemadar of Laythe; Julian is presented to him.

### Moh-goh

Julian's host; reticent about the conspiracy.

### The Kalkars

Delegations visit Ko-tah; allied with him against Laythe.

## Key lines

> The palace of the Emperor stands, a magnificent pile, upon the loftiest terrace of Laythe, extending completely around the enormous crater.

The Emperor's palace is a grand structure on the highest terrace of Laythe, encircling the crater.

_Describes the setting of the chapter._

> As my eyes, filled doubtless with surprise and incredulity, shot to the face of Nah-ee-lah, I was almost upon the verge of an exclamation of the joy and happiness which I felt in seeing her again and in knowing that she was safely returned to her parents and her city once more.

Julian is overjoyed to see Nah-ee-lah safe, but her cold demeanor shocks him.

_Highlights Julian's emotional reaction to Nah-ee-lah's coldness._

> If you do not accede he will take Laythe in spite of you and reduce you to the status of a slave.

A Kalkar warns Ko-tah that refusal will lead to Laythe's conquest and his enslavement.

_Shows the Kalkars' threat to Ko-tah._

> I do not know how long I remained in the City of Laythe. Time passed rapidly, and I was very happy after I returned to the dwelling of Moh-goh.

Julian loses track of time while enjoying life in Laythe with Moh-goh.

_Indicates Julian's contentment and the passage of time._

## Links

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