# The Secret Tower explained — The Warlord of Mars

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

## What happens

John Carter and Woola track Dejah Thoris's abductors to the hidden fortress of Matai Shang, the Father of Therns, in the Otz Mountains. Carter is lured into a trap and finds himself in an arena facing a dozen banths, but Thuvia of Ptarth uses her power to command the beasts to retreat. Carter leaps to the balcony where Dejah Thoris, Thuvia, and their captors are gathered. A struggle ensues, and Matai Shang drags Dejah Thoris away into the tower, while Phaidor offers Carter a choice: accept her love and save Dejah Thoris, or refuse and face doom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Loyalty

John Carter's relentless pursuit of Dejah Thoris and his refusal to abandon Woola highlight his loyalty and love.

### Deception and Disguise

Carter is lured into a trap by the thern guards who feign ignorance, and the gate is left ajar as a ruse.

### Courage in the Face of Death

Carter faces a dozen banths without flinching, and Thuvia's intervention shows bravery and quick thinking.

## Character check-ins

### John Carter

Pursues Dejah Thoris to the secret fortress, fights guards and banths, and confronts Phaidor's ultimatum.

### Dejah Thoris

Held captive by Matai Shang and Thurid; seen on the balcony, she struggles and is dragged away into the tower.

### Thurid

Abducts Dejah Thoris with Matai Shang; draws sword against Carter but flees after Matai Shang.

### Matai Shang

Father of Therns, orchestrates the trap and drags Dejah Thoris into the tower.

### Phaidor

Daughter of Matai Shang; offers Carter a choice between accepting her love or facing doom for Dejah Thoris.

### Thuvia

Captive on the balcony; uses her power to command the banths to spare Carter and Woola.

### Woola

Faithful companion of John Carter; accompanies him through the journey and into the fortress arena.

## Key lines

> I offer you the love of Phaidor, daughter of the Holy Hekkador. Accept and your princess shall be returned to the court of her grandfather, and you shall live in peace and happiness. Refuse and the fate that my father has threatened shall fall upon Dejah Thoris.

Phaidor proposes a deal: if John Carter accepts her love, Dejah Thoris will be freed and returned safely; otherwise, she will suffer the threatened fate.

_Phaidor's ultimatum to Carter on the balcony._

> You need not fear them now, John Carter! Those banths will never harm you now, nor Woola, either.

Thuvia reassures Carter that the banths are under her control and will not attack him or Woola.

_Thuvia commands the banths to spare Carter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se/chapters/iv-the-secret-tower
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se/chapters