# On the Kaolian Road explained — The Warlord of Mars

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

## What happens

John Carter survives a fall from the tower, escapes the fortress of the Holy Therns with Woola, and pursues Thurid and Matai Shang's flier toward Kaol. After a perilous journey through the Kaolian jungle, he is attacked by a sith but rescued by Torkar Bar, Dwar of the Kaolian Road, who offers his aid despite their nominal enmity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage in the Face of Death

John Carter repeatedly faces mortal danger—falling from a tower, navigating a deadly jungle, and confronting a sith—with unwavering resolve.

### Deception and Disguise

John Carter considers impersonating a Holy Thern but reveals his true identity to Torkar Bar, choosing honesty over disguise.

### Adventure and Exploration

The chapter details a harrowing journey through the Kaolian jungle, a hidden forest realm, and a high-speed aerial pursuit.

## Character check-ins

### John Carter

Narrator and protagonist; survives a fall, escapes the fortress, pursues the flier, and is rescued by Torkar Bar.

### Woola

Faithful calot; accompanies John Carter through the jungle and helps fight the sith.

### Thurid

Antagonist; shoots at John Carter's flier and flees toward Kaol with Dejah Thoris.

### Matai Shang

Holy Thern; leads the party fleeing to Kaol, leaves guards at the fortress.

### Torkar Bar

Dwar of the Kaolian Road; rescues John Carter from a sith and offers his allegiance.

### Dejah Thoris

John Carter's lost love; aboard the fleeing flier, not seen on deck.

## Key lines

> If there be a fate that is sometimes cruel to me, there surely is a kind and merciful Providence which watches over me.

Despite the cruelty of fate, a benevolent force protects me.

_John Carter reflects on his miraculous survival after falling from the tower._

> I am John Carter, Prince of Helium, whose name may not be entirely unknown to you.

I am John Carter, Prince of Helium—perhaps you have heard of me.

_John Carter reveals his identity to Torkar Bar, risking attack._

> It is my duty, and it should be my pleasure, to kill you, John Carter, but always in my heart of hearts have I admired your prowess and believed in your sincerity.

I am supposed to kill you, John Carter, but I have always respected your strength and honesty.

_Torkar Bar expresses his conflicted loyalty and admiration for John Carter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se/chapters/v-on-the-kaolian-road
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se/chapters