# XII: To Save Dusar explained — Thuvia, Maid of Mars

> Chapter companion for Thuvia, Maid of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Astok of Dusar, under pressure from his father Nutus, is forced to consider the murder of Thuvia of Ptarth to conceal Dusar's guilt in her abduction and the ensuing war. He visits her in her tower prison, pleads for her love, and when she refuses, he leaves her to await execution. He then seeks out Vas Kor to carry out the deed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and War

Nutus and Astok plot to murder Thuvia to prevent Dusar's guilt from sparking a devastating war with Helium, Ptarth, and Kaol.

### Love and Obsession

Astok's obsessive love for Thuvia wars with his duty to his father; his passion momentarily spares her, but his obsession turns to vengeful resolve.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Astok betrays Thuvia by imprisoning her and plotting her death, while Nutus betrays any semblance of paternal love in favor of political survival.

## Character check-ins

### Astok of Dusar

Struggles with his father's command to kill Thuvia; visits her in the tower, pleads for her love, and when rejected, resolves to have her executed.

### Thuvia of Ptarth

Imprisoned in the east tower of Astok's palace; refuses Astok's marriage proposal with cold contempt, choosing death over union with him.

### Nutus

Jeddak of Dusar; coldly orders Astok to bring Thuvia to Dusar or kill her to bury the evidence of Dusar's guilt.

### Vas Kor

Mentioned as an officer high in the navy of Dusar; Astok seeks him out to carry out the execution.

### Carthoris of Helium

Mentioned as the one falsely blamed for Thuvia's abduction; his supposed guilt is a strategic cover for Dusar.

## Key lines

> The guilt of Dusar might be forever buried with her bones.

If Thuvia were killed, Dusar's involvement in the abduction would be hidden forever.

_Nutus suggests murder as a way to conceal evidence._

> Better all that you have threatened, than you.

I would rather face war and death than marry you.

_Thuvia's defiant response to Astok's ultimatum._

> The next to enter this apartment will be your executioner.

The person who comes through that door next will kill you.

_Astok's final threat to Thuvia before leaving her to await death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thuvia_maid_of_mars_se/chapters/xii-to-save-dusar
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