CHAPTER V -Thuvia, Maid of Mars

In Chapter V of “Thuvia, Maid of Mars,” Carthoris of Helium finds himself navigating through a dark tunnel, followed closely by a dangerous creature known as a banth. After a tense encounter, he emerges into a stunningly beautiful yet mysterious valley unknown to him. There he encounters strange events and uncanny battles involving green Martians and a fierce race of bowmen, alongside their lion-like companions. Amidst the chaos, he reunites with Thuvia of Ptarth, who was abducted earlier. Suspicions arise about Carthoris’s involvement in her abduction due to circumstances and manipulations that point falsely towards him. However, their reunion is marked by a mixture of emotions, as Thuvia harbors doubts about his innocence despite his protests and evidences of his genuine quest to rescue her.

As they navigate the complexities of their situation, including the appearance of a formidable army led by Hortan Gur, Jeddak of Torquas, they witness an intense battle between the green Martians and the city’s defenders. The city, revealed by its inhabitants’ auburn hair and fair skin, suggests a connection to ancient Martian races long believed extinct. Despite Carthoris’s valiant effort to defend and reclaim Thuvia, he remains determined to suppress his feelings for her, considering her betrothal to another.

The narrative unfolds with Carthoris and Thuvia grappling with their circumstances and uncertain futures. They find themselves in the heart of a conflict that is beyond their understanding, surrounded by historical mysteries and the imminent threat posed by the green Martians and their Jeddak. The chapter concludes with Carthoris and Thuvia uncertain of their fate, as the battle rages on and they contemplate their next move amidst the newly revealed ancient city and its defenders.