CHAPTER X -Thuvia, Maid of Mars

In Chapter X of “Thuvia, Maid of Mars,” titled “Kar Komak, The Bowman,” Carthoris and Thuvia, hand in hand, move silently through the Martian forest towards the distant cliffs, enchased in a mutual reliance. Thuvia, mysteriously silent throughout their journey, suddenly vanishes at the moment Carthoris decides to break their silence. It dawns upon Carthoris that Jav has deceived him into believing Thuvia was with him, whereas she was actually detained. Realizing the trickery, Carthoris rushes back towards Lothar, discovering along his way the mangled body of Jav, who reveals Thuvia’s direction before dying.

Carthoris’s journey to find Thuvia introduces him to Kar Komak, a bowman from Lothar materialized from thought, who decides to abandon the tyrannical Tario and join Carthoris. Kar Komak shares his own miraculous existence, brought to permanence through Tario’s obsession. Skeptical yet impressed by Kar Komak’s demeanor and his own necessity for an ally, Carthoris accepts his company. Together, they venture towards Aaanthor, following the vanishing trail of Thuvia and Komal, her protective banth.

The narrative shifts into a tense race against time and enemies. Carthoris and Kar Komak, pushing through their perilous journey, spot Thuvia and Komal from a distance, narrowly ahead of a band of green Martians and a Dusarian fleet—all converging upon Thuvia with hostile intent. Despite their disadvantages—Kar Komak’s lack of weapons and the formidable foes they face—their resolve remains unwaivered to save Thuvia. Kar Komak, showing valiant courage, runs to aid Carthoris despite being unarmed, deepening the bond between the two. Thuvia, witnessing their approach, experiences an unexplained confidence in Carthoris’s presence, her doubts shadowed by the immediate threat and her faith in his capability to save her from her dire situation.

This chapter seamlessly weaves action with the introduction of new alliances, hinting at evolving relationships and setting the stage for the unfolding drama against the backdrop of Martian politics and treachery. Carthoris’s leadership and the enigmatic Kar Komak’s loyalty highlight themes of bravery, trust, and the struggle against overwhelming odds, culminating in their determined march towards Aaanthor to rescue Thuvia from converging enemies.