• CHAPTER XX ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XX of Gulliver of Mars, the protagonist returns to the city after his time with the woodmen, feeling out of place amidst the joyous celebration that greets Princess Heru’s return. The citizens are thrilled, but they show no understanding of the deeper implications of her restoration or the looming threat from their enemies across the sea. Their reaction is superficial, marked by flower processions and a carefree atmosphere, as they celebrate without acknowledging the dangers ahead. The…
    • CHAPTER XIX ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XIX of "Gulliver of Mars" details an adventurous escape by sea under the veil of early morning mist. Gulliver and Heru narrowly evade capture by soldiers in a war-canoe thanks to a combination of stealth and luck. As they drift silently, the soldiers, suspecting their presence, ultimately dismiss the possibility and move on, allowing Gulliver and Heru to continue their escape toward a small harbour town. Upon arrival at the town, Gulliver quickly seeks help from a friendly fish-shop owner,…
    • CHAPTER XVIII ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XVIII of "Gulliver of Mars," the intensity of suffering under a relentless heatwave reaches its zenith, showcasing a dire landscape where both the characters and the environment are pushed to the edge of survival. The scarcity of water leads to a complete collapse of discipline and a desperate longing for relief. The protagonist and the characters around him, including Heru, the Martian princess, are depicted in a battle against the extreme conditions, with their strength and vitality drained…
    • CHAPTER XVII ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 17 of "Gulliver of Mars" sees our protagonist witnessing the return of Ar-hap, the king, and his weary army to their home city, a situation made stark by the ominous threat of a comet and the severe drought plaguing the land. Amidst these dire circumstances, the king, upon learning of the protagonist's presence, demands his appearance to address the matter of Heru, a princess apparently claimed by Ar-hap under dubious circumstances related to a royal custom. The protagonist, determined to rescue…
    • CHAPTER XVI ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XVI of "Gulliver of Mars," our protagonist, having already embarked on his Martian journey, secures passage as a supercargo on a merchant boat headed to the capital. The journey introduces him to the peculiar and monotonous rowing chants of the Martian sailors, stirring thoughts about his extraordinary situation far from Earth. Upon arrival, the protagonist discovers that the Martian capital is bustling and vibrant, filled with exotic ships and goods from unknown regions. The protagonist, still…
    • CHAPTER XV ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay The whole tale, briefly but with fervor, hiding nothing—how Heru and I met, how I had come from another world, the deadly feud against her, my pledge to help her, the ambush, the fight, and our flight to the forest. Her plain face softened as the story proceeded, touching me deeply by her ready sympathy. When I finished, she brushed a rough hand across her eyes, then gripped mine tightly, saying with conviction, "You shall have her, lad! Hearts like yours deserve to win. It's foolhardy, I know, but…
    • CHAPTER XIV ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XIV of "Gulliver of Mars," our protagonist encounters an affable woodman while journeying through a Martian forest. Appreciating his company, he agrees to spend the night at the woodman's humble yet welcoming cabin by a lagoon. The setting is picturesque, nestled among trees with the aroma of bark used for tanning permeating the air. This night introduces him to the commonalities of daily life on Mars including their food, drink, and hospitality. They share a hearty meal of toasted aru fruit and…
    • CHAPTER XIII ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay Upon leaving the icy regions and descending into the lowlands, the protagonist, now named Gulliver, finds himself amidst a rugged and less prosperous landscape. Here, vegetation is sparse, dominated by firs and pines reminiscent of Earth's ancient coal-forming forests. The inhabitants, in contrast to the previous lands of abundance, are sturdier and more straightforward, living in close-knit communities rather than sprawling cities. An early encounter with a native, initially hostile, highlights the…
    • CHAPTER XII ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XII of "Gulliver of Mars" narrates the protagonist's harrowing yet intriguing experiences after being cast away on the Martian ice. The chapter opens with Gulliver setting up a fire for warmth, only to discover a frozen figure of an imposing, grey-clad man, speculated to be a king of an ancient Martian race, encased in the nearby ice. This mysterious figure, with a gold band adorned with runes, fascinates Gulliver with his regal yet inaccessible presence. The turning point occurs when the fire's…
    • CHAPTER XI ‑Gulliver of  Mars Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XI of "Gulliver of Mars," our protagonist wakes with a renewed sense of duty, eager to rescue Heru from danger. Despite enjoying a final frolic with his light-hearted companions, he sets off alone, navigating through unfamiliar Martian waters aboard a sea-going canoe, equipped with a scarce supply of cakes and fresh water. Warned to avoid the ominous "River of the Dead," he inadvertently drifts too far north, missing the supposed route and instead finds himself in a bleak, desolate landscape…
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