The Argo Goes West

117, Princess of Barsoom, part 3

Helen, aka Dejah Thoris, Princess of Barsoom, was ghostly pale. Hector Jackson, acting mayor of Sacramento and her guardian, asked her.

"A man named John Carter claims that you are his wife. Is it true?"

"It is true," replied Helen in a small voice.

Captain Harris bit his tongue.

"Carter is demanding your extradition as a wife in her husband's right. Can you comply?"

"No."

Helen promptly refused.

"Okay," Hector Jackson said, but didn't try to hide his disappointment. Still, Hector continued his gentlemanly conversation. "We respect your wishes."

It's frustrating! Clay Roberts couldn't stand it and cut in on the conversation.

"If you don't go back to Carter, our men will be killed in hostages," Roberts yelled at Helen. "And they're not just killed, they're killed in a brutal, insect-like way."

"Calm down, Roberts," said Captain Harris, his superior. "She's scared."

"But..."

"Excuse my men," Captain Harris bowed to Helen as a knight bows to a princess.

Helen nodded politely.

"Let me ask you a question," said Capte Harris. "Why did you marry Carter?"

Helen thought for a moment, then quietly began to speak.

"I was the wife of Tal Hajus, King of the Six Limbs. Tal Hajus and his minions fought against human armies in the desert. It was a hard fought battle, but the Tal Hajus won. At that time, there was only one human who survived. It was John Carter.Tal Hajus offered John Carter a one-on-one match. The condition was that if John Carter won, his life would be spared. Tal Hajus used to do it all the time. Tal Hajus never lost. Everyone thought Tal Hajus would win again. However, the result was unexpected. Tal Hajus was defeated and killed by John Carter. John Carter inherited all of Tal Hajus' possessions. His armor, his title, his minions, his dog, and his wife."