John Carter, Warlord of Mars 12-A

"City of Skulls!"

Dejah Thoris and her hand(s)maiden, Sola leave Helium together; Dejah for neighboring city of Jangor and Sola for a reunion with her recently departed parent. Before the new city's gates, Sola parts company with the Princess and ventures forth back into the desert alone. It isn't long before disaster strikes.

Two weeks later, John Carter is so happy to see his wife once more that he bounds over high walls with effusive joy at her return. When Dejah inquires of Sola's whereabouts, John is minded to go look for her.

First stop is Thark city, to see the big green Kahuna, Tars Tarkas; father of Sola and John's best friend - aside from his wife, or pet calot. Tars is unable to help Carter with his enquiry, but offers to help in the search, taking proprietorial interest in the task. The two fly off over the Barsoomian plains in search of Thoat tracks.

When they do spot some tell-tale tracks, a violent sandstorm engulfs their flier. The Martian vehicle tailspins towards an awesome structure rising from the desert floor. Skull shaped towers cleave the crimson air.

Everything in the execrable edifice appears furnished by skeletons and skulls. Carter and Tars split up to seek Sola, high and low. Tars's bravado fades as soon as he is alone in the foreboding citadel.

With good reason, too. Decayed detritus which once housed the shell of a man, rises from the floor and strikes Tars in the back with wild eye-beams. The very walls come to life to attack the Prince of Helium. Skeletal fingers clawing at John's soft, pale skin.

Held fast, arms outstretched crucifixion-style, JC turns to glimpse Tars Tarkas shambling toward him, axe held high, with an unforgiving expression in his eyes. Face it, Carter, old son; you've had your chips this time. Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones!