Thuvia, Maid Of Mars

Edgar Rice Burroughs

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

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Fonte original — domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de Thuvia, Maid Of Mars, de Edgar Rice Burroughs, publicado originalmente em 1920.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 1920.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 2016.

Brasil

Autor: Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Edgar Rice Burroughs faleceu em 1950.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Edgar Rice Burroughs faleceu em 1950.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: Thuvia, Maid Of Mars

Autor: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Primeira publicação: 1920

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Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR — Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 — Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 — Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 — Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível B1.

Assim, você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens e os acontecimentos principais da obra original.

Como usar as notas

No texto de leitura simplificada, cada parágrafo possui um link Pt/En. Esse link abre uma nota com a tradução em português do texto simplificado e o trecho correspondente no texto original em inglês.

No texto original em inglês, o link PT leva diretamente ao parágrafo correspondente na versão em português. Na tradução portuguesa, o link En retorna ao parágrafo correspondente no texto original.

A tradução para o português é feita a partir do texto em inglês simplificado, e não diretamente do texto original. O objetivo é ajudar você a compreender com precisão a frase simplificada que está estudando naquele momento.

O texto original em inglês é apresentado separadamente para a etapa seguinte do aprendizado, quando você já estiver preparado para ler e comparar a obra em sua forma original.

Cada nota contém links que permitem retornar exatamente ao parágrafo que você estava lendo.

Sobre este livro

Thuvia, Maid of Mars é o quarto romance da série Barsoom de Edgar Rice Burroughs, deslocando o foco de John Carter para seu filho, Carthoris, e a titular Thuvia de Ptarth. Ambientado no moribundo planeta Marte (Barsoom), a história segue Carthoris, príncipe de Helium, e Thuvia, princesa de Ptarth, enquanto navegam por uma teia de intrigas políticas, amor proibido e aventuras perigosas. Após o sequestro de Thuvia, Carthoris a persegue através do ermo marciano, encontrando bestas selvagens, inimigos traiçoeiros e os enigmáticos Lotharianos — uma raça de seres psíquicos que podem materializar pensamentos em realidade. O conflito central gira em torno da missão de Carthoris de resgatar Thuvia e limpar seu nome após ser incriminado pelo rapto, enquanto também lida com pretendentes rivais e as maquinações do vilão Astok de Dusar. A narrativa progride através de uma série de fugas emocionantes, lutas de espada e batalhas aéreas em aeronaves, culminando em um confronto que testa a honra e lealdade dos personagens. O tom é de aventura pulp clássica: acelerado, romântico e heroico, com foco na cavalaria e coragem. Burroughs entrelaça temas de amor, dever e o choque entre civilização e barbárie, tudo contra o rico cenário imaginado das cidades antigas e paisagens desoladas de Barsoom. O romance expande a mitologia da série ao introduzir novas raças e tecnologias, mantendo o espírito aventureiro que define a saga.

Nota editorial

A tradução para o português e a versão Reading Comprehension B1 foram geradas com apoio de inteligência artificial e submetidas a revisão editorial.

Em caso de dúvida ou observações, fale conosco.

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Contato: admin@micmacfromlasvegas.com

Outros livros e materiais

Materiais e outros livros da série ESL Easy Read:

Coleção Marte de Burroughs

A Fighting Man Of Mars

A Princess of Mars

Synthetic Men of Mars

The Chessmen Of Mars

The Gods Of Mars

The Master Mind Of Mars

The Warlord Of Mars

Thuvia, Maid Of Mars

Outras coleções disponíveis

Doctor Dolittle

Anne of Green Gables / L. M. Montgomery

Gothic and Terror Classics

A Selva de Burroughs

Sherlock Holmes

The Land of Oz

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Reading Comprehension B1

2 - CARTHORIS AND THUVIA

3 - CHAPTER II — SLAVERY

4 - CHAPTER III — TREACHERY

CARTHORIS AND THUVIA

Pt/En A woman sat on a large bench made of shiny stone. Beautiful flowers grew nearby. Her foot, wearing a sandal, tapped on the path, which had jewels and went under tall trees in the king's gardens. A warrior with dark hair and red skin leaned close to her and whispered strong words.

Pt/En The warrior spoke to Thuvia of Ptarth. He said she was cold, like the stone bench, even though he loved her very much. He asked her to tell him if she could still hope that one day she would love him.

Pt/En The girl stood up quickly, surprised and unhappy. She held her head high on her red shoulders. She looked angrily at the man.

Pt/En She told the man, Astok, that he was forgetting himself and the rules of Barsoom. She said he had no reason to speak to her like that, and he had not earned that right.

Pt/En Suddenly, the man reached out and grabbed her arm.

Pt/En Astok, Prince of Dusar, shouted that Thuvia would be his princess. He warned that no one else could come between him and his desire. He threatened to kill anyone who loved her and throw their heart away.

Pt/En When Astok touched her, Thuvia became pale. Royal women on Mars were treated with great respect, and his touch was seen as disrespectful. Thuvia looked at him with horror, not fear, because of what he had done and what might happen next.

Pt/En Thuvia asked him calmly to let her go.

Pt/En The man spoke unclear words and pulled her towards him.

Pt/En She told him again to release her, saying sharply that she would call the guard, and the Prince of Dusar knew what that would mean.

Pt/En He quickly put his arm around her shoulders and tried to kiss her. She cried out and hit him hard in the mouth with the large bracelets on her arm.

Pt/En She shouted "Calot!". Then she called for the guards to hurry and protect the Princess of Ptarth.

Pt/En In response to her call, about twelve guards ran across the red grass. Their swords were out, and their metal armour made noise as they moved. They shouted angrily when they saw what was happening.

Pt/En But before they reached the garden where Astok of Dusar was holding the struggling girl, another person jumped out from behind some plants near a fountain. He was a tall, strong young man with black hair and sharp grey eyes. He looked like the other people on Mars, but he was different, especially because of his lighter skin and grey eyes.

Pt/En His movements were also different. He jumped very fast, moving so quickly that the guardsmen seemed very slow in comparison.

Pt/En Astok was still holding Thuvia's wrist when the young warrior confronted him. The newcomer wasted no time and spoke only one word.

Pt/En He shouted "Calot!" Then he punched Astok under the chin, sending him high into the air. Astok fell in a heap into the pimalia bush next to the bench.

Pt/En The warrior turned to Thuvia. He greeted her, saying that it seemed like good timing for his visit.

Pt/En Princess Thuvia returned his greeting, calling him Carthoris of Helium. She said she expected nothing less from the son of such a father.

Pt/En Carthoris bowed, accepting the compliment about his father, John Carter. Just then, the guards arrived, out of breath. The Prince of Dusar, bleeding from the mouth and holding his sword, was crawling out of the pimalia bush.

Pt/En Astok wanted to fight Carthoris, the son of Dejah Thoris. However, guards stopped Astok. It was clear that Carthoris of Helium also wanted to fight.

Pt/En Carthoris asked Thuvia of Ptarth for permission. He said he would be very happy to punish the man who had done wrong.

Pt/En Thuvia told Carthoris that it was not possible. She explained that even though the man deserved no kindness, he was a guest of her father, the jeddak. Therefore, only her father could deal with the man's bad action.

Pt/En Carthoris agreed with Thuvia. He said that afterward, the man would have to answer to him, Carthoris, Prince of Helium, for disrespecting the daughter of his father's friend. But his eyes showed that he was also protecting Thuvia because he cared for her.

Pt/En Thuvia's face became a little red, and Astok, Prince of Dusar, looked angry. He understood the unspoken feelings between Carthoris and Thuvia in the jeddak's gardens.

Pt/En The other person sharply answered Carthoris's challenge.

Pt/En Astok was surrounded by guards. The young officer in charge had a difficult job. His prisoner was the son of a powerful leader and had been an honored guest. Arresting him could lead to war, but he had done something that the Ptarth warrior believed deserved death.

Pt/En The young officer waited. He looked at the princess. She understood that the next moment was very important. For many years, Dusar and Ptarth had been at peace. Their large trading ships traveled between the cities of both countries. She could see a big cargo ship flying high above the palace, going west towards Dusar.

Pt/En With just a few words, she could cause a terrible war between the two strong nations. This war would use up their best soldiers and their great wealth. It would leave them weak and unable to defend themselves from their jealous neighbors and the savage green people from the old sea beds.

Pt/En She did not decide because she was afraid. People from Mars are rarely afraid. Instead, she felt responsible for her father's people because she was his daughter.

Pt/En Thuvia spoke to Padwar, the guard lieutenant. She said she had called him to protect the princess and to keep the peace in the king's gardens. She told him that was all and asked him to escort her to the palace. She added that the Prince of Helium would accompany her.

Pt/En Without looking at Astok again, Thuvia turned. She took Carthoris' hand and walked slowly towards the large marble building where the ruler of Ptarth and his court lived. Guards walked on both sides. This was Thuvia's way to solve a difficult problem. She avoided forcing her father's guest to be restrained and also separated the two princes, who might have fought if she and the guards had left.

Pt/En Astok stood by the pimalia. His eyes were narrow and full of hate. He watched Thuvia and Carthoris leave. He felt strong feelings for Thuvia and believed Carthoris was stopping him from being with her.

Pt/En When they went inside the building, Astok moved his shoulders. He said a bad word quietly and walked across the gardens to another part of the building where he and his group were staying.

Pt/En That night, Astok formally said goodbye to Thuvan Dihn. They did not talk about what happened in the garden. However, it was clear from the king's polite but cold manner that he would have shown his dislike for the Prince of Dusar if royal customs had not stopped him.

Pt/En Carthoris and Thuvia were not present at the departure. The leaving ceremony was very formal. The Dusarians got on their warship, which then left. Thuvan Dihn sounded relieved and spoke to an officer about a different topic.

Pt/En But was the topic really so different?

Pt/En Thuvan Dihn told an officer to inform Prince Sovan that the fleet, which had gone to Kaol that morning, should return and sail west of Ptarth.

Pt/En The warship carrying Astok back to his father's court turned west. Thuvia of Ptarth watched the ship's lights get smaller. Carthoris sat next to her, looking at her face instead of the ship.

Pt/En Carthoris whispered Thuvia's name.

Pt/En The girl looked at him. He tried to take her hand, but she softly moved hers away.

Pt/En The young warrior told Thuvia of Ptarth that he loved her. He asked if this made her feel bad.

Pt/En She sadly shook her head. She explained that the love of Carthoris of Helium would be an honour to any woman. However, she asked him not to speak of giving her his love because she could not return it.

Pt/En The young man stood up slowly. He looked very surprised. The Prince of Helium had never thought that Thuvia of Ptarth might love someone else.

Pt/En He asked Thuvia of Ptarth what had happened at Kadabra and later at her father's court. He wanted to know why she had not shown him that she could not return his love.

Pt/En Thuvia asked Carthoris what she had done that made him think she had returned it.

Pt/En Carthoris thought for a moment and said that Thuvia had done nothing to make him think that. He added that he was sure she loved him and knew how much he loved her.

Pt/En Thuvia innocently asked Carthoris how she could have known he loved her, and if he had ever told her before.

Pt/En Carthoris exclaimed that she must have known. He explained that he was not good with words about love, like his father, but that the gardens and everything in them showed his love for her since he first saw her.

Pt/En Thuvia asked if the women of Helium usually courted their men.

Pt/En Carthoris asked Thuvia if she was just playing with him. He wanted her to say that she loved him.

Pt/En Thuvia told Carthoris that she could not say that because she was promised to another person.

Pt/En Thuvia spoke in a calm voice, but it seemed she was very sad. It was hard to know for sure.

Pt/En Carthoris was surprised and asked if she was promised to another. He looked pale, but then he stood up straight, remembering he was the son of a ruler.

Pt/En Carthoris said he wished her happiness with the man she chose. He paused, waiting for her to say the man's name.

Pt/En She replied that Kulan Tith was the Jeddak of Kaol. She added that he was her father's friend and a very strong ally of Ptarth.

Pt/En The young man looked at her carefully for a moment before he spoke again.

Pt/En He asked Thuvia of Ptarth if she loved him.

Pt/En She simply replied that she was promised to him.

Pt/En Carthoris did not ask more questions. He thought aloud that the man was of Barsoom's best blood and a great fighter. He said he was his father's friend and his own, and wished it could have been someone else. The girl's face showed only a little sadness, and it was not clear if she was sad for Carthoris, for herself, or for both of them.

Pt/En Carthoris did not ask about it, but he noticed it. His loyalty to Kulan Tith was very strong, like the loyalty of family, because Kulan Tith was a friend of John Carter, and that is the strongest kind of loyalty.

Pt/En He lifted a part of the girl's beautiful clothes, which had jewels on it, and kissed it.

Pt/En He said that he wished honour and happiness for Kulan Tith and for the valuable jewel that was given to him. His voice was a little rough, but he sounded very sincere. He told Thuvia that he loved her before he knew she was promised to someone else. He said he could not say it again, but he was happy she knew. He explained that there was no shame for her, Kulan Tith, or himself. He added that his love was so great it could include Kulan Tith if she loved him too. He seemed to be asking a question.

Pt/En She answered that she was promised to Kulan Tith.

Pt/En Carthoris slowly moved back. He put one hand on his chest and the other on the handle of his long sword.

Pt/En He told the girl that something was hers forever. Soon after, he went into the palace and she could no longer see him.

Pt/En If he had returned immediately, he would have found her lying on a bench with her face in her arms. No one was there to see if she was crying.

Pt/En Carthoris of Helium had visited the court of his father's friend unexpectedly. He had arrived alone in a small flying machine, expecting a warm welcome as usual at Ptarth. Because his arrival was informal, his departure did not need to be formal either.

Pt/En He explained to Thuvan Dihn that he was testing a new invention on his flier. It was an improved Martian air compass. This compass stayed fixed on a destination, so the pilot only needed to keep the front of the craft pointing towards the needle to reach any place on Barsoom by the quickest way.

Pt/En Carthoris's invention added a part that steered the craft automatically towards the compass direction. When the craft arrived directly above the set destination, it would stop and land on the ground by itself.

Pt/En Carthoris was talking to Thuvan Dihn. They were on the roof of a palace at a place where ships land. Carthoris was showing Thuvan Dihn a new invention, a compass. Thuvan Dihn could see that the compass was very useful. Carthoris was saying goodbye to his friend.

Pt/En About twelve officers and some servants were standing behind the king and his guest. They wanted to hear the conversation. One servant was very eager to see the complicated parts of the "controlling destination compass," as it was named. A noble had to tell him twice to stop pushing in front of people who were more important than him.

Pt/En Carthoris explained how the compass worked. He said he had a long trip that night. He would set the compass to show the exact location of Helium. Then he would start the engine, rest, and travel through the air to Helium. He was sure he would arrive safely at his palace landing-stage, even if he was asleep.

Pt/En Thuvan Dihn asked if there was a danger of hitting another traveler in the air.

Pt/En Carthoris smiled and said there was no danger. He showed Thuvan Dihn a device next to the compass. He called it his "obstruction evader." This device could be turned on or off. The main part of the instrument was hidden below, connected to the controls.

Pt/En The flier has a safety system that uses radioactivity. This system creates a field around the flier. If this field touches an obstacle, a special instrument notices it. The instrument then makes the flier turn away from the obstacle. If a faster craft approaches from behind, the system also controls the flier's speed and steering, making it move faster and change direction to avoid a crash.

Pt/En If there are many obstacles, or if the flier turns more than forty-five degrees, or if it gets close to the ground at its destination, the system stops the flier completely. It also makes a loud alarm sound to wake up the pilot. The speaker said he had thought of almost every possible problem.

Pt/En Thuvan Dihn smiled, liking the amazing device. The servant in front moved close to the flier. His eyes were very narrow.

Pt/En He said that there was only one problem.

Pt/En The important people looked at him with surprise. One of them grabbed the servant by his shoulder to push him back to his place. Carthoris raised his hand to stop them.

Pt/En Carthoris asked the servant to wait and speak. He explained that no plan made by people is perfect, and the servant might know a problem that they had not thought of. Carthoris asked the servant what he had forgotten.

Pt/En While speaking, Carthoris looked at the servant carefully. He saw that the man was very tall and good-looking, like other Martian red men. But the servant's lips looked thin and unkind. A thin, white line from a sword cut went across his cheek from his temple to his mouth.

Pt/En The Prince of Helium told the servant to speak.

Pt/En The man seemed unsure. He looked like he regretted being noticed by everyone. But he saw there was no other choice, so he finally spoke.

Pt/En The servant said that an enemy could change or damage it.

Pt/En Carthoris took a small key from his leather bag.

Pt/En He showed the key to the man and said that it was very special. He explained that only someone very clever could make it. He added that it protected the important parts of a device from being damaged. Without the key, someone trying to break in would have to damage the device a lot, and it would be easy to see that someone had tried to tamper with it.

Pt/En The servant took the key and looked at it carefully. As he gave it back, he dropped it. He stepped on the key with his sandal to hide it. Then he pretended to find it and gave it back to Carthoris. After that, he returned to his place behind the important people.

Pt/En Soon after, Carthoris said goodbye to Thuvan Dihn and his guests. He then flew up into the night sky of Mars.

CHAPTER II — SLAVERY

Pt/En The ruler of Ptarth and his followers came down from the landing area above the palace. The servants went to their places behind their masters. One servant stayed until the end. He quickly bent down, took his sandal off, and put it in his bag.

Pt/En When the group reached the lower levels and the leader (jeddak) signaled them to go their separate ways, no one noticed that the man who had attracted so much attention earlier, before the Prince of Helium left, was no longer with the other servants.

Pt/En No one asked which group the man had joined because nobles on Mars have many followers who come and go as their master wishes. A new face is rarely questioned. It is believed that anyone who enters the palace has proven their loyalty, as everyone is carefully checked before being allowed to serve the nobles.

Pt/En This is a good rule. It is only made more relaxed for the followers of royal visitors from friendly countries.

Pt/En Late the next morning, a tall servant wearing the uniform of a noble from Ptarth left the palace. He walked quickly along the wide streets, passing through the area where the nobles lived and arriving at the market district. There, he looked for a tall, impressive building with detailed carvings and colorful mosaics on its walls.

Pt/En This building was the Palace of Peace. It housed representatives from other countries, or more accurately, their embassies. The representatives themselves lived in grand palaces within the nobles' district.

Pt/En A man went to the embassy of Dusar. When he entered, a clerk stood up and asked for his identification because the man wanted to speak with the minister. The visitor took off a metal bracelet from his arm. He showed the clerk some writing on the inside of the bracelet and quietly said a few words.

Pt/En The clerk's eyes became very wide, and he immediately became more respectful. He offered the visitor a seat and took the bracelet to an inner room. Soon, the clerk returned and led the visitor to meet the minister.

Pt/En The man and the minister talked privately for a long time. When the tall man left the office, he looked very pleased and smiled in a way that seemed a little evil. He then went straight from the Palace of Peace to the palace of the Dusarian minister.

Pt/En That night, two fast flying vehicles left the top of the same palace. One flew quickly towards Helium. The other one...

Pt/En Thuvia of Ptarth was walking in the gardens of her father's palace. She did this every night before going to sleep. She wore warm clothes because the air on Mars is cold after the sun sets quickly.

Pt/En The girl was thinking about two things. One was her wedding, which would make her the empress of Kaol. The other was a young man from Helium. He had told her he loved her the day before.

Pt/En It was hard to know why she looked sad as she watched the southern sky. She had seen the lights of his flying machine go away there the night before. Maybe she felt sorry for him or maybe she regretted something.

Pt/En It was also impossible to guess her feelings when she saw lights from a flying machine coming quickly from that same direction. It seemed to be flying towards her garden, as if her thoughts were pulling it there.

Pt/En She watched it fly lower above the palace. She became sure that it was getting ready to land.

Pt/En Soon, strong lights from the front of the flying machine shone down. They briefly lit up the landing area. The lights showed the guards from Ptarth. Their beautiful harnesses, covered in jewels, shone like bright fire.

Pt/En The bright light moved over the shiny roofs and beautiful towers. It looked down into courtyards, parks, and gardens. Finally, it stopped on a bench and the girl standing there. She was looking up at the flying machine.

Pt/En The light stayed on Thuvia of Ptarth for only a moment. Then it turned off as quickly as it had turned on. The flying machine continued over her and disappeared behind tall trees in the palace gardens.

Pt/En The girl stayed where she was. After a while, she lowered her head and looked down, thinking.

Pt/En She wondered if it could have been Carthoris. She thought about being angry that he had returned and watched her secretly. But she found it hard to be angry with the young prince of Helium.

Pt/En She asked herself what strange reason could have made him break the rules of how countries should act. For smaller reasons, powerful countries had started wars.

Pt/En The princess was shocked and angry, but she also thought about the girl.

Pt/En The guards were also surprised by the stranger's actions and did not stop them. However, they quickly showed they would not ignore it. Motors started on the landing stage, and a patrol boat quickly flew into the air.

Pt/En Thuvia watched the patrol boat fly quickly to the east. Other people were also watching.

Pt/En In the dark shadows of a grove, a flying craft was hidden a short distance above the ground. Its crew watched the searchlight of the patrol boat disappear in the distance. The craft was silent and dark. Its six warriors watched the patrol boat's lights fade.

Pt/En One of the warriors quietly said that the intelligence of their ancestors was with them that night.

Pt/En Another person agreed, saying the plan had worked very well and that things had happened exactly as the prince had predicted.

Pt/En The first speaker turned to look at the man who was sitting by the control panel.

Pt/En He whispered "Now!" and no other command was needed. It seemed that everyone on the ship knew their part of the night's plan very well. The dark ship moved quietly under the tall trees in the dark, quiet forest.

Pt/En Thuvia of Ptarth looked east and saw the ship appear as a dark shape against the trees. It went over the garden wall and then slowly moved down towards the red grass of the garden.

Pt/En She understood that the people arriving were not there with good intentions. However, she did not shout to warn the guards nearby, nor did she run away to the safety of the palace.

Pt/En Someone asked why.

Pt/En She replied by shrugging her shoulders and gave the common answer, 'Because!'

Pt/En As soon as the flying machine landed, four men got out and ran towards the girl.

Pt/En She did not seem worried and stood still, as if she was hypnotized or waiting for a welcome guest.

Pt/En She only moved when they were very close. Then, the rising moon shone on their faces with its silver light.

Pt/En Thuvia of Ptarth saw only strangers. They were warriors from Dusar. She became scared, but it was too late to do anything.

Pt/En Before she could cry out, strong hands grabbed her. They put a thick silk scarf over her head. Men lifted her and carried her to the flying ship. The propellers started to spin quickly, and air rushed past her. She could hear shouting and guards calling from far below.

Pt/En Another flying ship was going south towards Helium. Inside, a tall man with red skin looked at the bottom of a sandal. He used special tools to measure a small mark on it. On a paper next to him, he drew the shape of a key and wrote down his measurements.

Pt/En He smiled when he finished his work. Then he turned to speak to someone else who was waiting.

Pt/En He said that the man was a genius.

Pt/En The speaker told Larok that the lock was very clever and only a genius could invent it. He gave Larok a drawing and asked him to use his full talent to make it from metal.

Pt/En The warrior-artificer bowed. He said that people can destroy anything they build. Then he took the drawing and left the room.

Pt/En As the sun rose over the tall towers of Helium, one red and one yellow, a flying ship came slowly from the north.

Pt/En The ship had the symbol of a minor noble from a distant city in the Helium empire. It flew calmly and confidently, so the tired guards did not suspect anything. They were almost finished with their work and were only thinking about the guards who would replace them.

Pt/En There was peace in Helium, but it was a boring and weak peace. Helium had no enemies and nothing to fear.

Pt/En An air patrol ship slowly turned and moved towards the other ship. The officer on the air patrol ship called out to the approaching ship from a distance where they could talk easily.

Pt/En The air patrol accepted the friendly greeting and the explanation that the ship's owner was visiting Helium for a short, fun trip. The air patrol ship left them and continued its route. The stranger ship then flew to a public landing area, landed, and stopped.

Pt/En Around the same time, a warrior came into the cabin.

Pt/En The warrior told Vas Kor that it was done and gave him a small metal key. Vas Kor had just gotten up from his bed.

Pt/En Vas Kor said "Good!" and told Larok that he must have worked on it all night.

Pt/En The warrior nodded.

Pt/En Vas Kor told the warrior to bring him the Heliumetic metal he had made a few days ago.

Pt/En After this, the warrior helped his master to change the beautiful metal ornaments on his armour. He replaced them with simpler ones that showed he was a normal fighting man from Helium. These ornaments also had the same symbol as the ship.

Pt/En Vas Kor ate breakfast on his ship. Then he went out to the flying dock. He took an elevator down to the street. Soon, he was walking with many other people who were going to work in the early morning.

Pt/En Among the workers, his warrior clothes did not look special. On Mars, all men are warriors unless they are too sick to fight. Even shopkeepers and their helpers wear armour when they work. Young boys, who grow up quickly and know little about life without a sword, would feel strange going out without one, like an Earth boy without trousers.

Pt/En Vas Kor was going to Greater Helium. This city was about seventy-five miles from Lesser Helium, across a flat area. He landed in Lesser Helium because the air patrol there was not as watchful as in the bigger city, Greater Helium, where the jeddak lived.

Pt/En As he walked with the crowd in the wide street, he saw that the Martian city was waking up. Houses that were high on metal poles during the night were slowly coming down to the ground. Children were already playing among the flowers near the buildings. Women were laughing and talking with friends as they picked beautiful flowers for their homes.

Pt/En The stranger often heard the friendly Martian greeting, "kaor," as friends and neighbours began their day.

Pt/En The area where he landed was for rich merchants. There were many signs of luxury and wealth. Slaves brought beautiful silks and expensive furs to the rooftops to air them in the sun. Women wearing many jewels rested on decorated balconies early in the morning. Later, they would go to the roofs where slaves had set up couches and put up shades to protect them from the sun.

Pt/En Pleasant music came from open windows. Martians had found a way to make the change from sleep to waking comfortable for their nerves, which is difficult for many people from Earth.

Pt/En Above, passenger planes flew in their own paths between many landing places for local travel. Very tall landing stages were for large international passenger ships. Cargo planes used lower landing stages, closer to the ground. Fliers were not allowed to change levels except in certain areas where traffic did not cross.

Pt/En On the ground, cars moved in lines on the road, going in opposite directions. They often flew just above the surface, but sometimes rose to pass slower cars or at intersections. Traffic going north and south had priority, and traffic going east and west had to fly over it.

Pt/En Cars also left private garages on rooftops and joined the traffic. Happy goodbyes and last instructions could be heard along with the sound of engines and the quiet city noises.

Pt/En Even though many people and vehicles were moving quickly, the main feeling was one of calm and quiet luxury.

Pt/En People on Mars did not like loud, unpleasant noises. The only loud sounds they enjoyed were sounds of war, like fighting or large ships crashing. They thought these sounds were like beautiful music.

Pt/En Vas Kor went down from the street to a big pneumatic station. He paid for his trip with some dull, oval coins from Helium.

Pt/En After the ticket seller, he saw many long, cone-shaped carriers moving slowly on a track. About six helpers helped people get in or showed them where to go.

Pt/En Vas Kor went to an empty carrier. It had a dial on the front. He set the dial for a place in Greater Helium, opened the lid, got in, and lay down. A helper closed the lid, which locked, and the carrier continued its slow journey.

Pt/En Soon, the carrier moved automatically onto another track and entered one of the dark tubes.

Pt/En As soon as the carrier was fully inside the dark opening, it moved very fast, like a bullet. After a quick, soft stop, the carrier came out. Another helper opened the lid, and Vas Kor got out at a station under Greater Helium, 75 miles from where he started.

Pt/En Vas Kor went down to the street and got into a waiting car. He did not talk to the driver, who was a slave. It seemed the driver was expecting him and already knew what to do.

Pt/En As soon as Vas Kor sat down, the car started moving. It joined the busy traffic and then turned off the main road into a quieter street. Soon, it left the busy area and went to a part of town with small shops. The car stopped in front of a shop that sold foreign silks.

Pt/En Vas Kor went into the room, which had a low ceiling. A man at the other end of the room showed him the way to another room. The man did not speak to him again until he followed Vas Kor into the second room and closed the door.

Pt/En Then, the man turned to face Vas Kor and greeted him with respect.

Pt/En The man started to speak, saying "Most noble--", but Vas Kor stopped him with a hand signal.

Pt/En He said they should not use formalities and that he should be seen only as a slave. He added that if their plan had worked, they had no time to lose and should go to the slave market. He asked if the other person was ready.

Pt/En The merchant agreed. He took simple slave clothes from a large box, and Vas Kor put them on. Then they left the shop through a back door. They walked down a narrow street to another road, where a waiting vehicle was ready for them.

Pt/En Five minutes later, the merchant was taking his slave to the public market. Many people were there in a large open area, and in the middle was a platform for selling slaves.

Pt/En There were very many people at the market that day because Carthoris, the Prince of Helium, was expected to be the main buyer.

Pt/En One by one, the sellers went onto the platform next to the slave block where their slaves stood. Each seller briefly and clearly described the good qualities of the slave they were selling.

Pt/En After the sales, the main servant of the Prince of Helium chose some people who he liked. He made a good offer to buy them.

Pt/En There was not much discussion about the price. When Vas Kor was put up for sale, his owner accepted the first offer immediately. So, a noble from Dusar became part of Carthoris's household.

CHAPTER III — TREACHERY

Pt/En The day after Vas Kor arrived at the Prince of Helium's palace, there was great excitement in the twin cities, especially in Carthoris's palace. News arrived that Thuvia of Ptarth had been taken from her father's court. There was also a secret message suggesting that the Prince of Helium might know a lot about where the princess was and who took her.

Pt/En In the meeting room of John Carter, the ruler of Mars, were Tardos Mors, the leader of Helium; his son Mors Kajak; Carthoris; and many other important nobles from the empire.

Pt/En John Carter told his son, "There must be no war between Ptarth and Helium. We know that you are not guilty of the crime that has been suggested against you, but Thuvan Dihn must also know this."

Pt/En Someone told Carthoris that only he could convince Thuvan Dihn. Carthoris needed to go quickly to the court of Ptarth. His presence and words should show Thuvan Dihn that his worries were not true. Carthoris should carry the power of the Warlord of Barsoom and the Jeddak of Helium. He was to offer all the help from the allied forces to help Thuvan Dihn find his daughter and punish the people who took her.

Pt/En The speaker told Carthoris to go quickly, saying he did not need to be told how important it was to hurry.

Pt/En Carthoris left the meeting room and went fast to his palace.

Pt/En Servants quickly prepared things for Carthoris's trip. Some workers were getting his fast flying ship ready to take the Prince of Helium to Ptarth.

Pt/En Everything was finally ready. Two guards stayed to watch. The sun was low in the sky, and soon it would be dark.

Pt/En A very big guardsman, with a thin scar on his right cheek from his temple to his mouth, walked towards his friend. He looked up and past his friend. When he was very near, he started to speak.

Pt/En He asked his friend what strange craft that was.

Pt/En The other guardsman quickly turned his head to look up at the sky. As soon as he turned away from the big man, the big man stabbed him with his short sword. The sword went into his left shoulder blade and through his heart.

Pt/En The soldier died immediately without making a sound. The killer quickly pulled the dead body into the dark shadows of the hangar. Then he went back to the flying machine.

Pt/En He took a special key from his pocket and opened the cover of the right dial on the destination compass. He looked closely at the parts inside. Then he put the dial back, set the pointer, and took it off again to see how the parts had moved.

Pt/En He smiled and used a tool to cut off a part of the pointer that went through the dial. This meant the pointer could be moved anywhere on the dial without changing the parts underneath. So, the dial for the east side was not useful anymore.

Pt/En Next, he looked at the dial for the west side. He set it to a specific point. Then, he took off the cover of this dial too. With a sharp tool, he cut the metal finger from the bottom of the pointer.

Pt/En He quickly put the cover back on the second dial and returned to his guard position. The compass seemed to work as well as before. However, moving the pointers on the dials no longer moved the parts underneath. The device was now fixed on a destination chosen by the slave.

Pt/En Soon, Carthoris arrived with a few of his men. He looked briefly at the single slave standing guard. The slave had thin, unkind lips and a scar on his face from a sword. This reminded Carthoris of something unpleasant. He wondered where the man came from, but then he stopped thinking about it. Carthoris started talking and laughing with his friends. But inside, he felt worried because he did not know what problems Thuvia of Ptarth might face.

Pt/En Carthoris first thought that Astok of Dusar had taken the woman from Ptarth. But at the same time he heard about the abduction, he also heard about big celebrations in Dusar. These parties were to welcome the jeddak's son back to his father's court.

Pt/En Carthoris thought it could not have been Astok. He knew Astok was in Dusar on the night Thuvia was taken. But something still bothered him.

Original English Text

2 - CARTHORIS AND THUVIA

3 - CHAPTER II — SLAVERY

4 - CHAPTER III — TREACHERY

CARTHORIS AND THUVIA

PT Upon a massive bench of polished ersite beneath the gorgeous blooms of a giant pimalia a woman sat. Her shapely, sandalled foot tapped impatiently upon the jewel-strewn walk that wound beneath the stately sorapus trees across the scarlet sward of the royal gardens of Thuvan Dihn, Jeddak of Ptarth, as a dark-haired, red-skinned warrior bent low toward her, whispering heated words close to her ear.

PT "Ah, Thuvia of Ptarth," he cried, "you are cold even before the fiery blasts of my consuming love! No harder than your heart, nor colder is the hard, cold ersite of this thrice happy bench which supports your divine and fadeless form! Tell me, O Thuvia of Ptarth, that I may still hope -- that though you do not love me now, yet some day, some day, my princess, I--"

PT The girl sprang to her feet with an exclamation of surprise and displeasure. Her queenly head was poised haughtily upon her smooth red shoulders. Her dark eyes looked angrily into those of the man.

PT "You forget yourself, and the customs of Barsoom, Astok," she said. "I have given you no right thus to address the daughter of Thuvan Dihn, nor have you won such a right."

PT The man reached suddenly forth and grasped her by the arm.

PT "You shall be my princess!" he cried. "By the breast of Issus, thou shalt, nor shall any other come between Astok, Prince of Dusar, and his heart's desire. Tell me that there is another, and I shall cut out his foul heart and fling it to the wild calots of the dead sea-bottoms!"

PT At touch of the man's hand upon her flesh the girl went pallid beneath her coppery skin, for the persons of the royal women of the courts of Mars are held but little less than sacred. The act of Astok, Prince of Dusar, was profanation. There was no terror in the eyes of Thuvia of Ptarth -- only horror for the thing the man had done and for its possible consequences.

PT "Release me." Her voice was level -- frigid.

PT The man muttered incoherently and drew her roughly toward him.

PT "Release me!" she repeated sharply, "or I call the guard, and the Prince of Dusar knows what that will mean."

PT Quickly he threw his right arm about her shoulders and strove to draw her face to his lips. With a little cry she struck him full in the mouth with the massive bracelets that circled her free arm.

PT "Calot!" she exclaimed, and then: "The guard! The guard! Hasten in protection of the Princess of Ptarth!"

PT In answer to her call a dozen guardsmen came racing across the scarlet sward, their gleaming long-swords naked in the sun, the metal of their accoutrements clanking against that of their leathern harness, and in their throats hoarse shouts of rage at the sight which met their eyes.

PT But before they had passed half across the royal garden to where Astok of Dusar still held the struggling girl in his grasp, another figure sprang from a cluster of dense foliage that half hid a golden fountain close at hand. A tall, straight youth he was, with black hair and keen grey eyes; broad of shoulder and narrow of hip; a clean-limbed fighting man. His skin was but faintly tinged with the copper colour that marks the red men of Mars from the other races of the dying planet -- he was like them, and yet there was a subtle difference greater even than that which lay in his lighter skin and his grey eyes.

PT There was a difference, too, in his movements. He came on in great leaps that carried him so swiftly over the ground that the speed of the guardsmen was as nothing by comparison.

PT Astok still clutched Thuvia's wrist as the young warrior confronted him. The new-comer wasted no time and he spoke but a single word.

PT "Calot!" he snapped, and then his clenched fist landed beneath the other's chin, lifting him high into the air and depositing him in a crumpled heap within the centre of the pimalia bush beside the ersite bench.

PT Her champion turned toward the girl. "Kaor, Thuvia of Ptarth!" he cried. "It seems that fate timed my visit well."

PT "Kaor, Carthoris of Helium!" the princess returned the young man's greeting, "and what less could one expect of the son of such a sire?"

PT He bowed his acknowledgment of the compliment to his father, John Carter, Warlord of Mars. And then the guardsmen, panting from their charge, came up just as the Prince of Dusar, bleeding at the mouth, and with drawn sword, crawled from the entanglement of the pimalia.

PT Astok would have leaped to mortal combat with the son of Dejah Thoris, but the guardsmen pressed about him, preventing, though it was clearly evident that naught would have better pleased Carthoris of Helium.

PT "But say the word, Thuvia of Ptarth," he begged, "and naught will give me greater pleasure than meting to this fellow the punishment he has earned."

PT "It cannot be, Carthoris," she replied. "Even though he has forfeited all claim upon my consideration, yet is he the guest of the jeddak, my father, and to him alone may he account for the unpardonable act he has committed."

PT "As you say, Thuvia," replied the Heliumite. "But afterward he shall account to Carthoris, Prince of Helium, for this affront to the daughter of my father's friend." As he spoke, though, there burned in his eyes a fire that proclaimed a nearer, dearer cause for his championship of this glorious daughter of Barsoom.

PT The maid's cheek darkened beneath the satin of her transparent skin, and the eyes of Astok, Prince of Dusar, darkened, too, as he read that which passed unspoken between the two in the royal gardens of the jeddak.

PT "And thou to me," he snapped at Carthoris, answering the young man's challenge.

PT The guard still surrounded Astok. It was a difficult position for the young officer who commanded it. His prisoner was the son of a mighty jeddak; he was the guest of Thuvan Dihn -- until but now an honoured guest upon whom every royal dignity had been showered. To arrest him forcibly could mean naught else than war, and yet he had done that which in the eyes of the Ptarth warrior merited death.

PT The young man hesitated. He looked toward his princess. She, too, guessed all that hung upon the action of the coming moment. For many years Dusar and Ptarth had been at peace with each other. Their great merchant ships plied back and forth between the larger cities of the two nations. Even now, far above the gold-shot scarlet dome of the jeddak's palace, she could see the huge bulk of a giant freighter taking its majestic way through the thin Barsoomian air toward the west and Dusar.

PT By a word she might plunge these two mighty nations into a bloody conflict that would drain them of their bravest blood and their incalculable riches, leaving them all helpless against the inroads of their envious and less powerful neighbors, and at last a prey to the savage green hordes of the dead sea-bottoms.

PT No sense of fear influenced her decision, for fear is seldom known to the children of Mars. It was rather a sense of the responsibility that she, the daughter of their jeddak, felt for the welfare of her father's people.

PT "I called you, Padwar," she said to the lieutenant of the guard, "to protect the person of your princess, and to keep the peace that must not be violated within the royal gardens of the jeddak. That is all. You will escort me to the palace, and the Prince of Helium will accompany me."

PT Without another glance in the direction of Astok she turned, and taking Carthoris' proffered hand, moved slowly toward the massive marble pile that housed the ruler of Ptarth and his glittering court. On either side marched a file of guardsmen. Thus Thuvia of Ptarth found a way out of a dilemma, escaping the necessity of placing her father's royal guest under forcible restraint, and at the same time separating the two princes, who otherwise would have been at each other's throat the moment she and the guard had departed.

PT Beside the pimalia stood Astok, his dark eyes narrowed to mere slits of hate beneath his lowering brows as he watched the retreating forms of the woman who had aroused the fiercest passions of his nature and the man whom he now believed to be the one who stood between his love and its consummation.

PT As they disappeared within the structure Astok shrugged his shoulders, and with a murmured oath crossed the gardens toward another wing of the building where he and his retinue were housed.

PT That night he took formal leave of Thuvan Dihn, and though no mention was made of the happening within the garden, it was plain to see through the cold mask of the jeddak's courtesy that only the customs of royal hospitality restrained him from voicing the contempt he felt for the Prince of Dusar.

PT Carthoris was not present at the leave-taking, nor was Thuvia. The ceremony was as stiff and formal as court etiquette could make it, and when the last of the Dusarians clambered over the rail of the battleship that had brought them upon this fateful visit to the court of Ptarth, and the mighty engine of destruction had risen slowly from the ways of the landing-stage, a note of relief was apparent in the voice of Thuvan Dihn as he turned to one of his officers with a word of comment upon a subject foreign to that which had been uppermost in the minds of all for hours.

PT But, after all, was it so foreign?

PT "Inform Prince Sovan," he directed, "that it is our wish that the fleet which departed for Kaol this morning be recalled to cruise to the west of Ptarth."

PT As the warship, bearing Astok back to the court of his father, turned toward the west, Thuvia of Ptarth, sitting upon the same bench where the Prince of Dusar had affronted her, watched the twinkling lights of the craft growing smaller in the distance. Beside her, in the brilliant light of the nearer moon, sat Carthoris. His eyes were not upon the dim bulk of the battleship, but on the profile of the girl's upturned face.

PT "Thuvia," he whispered.

PT The girl turned her eyes toward his. His hand stole out to find hers, but she drew her own gently away.

PT "Thuvia of Ptarth, I love you!" cried the young warrior. "Tell me that it does not offend."

PT She shook her head sadly. "The love of Carthoris of Helium," she said simply, "could be naught but an honour to any woman; but you must not speak, my friend, of bestowing upon me that which I may not reciprocate."

PT The young man got slowly to his feet. His eyes were wide in astonishment. It never had occurred to the Prince of Helium that Thuvia of Ptarth might love another.

PT "But at Kadabra!" he exclaimed. "And later here at your father's court, what did you do, Thuvia of Ptarth, that might have warned me that you could not return my love?"

PT "And what did I do, Carthoris of Helium," she returned, "that might lead you to believe that I DID return it?"

PT He paused in thought, and then shook his head. "Nothing, Thuvia, that is true; yet I could have sworn you loved me. Indeed, you well knew how near to worship has been my love for you."

PT "And how might I know it, Carthoris?" she asked innocently. "Did you ever tell me as much? Ever before have words of love for me fallen from your lips?"

PT "But you MUST have known it!" he exclaimed. "I am like my father -- witless in matters of the heart, and of a poor way with women; yet the jewels that strew these royal garden paths -- the trees, the flowers, the sward -- all must have read the love that has filled my heart since first my eyes were made new by imaging your perfect face and form; so how could you alone have been blind to it?"

PT "Do the maids of Helium pay court to their men?" asked Thuvia.

PT "You are playing with me!" exclaimed Carthoris. "Say that you are but playing, and that after all you love me, Thuvia!"

PT "I cannot tell you that, Carthoris, for I am promised to another."

PT Her tone was level, but was there not within it the hint of an infinite depth of sadness? Who may say?

PT "Promised to another?" Carthoris scarcely breathed the words. His face went almost white, and then his head came up as befitted him in whose veins flowed the blood of the overlord of a world.

PT "Carthoris of Helium wishes you every happiness with the man of your choice," he said. "With--" and then he hesitated, waiting for her to fill in the name.

PT "Kulan Tith, Jeddak of Kaol," she replied. "My father's friend and Ptarth's most puissant ally."

PT The young man looked at her intently for a moment before he spoke again.

PT "You love him, Thuvia of Ptarth?" he asked.

PT "I am promised to him," she replied simply.

PT He did not press her. "He is of Barsoom's noblest blood and mightiest fighters," mused Carthoris. "My father's friend and mine -- would that it might have been another!" he muttered almost savagely. What the girl thought was hidden by the mask of her expression, which was tinged only by a little shadow of sadness that might have been for Carthoris, herself, or for them both.

PT Carthoris of Helium did not ask, though he noted it, for his loyalty to Kulan Tith was the loyalty of the blood of John Carter of Virginia for a friend, greater than which could be no loyalty.

PT He raised a jewel-encrusted bit of the girl's magnificent trappings to his lips.

PT "To the honour and happiness of Kulan Tith and the priceless jewel that has been bestowed upon him," he said, and though his voice was husky there was the true ring of sincerity in it. "I told you that I loved you, Thuvia, before I knew that you were promised to another. I may not tell you it again, but I am glad that you know it, for there is no dishonour in it either to you or to Kulan Tith or to myself. My love is such that it may embrace as well Kulan Tith -- if you love him." There was almost a question in the statement.

PT "I am promised to him," she replied.

PT Carthoris backed slowly away. He laid one hand upon his heart, the other upon the pommel of his long-sword.

PT "These are yours -- always," he said. A moment later he had entered the palace, and was gone from the girl's sight.

PT Had he returned at once he would have found her prone upon the ersite bench, her face buried in her arms. Was she weeping? There was none to see.

PT Carthoris of Helium had come all unannounced to the court of his father's friend that day. He had come alone in a small flier, sure of the same welcome that always awaited him at Ptarth. As there had been no formality in his coming there was no need of formality in his going.

PT To Thuvan Dihn he explained that he had been but testing an invention of his own with which his flier was equipped -- a clever improvement of the ordinary Martian air compass, which, when set for a certain destination, will remain constantly fixed thereon, making it only necessary to keep a vessel's prow always in the direction of the compass needle to reach any given point upon Barsoom by the shortest route.

PT Carthoris' improvement upon this consisted of an auxiliary device which steered the craft mechanically in the direction of the compass, and upon arrival directly over the point for which the compass was set, brought the craft to a standstill and lowered it, also automatically, to the ground.

PT "You readily discern the advantages of this invention," he was saying to Thuvan Dihn, who had accompanied him to the landing-stage upon the palace roof to inspect the compass and bid his young friend farewell.

PT A dozen officers of the court with several body servants were grouped behind the jeddak and his guest, eager listeners to the conversation -- so eager on the part of one of the servants that he was twice rebuked by a noble for his forwardness in pushing himself ahead of his betters to view the intricate mechanism of the wonderful "controlling destination compass," as the thing was called.

PT "For example," continued Carthoris, "I have an all-night trip before me, as to-night. I set the pointer here upon the right-hand dial which represents the eastern hemisphere of Barsoom, so that the point rests upon the exact latitude and longitude of Helium. Then I start the engine, roll up in my sleeping silks and furs, and with lights burning, race through the air toward Helium, confident that at the appointed hour I shall drop gently toward the landing-stage upon my own palace, whether I am still asleep or no."

PT "Provided," suggested Thuvan Dihn, "you do not chance to collide with some other night wanderer in the meanwhile."

PT Carthoris smiled. "No danger of that," he replied. "See here," and he indicated a device at the right of the destination compass. "This is my 'obstruction evader,' as I call it. This visible device is the switch which throws the mechanism on or off. The instrument itself is below deck, geared both to the steering apparatus and the control levers.

PT "It is quite simple, being nothing more than a radium generator diffusing radio-activity in all directions to a distance of a hundred yards or so from the flier. Should this enveloping force be interrupted in any direction a delicate instrument immediately apprehends the irregularity, at the same time imparting an impulse to a magnetic device which in turn actuates the steering mechanism, diverting the bow of the flier away from the obstacle until the craft's radio-activity sphere is no longer in contact with the obstruction, then she falls once more into her normal course. Should the disturbance approach from the rear, as in case of a faster-moving craft overhauling me, the mechanism actuates the speed control as well as the steering gear, and the flier shoots ahead and either up or down, as the oncoming vessel is upon a lower or higher plane than herself.

PT "In aggravated cases, that is when the obstructions are many, or of such a nature as to deflect the bow more than forty-five degrees in any direction, or when the craft has reached its destination and dropped to within a hundred yards of the ground, the mechanism brings her to a full stop, at the same time sounding a loud alarm which will instantly awaken the pilot. You see I have anticipated almost every contingency."

PT Thuvan Dihn smiled his appreciation of the marvellous device. The forward servant pushed almost to the flier's side. His eyes were narrowed to slits.

PT "All but one," he said.

PT The nobles looked at him in astonishment, and one of them grasped the fellow none too gently by the shoulder to push him back to his proper place. Carthoris raised his hand.

PT "Wait," he urged. "Let us hear what the man has to say -- no creation of mortal mind is perfect. Perchance he has detected a weakness that it will be well to know at once. Come, my good fellow, and what may be the one contingency I have overlooked?"

PT As he spoke Carthoris observed the servant closely for the first time. He saw a man of giant stature and handsome, as are all those of the race of Martian red men; but the fellow's lips were thin and cruel, and across one cheek was the faint, white line of a sword-cut from the right temple to the corner of the mouth.

PT "Come," urged the Prince of Helium. "Speak!"

PT The man hesitated. It was evident that he regretted the temerity that had made him the centre of interested observation. But at last, seeing no alternative, he spoke.

PT "It might be tampered with," he said, "by an enemy."

PT Carthoris drew a small key from his leathern pocket-pouch.

PT "Look at this," he said, handing it to the man. "If you know aught of locks, you will know that the mechanism which this unlooses is beyond the cunning of a picker of locks. It guards the vitals of the instrument from crafty tampering. Without it an enemy must half wreck the device to reach its heart, leaving his handiwork apparent to the most casual observer."

PT The servant took the key, glanced at it shrewdly, and then as he made to return it to Carthoris dropped it upon the marble flagging. Turning to look for it he planted the sole of his sandal full upon the glittering object. For an instant he bore all his weight upon the foot that covered the key, then he stepped back and with an exclamation as of pleasure that he had found it, stooped, recovered it, and returned it to the Heliumite. Then he dropped back to his station behind the nobles and was forgotten.

PT A moment later Carthoris had made his adieux to Thuvan Dihn and his nobles, and with lights twinkling had risen into the star-shot void of the Martian night.

CHAPTER II — SLAVERY

PT As the ruler of Ptarth, followed by his courtiers, descended from the landing-stage above the palace, the servants dropped into their places in the rear of their royal or noble masters, and behind the others one lingered to the last. Then quickly stooping he snatched the sandal from his right foot, slipping it into his pocket-pouch.

PT When the party had come to the lower levels, and the jeddak had dispersed them by a sign, none noticed that the forward fellow who had drawn so much attention to himself before the Prince of Helium departed, was no longer among the other servants.

PT To whose retinue he had been attached none had thought to inquire, for the followers of a Martian noble are many, coming and going at the whim of their master, so that a new face is scarcely ever questioned, as the fact that a man has passed within the palace walls is considered proof positive that his loyalty to the jeddak is beyond question, so rigid is the examination of each who seeks service with the nobles of the court.

PT A good rule that, and only relaxed by courtesy in favour of the retinue of visiting royalty from a friendly foreign power.

PT It was late in the morning of the next day that a giant serving man in the harness of the house of a great Ptarth noble passed out into the city from the palace gates. Along one broad avenue and then another he strode briskly until he had passed beyond the district of the nobles and had come to the place of shops. Here he sought a pretentious building that rose spire-like toward the heavens, its outer walls elaborately wrought with delicate carvings and intricate mosaics.

PT It was the Palace of Peace in which were housed the representatives of the foreign powers, or rather in which were located their embassies; for the ministers themselves dwelt in gorgeous palaces within the district occupied by the nobles.

PT Here the man sought the embassy of Dusar. A clerk arose questioningly as he entered, and at his request to have a word with the minister asked his credentials. The visitor slipped a plain metal armlet from above his elbow, and pointing to an inscription upon its inner surface, whispered a word or two to the clerk.

PT The latter's eyes went wide, and his attitude turned at once to one of deference. He bowed the stranger to a seat, and hastened to an inner room with the armlet in his hand. A moment later he reappeared and conducted the caller into the presence of the minister.

PT For a long time the two were closeted together, and when at last the giant serving man emerged from the inner office his expression was cast in a smile of sinister satisfaction. From the Palace of Peace he hurried directly to the palace of the Dusarian minister.

PT That night two swift fliers left the same palace top. One sped its rapid course toward Helium; the other --

PT Thuvia of Ptarth strolled in the gardens of her father's palace, as was her nightly custom before retiring. Her silks and furs were drawn about her, for the air of Mars is chill after the sun has taken his quick plunge beneath the planet's western verge.

PT The girl's thoughts wandered from her impending nuptials, that would make her empress of Kaol, to the person of the trim young Heliumite who had laid his heart at her feet the preceding day.

PT Whether it was pity or regret that saddened her expression as she gazed toward the southern heavens where she had watched the lights of his flier disappear the previous night, it would be difficult to say.

PT So, too, is it impossible to conjecture just what her emotions may have been as she discerned the lights of a flier speeding rapidly out of the distance from that very direction, as though impelled toward her garden by the very intensity of the princess' thoughts.

PT She saw it circle lower above the palace until she was positive that it but hovered in preparation for a landing.

PT Presently the powerful rays of its searchlight shot downward from the bow. They fell upon the landing-stage for a brief instant, revealing the figures of the Ptarthian guard, picking into brilliant points of fire the gems upon their gorgeous harnesses.

PT Then the blazing eye swept onward across the burnished domes and graceful minarets, down into court and park and garden to pause at last upon the ersite bench and the girl standing there beside it, her face upturned full toward the flier.

PT For but an instant the searchlight halted upon Thuvia of Ptarth, then it was extinguished as suddenly as it had come to life. The flier passed on above her to disappear beyond a grove of lofty skeel trees that grew within the palace grounds.

PT The girl stood for some time as it had left her, except that her head was bent and her eyes downcast in thought.

PT Who but Carthoris could it have been? She tried to feel anger that he should have returned thus, spying upon her; but she found it difficult to be angry with the young prince of Helium.

PT What mad caprice could have induced him so to transgress the etiquette of nations? For lesser things great powers had gone to war.

PT The princess in her was shocked and angered -- but what of the girl!

PT And the guard -- what of them? Evidently they, too, had been so much surprised by the unprecedented action of the stranger that they had not even challenged; but that they had no thought to let the thing go unnoticed was quickly evidenced by the skirring of motors upon the landing-stage and the quick shooting airward of a long-lined patrol boat.

PT Thuvia watched it dart swiftly eastward. So, too, did other eyes watch.

PT Within the dense shadows of the skeel grove, in a wide avenue beneath o'erspreading foliage, a flier hung a dozen feet above the ground. From its deck keen eyes watched the far-fanning searchlight of the patrol boat. No light shone from the enshadowed craft. Upon its deck was the silence of the tomb. Its crew of a half-dozen red warriors watched the lights of the patrol boat diminishing in the distance.

PT "The intellects of our ancestors are with us to-night," said one in a low tone.

PT "No plan ever carried better," returned another. "They did precisely as the prince foretold."

PT He who had first spoken turned toward the man who squatted before the control board.

PT "Now!" he whispered. There was no other order given. Every man upon the craft had evidently been well schooled in each detail of that night's work. Silently the dark hull crept beneath the cathedral arches of the dark and silent grove.

PT Thuvia of Ptarth, gazing toward the east, saw the blacker blot against the blackness of the trees as the craft topped the buttressed garden wall. She saw the dim bulk incline gently downward toward the scarlet sward of the garden.

PT She knew that men came not thus with honourable intent. Yet she did not cry aloud to alarm the near-by guardsmen, nor did she flee to the safety of the palace.

PT Why?

PT I can see her shrug her shapely shoulders in reply as she voices the age-old, universal answer of the woman: Because!

PT Scarce had the flier touched the ground when four men leaped from its deck. They ran forward toward the girl.

PT Still she made no sign of alarm, standing as though hypnotized. Or could it have been as one who awaited a welcome visitor?

PT Not until they were quite close to her did she move. Then the nearer moon, rising above the surrounding foliage, touched their faces, lighting all with the brilliancy of her silver rays.

PT Thuvia of Ptarth saw only strangers -- warriors in the harness of Dusar. Now she took fright, but too late!

PT Before she could voice but a single cry, rough hands seized her. A heavy silken scarf was wound about her head. She was lifted in strong arms and borne to the deck of the flier. There was the sudden whirl of propellers, the rushing of air against her body, and, from far beneath the shouting and the challenge from the guard.

PT Racing toward the south another flier sped toward Helium. In its cabin a tall red man bent over the soft sole of an upturned sandal. With delicate instruments he measured the faint imprint of a small object which appeared there. Upon a pad beside him was the outline of a key, and here he noted the results of his measurements.

PT A smile played upon his lips as he completed his task and turned to one who waited at the opposite side of the table.

PT "The man is a genius," he remarked.

PT "Only a genius could have evolved such a lock as this is designed to spring. Here, take the sketch, Larok, and give all thine own genius full and unfettered freedom in reproducing it in metal."

PT The warrior-artificer bowed. "Man builds naught," he said, "that man may not destroy." Then he left the cabin with the sketch.

PT As dawn broke upon the lofty towers which mark the twin cities of Helium -- the scarlet tower of one and the yellow tower of its sister -- a flier floated lazily out of the north.

PT Upon its bow was emblazoned the signia of a lesser noble of a far city of the empire of Helium. Its leisurely approach and the evident confidence with which it moved across the city aroused no suspicion in the minds of the sleepy guard. Their round of duty nearly done, they had little thought beyond the coming of those who were to relieve them.

PT Peace reigned throughout Helium. Stagnant, emasculating peace. Helium had no enemies. There was naught to fear.

PT Without haste the nearest air patrol swung sluggishly about and approached the stranger. At easy speaking distance the officer upon her deck hailed the incoming craft.

PT The cheery "Kaor!" and the plausible explanation that the owner had come from distant parts for a few days of pleasure in gay Helium sufficed. The air-patrol boat sheered off, passing again upon its way. The stranger continued toward a public landing-stage, where she dropped into the ways and came to rest.

PT At about the same time a warrior entered her cabin.

PT "It is done, Vas Kor," he said, handing a small metal key to the tall noble who had just risen from his sleeping silks and furs.

PT "Good!" exclaimed the latter. "You must have worked upon it all during the night, Larok."

PT The warrior nodded.

PT "Now fetch me the Heliumetic metal you wrought some days since," commanded Vas Kor.

PT This done, the warrior assisted his master to replace the handsome jewelled metal of his harness with the plainer ornaments of an ordinary fighting man of Helium, and with the insignia of the same house that appeared upon the bow of the flier.

PT Vas Kor breakfasted on board. Then he emerged upon the aerial dock, entered an elevator, and was borne quickly to the street below, where he was soon engulfed by the early morning throng of workers hastening to their daily duties.

PT Among them his warrior trappings were no more remarkable than is a pair of trousers upon Broadway. All Martian men are warriors, save those physically unable to bear arms. The tradesman and his clerk clank with their martial trappings as they pursue their vocations. The schoolboy, coming into the world, as he does, almost adult from the snowy shell that has encompassed his development for five long years, knows so little of life without a sword at his hip that he would feel the same discomfiture at going abroad unarmed that an Earth boy would experience in walking the streets knicker-bockerless.

PT Vas Kor's destination lay in Greater Helium, which lies some seventy-five miles across the level plain from Lesser Helium. He had landed at the latter city because the air patrol is less suspicious and alert than that above the larger metropolis where lies the palace of the jeddak.

PT As he moved with the throng in the parklike canyon of the thoroughfare the life of an awakening Martian city was in evidence about him. Houses, raised high upon their slender metal columns for the night were dropping gently toward the ground. Among the flowers upon the scarlet sward which lies about the buildings children were already playing, and comely women laughing and chatting with their neighbours as they culled gorgeous blossoms for the vases within doors.

PT The pleasant "kaor" of the Barsoomian greeting fell continually upon the ears of the stranger as friends and neighbours took up the duties of a new day.

PT The district in which he had landed was residential -- a district of merchants of the more prosperous sort. Everywhere were evidences of luxury and wealth. Slaves appeared upon every housetop with gorgeous silks and costly furs, laying them in the sun for airing. Jewel-encrusted women lolled even thus early upon the carven balconies before their sleeping apartments. Later in the day they would repair to the roofs when the slaves had arranged couches and pitched silken canopies to shade them from the sun.

PT Strains of inspiring music broke pleasantly from open windows, for the Martians have solved the problem of attuning the nerves pleasantly to the sudden transition from sleep to waking that proves so difficult a thing for most Earth folk.

PT Above him raced the long, light passenger fliers, plying, each in its proper plane, between the numerous landing-stages for internal passenger traffic. Landing-stages that tower high into the heavens are for the great international passenger liners. Freighters have other landing-stages at various lower levels, to within a couple of hundred feet of the ground; nor dare any flier rise or drop from one plane to another except in certain restricted districts where horizontal traffic is forbidden.

PT Along the close-cropped sward which paves the avenue ground fliers were moving in continuous lines in opposite directions. For the greater part they skimmed along the surface of the sward, soaring gracefully into the air at times to pass over a slower-going driver ahead, or at intersections, where the north and south traffic has the right of way and the east and west must rise above it.

PT From private hangars upon many a roof top fliers were darting into the line of traffic. Gay farewells and parting admonitions mingled with the whirring of motors and the subdued noises of the city.

PT Yet with all the swift movement and the countless thousands rushing hither and thither, the predominant suggestion was that of luxurious ease and soft noiselessness.

PT Martians dislike harsh, discordant clamour. The only loud noises they can abide are the martial sounds of war, the clash of arms, the collision of two mighty dreadnoughts of the air. To them there is no sweeter music than this.

PT At the intersection of two broad avenues Vas Kor descended from the street level to one of the great pneumatic stations of the city. Here he paid before a little wicket the fare to his destination with a couple of the dull, oval coins of Helium.

PT Beyond the gatekeeper he came to a slowly moving line of what to Earthly eyes would have appeared to be conical-nosed, eight-foot projectiles for some giant gun. In slow procession the things moved in single file along a grooved track. A half dozen attendants assisted passengers to enter, or directed these carriers to their proper destination.

PT Vas Kor approached one that was empty. Upon its nose was a dial and a pointer. He set the pointer for a certain station in Greater Helium, raised the arched lid of the thing, stepped in and lay down upon the upholstered bottom. An attendant closed the lid, which locked with a little click, and the carrier continued its slow way.

PT Presently it switched itself automatically to another track, to enter, a moment later, one of the series of dark-mouthed tubes.

PT The instant that its entire length was within the black aperture it sprang forward with the speed of a rifle ball. There was an instant of whizzing -- a soft, though sudden, stop, and slowly the carrier emerged upon another platform, another attendant raised the lid and Vas Kor stepped out at the station beneath the centre of Greater Helium, seventy-five miles from the point at which he had embarked.

PT Here he sought the street level, stepping immediately into a waiting ground flier. He spoke no word to the slave sitting in the driver's seat. It was evident that he had been expected, and that the fellow had received his instructions before his coming.

PT Scarcely had Vas Kor taken his seat when the flier went quickly into the fast-moving procession, turning presently from the broad and crowded avenue into a less congested street. Presently it left the thronged district behind to enter a section of small shops, where it stopped before the entrance to one which bore the sign of a dealer in foreign silks.

PT Vas Kor entered the low-ceiling room. A man at the far end motioned him toward an inner apartment, giving no further sign of recognition until he had passed in after the caller and closed the door.

PT Then he faced his visitor, saluting deferentially.

PT "Most noble--" he commenced, but Vas Kor silenced him with a gesture.

PT "No formalities," he said. "We must forget that I am aught other than your slave. If all has been as carefully carried out as it has been planned, we have no time to waste. Instead we should be upon our way to the slave market. Are you ready?"

PT The merchant nodded, and, turning to a great chest, produced the unemblazoned trappings of a slave. These Vas Kor immediately donned. Then the two passed from the shop through a rear door, traversed a winding alley to an avenue beyond, where they entered a flier which awaited them.

PT Five minutes later the merchant was leading his slave to the public market, where a great concourse of people filled the great open space in the centre of which stood the slave block.

PT The crowds were enormous to-day, for Carthoris, Prince of Helium, was to be the principal bidder.

PT One by one the masters mounted the rostrum beside the slave block upon which stood their chattels. Briefly and clearly each recounted the virtues of his particular offering.

PT When all were done, the major-domo of the Prince of Helium recalled to the block such as had favourably impressed him. For such he had made a fair offer.

PT There was little haggling as to price, and none at all when Vas Kor was placed upon the block. His merchant-master accepted the first offer that was made for him, and thus a Dusarian noble entered the household of Carthoris.

CHAPTER III — TREACHERY

PT The day following the coming of Vas Kor to the palace of the Prince of Helium great excitement reigned throughout the twin cities, reaching its climax in the palace of Carthoris. Word had come of the abduction of Thuvia of Ptarth from her father's court, and with it the veiled hint that the Prince of Helium might be suspected of considerable knowledge of the act and the whereabouts of the princess.

PT In the council chamber of John Carter, Warlord of Mars, was Tardos Mors, Jeddak of Helium; Mors Kajak, his son, Jed of Lesser Helium; Carthoris, and a score of the great nobles of the empire.

PT "There must be no war between Ptarth and Helium, my son," said John Carter. "That you are innocent of the charge that has been placed against you by insinuation, we well know; but Thuvan Dihn must know it well, too.

PT "There is but one who may convince him, and that one be you. You must hasten at once to the court of Ptarth, and by your presence there as well as by your words assure him that his suspicions are groundless. Bear with you the authority of the Warlord of Barsoom, and of the Jeddak of Helium to offer every resource of the allied powers to assist Thuvan Dihn to recover his daughter and punish her abductors, whomsoever they may be.

PT "Go! I know that I do not need to urge upon you the necessity for haste."

PT Carthoris left the council chamber, and hastened to his palace.

PT Here slaves were busy in a moment setting things to rights for the departure of their master. Several worked about the swift flier that would bear the Prince of Helium rapidly toward Ptarth.

PT At last all was done. But two armed slaves remained on guard. The setting sun hung low above the horizon. In a moment darkness would envelop all.

PT One of the guardsmen, a giant of a fellow across whose right cheek there ran a thin scar from temple to mouth, approached his companion. His gaze was directed beyond and above his comrade. When he had come quite close he spoke.

PT "What strange craft is that?" he asked.

PT The other turned about quickly to gaze heavenward. Scarce was his back turned toward the giant than the short-sword of the latter was plunged beneath his left shoulder blade, straight through his heart.

PT Voiceless, the soldier sank in his tracks -- stone dead. Quickly the murderer dragged the corpse into the black shadows within the hangar. Then he returned to the flier.

PT Drawing a cunningly wrought key from his pocket-pouch, he removed the cover of the right-hand dial of the controlling destination compass. For a moment he studied the construction of the mechanism beneath. Then he returned the dial to its place, set the pointer, and removed it again to note the resultant change in the position of the parts affected by the act.

PT A smile crossed his lips. With a pair of cutters he snipped off the projection which extended through the dial from the external pointer -- now the latter might be moved to any point upon the dial without affecting the mechanism below. In other words, the eastern hemisphere dial was useless.

PT Now he turned his attention to the western dial. This he set upon a certain point. Afterward he removed the cover of this dial also, and with keen tool cut the steel finger from the under side of the pointer.

PT As quickly as possible he replaced the second dial cover, and resumed his place on guard. To all intents and purposes the compass was as efficient as before; but, as a matter of fact, the moving of the pointers upon the dials resulted now in no corresponding shift of the mechanism beneath -- and the device was set, immovably, upon a destination of the slave's own choosing.

PT Presently came Carthoris, accompanied by but a handful of his gentlemen. He cast but a casual glance upon the single slave who stood guard. The fellow's thin, cruel lips, and the sword-cut that ran from temple to mouth aroused the suggestion of an unpleasant memory within him. He wondered where Saran Tal had found the man -- then the matter faded from his thoughts, and in another moment the Prince of Helium was laughing and chatting with his companions, though below the surface his heart was cold with dread, for what contingencies confronted Thuvia of Ptarth he could not even guess.

PT First to his mind, naturally, had sprung the thought that Astok of Dusar had stolen the fair Ptarthian; but almost simultaneously with the report of the abduction had come news of the great fetes at Dusar in honour of the return of the jeddak's son to the court of his father.

PT It could not have been he, thought Carthoris, for on the very night that Thuvia was taken Astok had been in Dusar, and yet --

Versão em Português

2 - Carthoris e Thuvia

3 - Capítulo II — Escravidão

4 - Capítulo III — Traição

Carthoris e Thuvia

En Uma mulher sentou-se em um banco de ersite polido sob as flores de uma gigante árvore pimália, nos jardins reais de Thuvan Dihn. Seu pé calçado com sandália batia impacientemente no caminho cravejado de joias que serpenteava sob as altas árvores sorapus através do gramado escarlate. Um guerreiro de cabelos escuros e pele vermelha inclinou-se, sussurrando palavras acaloradas perto do ouvido dela.

En O guerreiro exclamou que Thuvia de Ptarth era fria mesmo diante das explosões ardentes de seu amor consumidor. Ele declarou que nenhuma pedra era mais dura ou mais fria que o coração dela, e que o banco de ersite que sustentava sua forma divina era três vezes feliz. Ele implorou que ela lhe dissesse que ele ainda podia esperar, que, embora ela não o amasse agora, algum dia, sua princesa, ela poderia.

En A garota levantou-se rapidamente com uma exclamação de surpresa e desagrado. Ela manteve sua cabeça majestosa erguida sobre seus ombros vermelhos e lisos, e seus olhos escuros olharam com raiva nos olhos do homem.

En Ela disse a Astok que ele se esquecera de si mesmo e dos costumes de Barsoom. Ela não lhe dera nenhum direito de se dirigir à filha de Thuvan Dihn daquela maneira, nem ele havia conquistado tal direito.

En O homem de repente estendeu a mão e agarrou-a pelo braço.

En Astok insistiu que Thuvia se tornaria sua princesa. Ele jurou que ninguém o impediria de alcançar seu desejo, e que mataria qualquer rival e jogaria o corpo para os calots selvagens.

En Quando Astok a tocou, a pele de Thuvia ficou pálida sob seu tom acobreado. Em Marte, as mulheres reais eram consideradas quase sagradas, então sua ação foi um grave desrespeito. Thuvia olhou para ele com horror, não medo, por causa do ato que ele havia cometido e suas possíveis consequências.

En Sua voz estava calma e fria enquanto ela ordenava que ele a soltasse.

En Ele murmurou de forma incompreensível e a puxou bruscamente para mais perto.

En Ela repetiu sua ordem de forma cortante, avisando que chamaria a guarda e que o Príncipe de Dusar entendia as implicações.

En Ele rapidamente envolveu os ombros dela com o braço e tentou aproximar o rosto dela para um beijo. Ela soltou um pequeno grito e o atingiu na boca com as pesadas pulseiras em seu braço livre.

En Ela o chamou de calot, depois gritou para a guarda vir rapidamente e proteger a Princesa de Ptarth.

En Em resposta ao seu grito, cerca de uma dúzia de guardas correram pela grama vermelha. Suas longas espadas estavam desembainhadas e brilhando ao sol, seus equipamentos de metal chacoalhavam contra seus arreios de couro, e eles gritaram roucamente de raiva ao que viram.

En Mas antes que os guardas tivessem cruzado metade do jardim real até onde Astok de Dusar ainda segurava a garota que lutava, outra figura saltou de um aglomerado de arbustos grossos que escondia parcialmente uma fonte dourada próxima. Ele era um jovem alto e esbelto, de cabelos pretos e olhos cinzentos afiados, ombros largos e quadris estreitos, claramente construído para lutar. Sua pele tinha apenas um leve tom de cobre, que distinguia os homens vermelhos de Marte de outras raças, mas ele era diferente de maneiras sutis além de sua pele mais clara e olhos cinzentos.

En Seus movimentos também eram diferentes. Ele se aproximava em saltos enormes, cobrindo o chão tão rapidamente que a velocidade dos guardas parecia insignificante em comparação.

En Astok ainda segurava o pulso de Thuvia quando um jovem guerreiro o desafiou. O recém-chegado não hesitou e proferiu apenas uma palavra.

En Ele soltou um insulto e, em seguida, seu punho atingiu o queixo do outro, arremessando-o no ar e fazendo-o cair em uma pilha amassada dentro do arbusto pimalia ao lado do banco.

En Seu defensor virou-se para Thuvia e a cumprimentou, dizendo que parecia que o destino havia acertado o momento de sua visita.

En A princesa retribuiu o cumprimento, chamando-o de Carthoris de Hélio e comentando que não se poderia esperar menos do filho de tal pai.

En Ele fez uma reverência para reconhecer o elogio a seu pai, John Carter. Então os guardas, ofegantes pela corrida, chegaram no momento em que o Príncipe de Dusar, sangrando pela boca e com a espada desembainhada, saiu rastejando do arbusto pimalia.

En Astok queria lutar contra o filho de Dejah Thoris, mas os guardas o cercaram e o impediram. Estava claro que Carthoris de Hélio ficaria muito feliz em lutar.

En Ele implorou a Thuvia de Ptarth que lhe desse permissão, dizendo que teria grande prazer em punir o homem que merecia.

En Ela disse a Carthoris que isso não poderia acontecer. Embora o homem não merecesse mais sua consideração, ele era um convidado de seu pai, o jeddak, e apenas seu pai poderia lidar com seu ato terrível.

En O homem de Hélio concordou com Thuvia, mas disse que depois o outro teria que responder a Carthoris, Príncipe de Hélio, por insultar a filha do amigo de seu pai. No entanto, o fogo em seus olhos mostrava que ele tinha um motivo mais pessoal para protegê-la.

En O rosto da garota corou sob sua pele translúcida, e Astok, Príncipe de Dusar, também olhou sombriamente enquanto entendia a comunicação silenciosa entre os dois nos jardins reais do jeddak.

En Ele respondeu duramente ao desafio de Carthoris repetindo as mesmas palavras para ele.

En Os guardas ainda cercavam Astok. O jovem oficial no comando enfrentava uma situação difícil. Seu prisioneiro era filho de um poderoso jeddak e havia sido um convidado honrado de Thuvan Dihn, tratado com todas as dignidades reais. Prendê-lo à força certamente significaria guerra, mas ele havia feito algo que o guerreiro Ptarth considerava merecedor de morte.

En O jovem oficial hesitou e olhou para a princesa. Ela também entendia o quanto dependia do próximo momento. Por muitos anos, Dusar e Ptarth estiveram em paz. Seus grandes navios mercantes viajavam entre as maiores cidades das duas nações. Mesmo naquele momento, acima do domo escarlate salpicado de ouro do palácio do jeddak, ela podia ver um imenso cargueiro movendo-se majestosamente pelo ar rarefeito em direção ao oeste e a Dusar.

En Com uma única palavra, ela poderia iniciar um conflito sangrento entre as duas poderosas nações. Isso as drenaria de seus homens mais corajosos e de sua imensa riqueza, deixando-as indefesas contra os ataques de seus vizinhos invejosos e mais fracos, e por fim presa fácil para as selvagens hordas verdes dos leitos de mares mortos.

En Sua decisão não foi influenciada pelo medo, pois o medo é raro entre os filhos de Marte. Em vez disso, veio de um senso de responsabilidade que ela sentia como filha do jeddak pelo bem-estar do povo de seu pai.

En Thuvia disse ao tenente que o havia chamado para proteger sua pessoa e preservar a paz que não deveria ser perturbada nos jardins reais do jeddak. Ela o instruiu a escoltá-la até o palácio e disse que o Príncipe de Hélio a acompanharia.

En Sem olhar novamente para Astok, ela se virou, pegou a mão oferecida por Carthoris e caminhou lentamente em direção ao enorme palácio de mármore onde o governante de Ptarth e sua corte reluzente residiam. Guardas marchavam em ambos os lados. Dessa forma, Thuvia de Ptarth encontrou uma solução para seu dilema, evitando a necessidade de colocar o hóspede real de seu pai sob contenção e também separando os dois príncipes, que de outra forma teriam lutado no momento em que ela e a guarda partissem.

En Astok ficou ao lado da pimália, seus olhos escuros estreitados em fendas de ódio sob suas sobrancelhas abaixadas enquanto observava as formas que se afastavam da mulher que havia despertado suas paixões mais intensas e do homem que ele agora acreditava ser o obstáculo entre seu amor e sua realização.

En Assim que eles desapareceram dentro da estrutura, Astok deu de ombros e, murmurando um juramento, atravessou os jardins em direção a outra ala do edifício onde ele e sua comitiva estavam alojados.

En Naquela noite, ele se despediu formalmente de Thuvan Dihn. Embora não tenha sido feita menção ao incidente no jardim, ficou claro pela cortesia fria do jeddak que apenas os costumes da hospitalidade real o impediam de expressar o desprezo que sentia pelo Príncipe de Dusar.

En Carthoris e Thuvia não compareceram à cerimônia formal de despedida. Enquanto o último dusariano embarcava no navio de guerra e este decolava, Thuvan Dihn demonstrou alívio claro e virou-se para um oficial para falar sobre algo não relacionado.

En No entanto, talvez o assunto não fosse tão não relacionado quanto parecia.

En Thuvan Dihn ordenou a um oficial que dissesse ao Príncipe Sovan para recolher a frota que havia partido para Kaol mais cedo naquele dia e redirecioná-la para navegar a oeste de Ptarth.

En Enquanto o navio de guerra que levava o Príncipe Astok de volta a Dusar virava para oeste, Thuvia de Ptarth observava suas luzes desaparecerem de seu assento. Carthoris sentou-se ao lado dela, mas em vez de olhar para o navio, ele contemplava o rosto dela ao luar.

En Ele sussurrou o nome dela, Thuvia.

En A garota encontrou o olhar dele. Ele estendeu a mão para pegar a dela, mas ela gentilmente a afastou.

En O jovem guerreiro declarou seu amor por Thuvia de Ptarth e perguntou se ela estava ofendida.

En Ela balançou a cabeça tristemente e explicou que o amor dele era uma honra, mas ele não deveria oferecê-lo porque ela não poderia retribuí-lo.

En O jovem levantou-se lentamente, surpreso. Nunca lhe passara pela cabeça que Thuvia pudesse amar outra pessoa.

En Ele perguntou a ela o que ela havia feito em Kadabra e na corte de seu pai para avisá-lo de que ela não o amava.

En Thuvia perguntou a Carthoris o que ela havia feito que o faria pensar que ela havia devolvido.

En Carthoris fez uma pausa, então balançou a cabeça, admitindo que ela não havia feito nada, mas insistindo que ele tinha certeza de que ela o amava. Ele acrescentou que ela devia saber o quanto ele a adorava.

En Thuvia perguntou inocentemente como ela poderia saber, observando que ele nunca havia falado de seu amor por ela antes.

En Carthoris exclamou que ela devia saber. Ele confessou que era desajeitado em questões de romance, como seu pai, mas insistiu que tudo no jardim — as árvores, flores e grama — deveria ter revelado seu amor desde o momento em que viu sua beleza perfeita, então ele não conseguia entender como só ela não havia percebido.

En Thuvia perguntou se as mulheres de Hélio cortejavam seus homens.

En Carthoris exclamou que Thuvia estava brincando com ele e implorou que ela dissesse que estava apenas fingindo e que realmente o amava.

En Thuvia respondeu que não podia dizer isso porque já estava prometida a outra pessoa.

En A voz dela era firme, mas parecia carregar uma tristeza imensa, embora não se pudesse ter certeza.

En Carthoris mal sussurrou as palavras, o rosto empalidecendo. Então ergueu a cabeça com o orgulho próprio de um descendente do governante de um mundo.

En Ele disse que Carthoris de Hélio desejava a ela toda felicidade com o homem que ela havia escolhido, então fez uma pausa, esperando que ela dissesse o nome.

En Ela respondeu que Kulan Tith era o Jeddak de Kaol, amigo de seu pai, e o aliado mais poderoso de Ptarth.

En O jovem olhou para ela atentamente por um momento antes de falar novamente.

En Ele perguntou a Thuvia de Ptarth se ela o amava.

En Ela respondeu simplesmente que estava prometida a ele.

En Ele não a pressionou mais. Carthoris refletiu que o homem era do sangue mais nobre e dos maiores guerreiros de Barsoom, amigo de seu pai e seu próprio, e desejou que pudesse ter sido outro. A expressão da garota escondia seus pensamentos, mostrando apenas uma sombra de tristeza que poderia ser por Carthoris, por si mesma ou por ambos.

En Carthoris notou a situação, mas não a questionou. Sua lealdade a Kulan Tith era tão inabalável quanto o vínculo entre John Carter e seus amigos, uma lealdade que não poderia ser superada.

En Ele levantou uma peça adornada com joias da magnífica vestimenta da garota e a pressionou contra os lábios.

En Ele brindou à honra e felicidade de Kulan Tith e à preciosa joia que ele havia recebido, com a voz sincera embora áspera. Ele confessou que amara Thuvia antes de saber que ela estava prometida a outro, e embora não pudesse repetir, ficou feliz que ela soubesse. Ele assegurou que não havia desonra para ela, Kulan Tith ou ele mesmo. Seu amor era tal que poderia também abraçar Kulan Tith se ela o amasse, e sua declaração carregava uma pergunta implícita.

En Ela respondeu que estava prometida a ele.

En Carthoris recuou lentamente, colocando uma mão sobre o coração e a outra no punho de sua longa espada.

En Ele disse a ela que os itens eram dela para sempre, e então ele entrou no palácio, desaparecendo de sua vista.

En Se ele tivesse voltado imediatamente, a teria encontrado deitada de bruços no banco, com o rosto escondido nos braços, e ninguém estava lá para ver se ela estava chorando.

En Carthoris de Hélio havia chegado à corte do amigo de seu pai sem aviso prévio naquele dia, viajando sozinho em um pequeno veículo voador, confiante na habitual recepção calorosa em Ptarth. Como sua chegada havia sido informal, não houve necessidade de formalidades quando ele partiu.

En Ele disse a Thuvan Dihn que estava testando uma invenção própria, um aperfeiçoamento da bússola aérea marciana padrão. Esse dispositivo, uma vez ajustado para um destino específico, permaneceria fixo nele, de modo que bastava manter a proa da nave apontada para a agulha da bússola para alcançar qualquer ponto em Barsoom pela rota mais direta.

En O aperfeiçoamento de Carthoris consistia em um mecanismo adicional que guiava automaticamente a nave na direção da bússola e, ao atingir o ponto exato para o qual a bússola estava ajustada, parava a nave e a abaixava até o chão, tudo sem intervenção humana.

En Carthoris explicou a Thuvan Dihn os benefícios de sua nova invenção. Eles estavam no telhado do palácio onde as naves pousavam, e Carthoris estava mostrando a ele a bússola antes de se despedir.

En Um grupo de cerca de uma dúzia de oficiais da corte e vários servos pessoais se reuniu atrás do jeddak e seu convidado, ouvindo atentamente. Um servo estava tão ansioso que um nobre teve que repreendê-lo duas vezes por se adiantar àqueles de posição superior para ver o mecanismo complexo da chamada bússola de destino controladora.

En Carthoris então deu um exemplo: em uma longa viagem noturna como esta, ele ajustaria o ponteiro no mostrador direito para a latitude e longitude exatas de Helium. Então ele ligaria o motor, se enrolaria em sedas e peles para dormir, e viajaria pela noite com as luzes acesas, confiante de que chegaria suavemente ao seu próprio píer do palácio no horário marcado, mesmo que permanecesse dormindo.

En Thuvan Dihn levantou a possibilidade de colidir com outro viajante noturno.

En Carthoris sorriu e garantiu que não havia perigo. Ele apontou para um dispositivo ao lado da bússola, que chamou de seu desviador de obstáculos. A parte visível era um interruptor para ligá-lo ou desligá-lo, enquanto o instrumento principal estava abaixo do convés, conectado tanto à direção quanto às alavancas de controle.

En O sistema funcionava de forma simples: um gerador de rádio espalhava radioatividade em todas as direções por cerca de cem jardas ao redor do veículo voador. Se essa força fosse interrompida, um instrumento delicado imediatamente percebia a irregularidade e enviava um impulso a um dispositivo magnético, que então acionava o mecanismo de direção para desviar a proa do obstáculo. Assim que a esfera de radioatividade do veículo não estava mais em contato, ele retornava ao seu curso normal. Se uma nave mais rápida se aproximasse por trás, o mecanismo também ajustava a velocidade e a direção, fazendo o veículo avançar e subir ou descer dependendo do plano da outra nave.

En Em situações mais sérias, onde havia muitos obstáculos ou a proa precisava ser desviada mais de quarenta e cinco graus, ou quando o veículo voador chegava ao seu destino e descia a menos de cem jardas do chão, o mecanismo parava a nave completamente. Ao mesmo tempo, um alarme alto soava para acordar o piloto. O locutor afirmou ter antecipado quase todos os problemas possíveis.

En Thuvan Dihn sorriu, demonstrando sua apreciação pelo notável dispositivo. O servo da frente se aproximou muito do veículo voador, com os olhos semicerrados.

En Ele disse que o inventor havia pensado em tudo, exceto em uma coisa.

En Os nobres olharam para ele espantados, e um deles agarrou seu ombro bruscamente para empurrá-lo de volta ao seu lugar. Mas Carthoris levantou a mão para detê-los.

En Ele os instou a esperar e ouvir o homem, argumentando que nenhum plano feito por mortais é perfeito. Talvez o servo tivesse notado uma fraqueza que eles deveriam saber imediatamente. Então, ele perguntou diretamente ao homem qual poderia ser aquela possibilidade negligenciada.

En Enquanto falava, Carthoris finalmente examinou o servo de perto. Ele viu um homem gigante e bonito, típico dos homens vermelhos marcianos, mas os lábios do servo eram finos e cruéis, e uma cicatriz branca e tênue de um corte de espada ia de sua têmpora direita até o canto da boca.

En O Príncipe de Hélio insistiu para que ele falasse.

En O homem hesitou, claramente se arrependendo de que sua ousadia tivesse chamado a atenção de todos. Mas, não vendo saída, ele finalmente começou a falar.

En Ele disse que um inimigo poderia adulterá-lo.

En Carthoris tirou uma pequena chave de sua bolsa de couro.

En Ele mostrou a chave ao homem e explicou que o mecanismo que ela abria era tão complexo que nenhum chaveiro poderia dominá-lo. Protegia as partes internas do instrumento contra adulteração. Sem ela, um inimigo teria que quase destruir o dispositivo para alcançar seu núcleo, deixando sinais óbvios de interferência.

En O servo pegou a chave e a examinou cuidadosamente. Quando estava prestes a devolvê-la, deixou-a cair no chão de mármore. Fingindo procurá-la, colocou a sandália diretamente sobre o objeto brilhante e apoiou todo o peso naquele pé brevemente. Então recuou, deu uma exclamação de satisfação como se a tivesse encontrado, abaixou-se, pegou-a e a devolveu a Carthoris. Depois retornou ao seu lugar atrás dos nobres e não foi mais notado.

En Logo depois, Carthoris se despediu de Thuvan Dihn e seus nobres. Com suas luzes cintilando, ele ascendeu ao céu estrelado da noite marciana.

Capítulo II — Escravidão

En Quando o governante de Ptarth desceu da plataforma de desembarque acima do palácio, seguido por seus cortesãos, os servos assumiram suas posições atrás de seus senhores reais ou nobres. Um servo ficou atrás dos outros até o final. Então ele se abaixou rapidamente, removeu a sandália do pé direito e a colocou em sua bolsa.

En O grupo desceu aos níveis inferiores, e o jeddak os dispensou com um gesto. Ninguém observou que o sujeito ousado que havia chamado tanta atenção antes da partida do Príncipe de Hélio havia desaparecido dentre os servos.

En Ninguém havia pensado em perguntar a qual séquito de nobre ele pertencia, pois os seguidores de um nobre marciano são numerosos e vão e vêm ao capricho de seu mestre. Um rosto novo raramente é questionado; passar pelos muros do palácio é considerado prova de lealdade inquestionável ao jeddak, dado o rigoroso exame que cada um deve sofrer para servir aos nobres da corte.

En Era uma regra sólida, relaxada apenas como cortesia para a comitiva da realeza visitante de uma potência estrangeira amiga.

En No final da manhã seguinte, um servo alto vestindo a libré de um grande nobre de Ptarth saiu dos portões do palácio e entrou na cidade. Ele caminhou rapidamente por amplas avenidas, deixando o distrito dos nobres para trás, até chegar à área do mercado. Lá, procurou um imponente edifício que se erguia como uma torre em direção ao céu, suas paredes externas decoradas com delicadas esculturas e intrincados mosaicos.

En Este era o Palácio da Paz, que abrigava os representantes de potências estrangeiras — ou melhor, suas embaixadas; os próprios ministros residiam em palácios esplêndidos dentro do distrito dos nobres.

En O homem foi à embaixada de Dusar. Ao entrar, um funcionário se levantou e, quando solicitado a ver o ministro, pediu credenciais. O visitante removeu um simples bracelete de metal de acima do cotovelo, apontou para uma inscrição dentro dele e sussurrou algumas palavras ao funcionário.

En Os olhos do funcionário se arregalaram e sua postura tornou-se imediatamente respeitosa. Ele conduziu o estranho a um assento com uma reverência, depois apressou-se para uma sala interna com o bracelete. Logo ele retornou e levou o visitante à presença do ministro.

En Os dois conversaram em particular por um longo tempo. Quando o grande servo finalmente saiu do escritório interno, sua expressão se transformou em um sorriso de satisfação sinistra. Ele foi diretamente do Palácio da Paz ao palácio do ministro dusariano.

En Naquela noite, dois velejadores rápidos partiram do topo do mesmo palácio. Um disparou rapidamente em direção a Hélio; o outro—

En Thuvia de Ptarth passeava pelos jardins do palácio de seu pai, como era seu costume noturno antes de se recolher. Ela havia enrolado suas sedas e peles ao redor de si, pois o ar de Marte é frio após o sol fazer seu mergulho rápido sob a borda oeste do planeta.

En A mente da garota se desviou de seu próximo casamento, que a tornaria imperatriz de Kaol, para o jovem heliunita que havia declarado seu amor a ela no dia anterior.

En Era difícil dizer se era pena ou arrependimento que a fazia parecer triste enquanto olhava para o céu do sul, onde havia visto as luzes de seu flutuador desaparecerem na noite anterior.

En Da mesma forma, era impossível adivinhar seus sentimentos quando ela avistou as luzes de um flutuador vindo rapidamente daquela mesma direção, como se atraído em direção ao seu jardim pela força de seus pensamentos.

En Ela o observou circular mais baixo sobre o palácio até ter certeza de que estava pairando, pronto para pousar.

En Logo, poderosos feixes de seu holofote dispararam da proa. Por um momento, iluminaram a plataforma de pouso, revelando os guardas ptarthianos e fazendo as joias em seus elaborados arreios brilharem como pontos de fogo.

En A luz intensa então se moveu através dos domos brilhantes e torres delicadas, descendo para pátios, parques e jardins até finalmente parar no banco de ersite e na garota que estava ao lado. Ela tinha o rosto erguido diretamente em direção à máquina voadora.

En O holofote pousou em Thuvia de Ptarth por apenas um momento, depois se apagou tão rapidamente quanto havia aparecido. O aeronave continuou acima dela e desapareceu atrás de um bosque de altas árvores skeel que cresciam nos terrenos do palácio.

En A garota permaneceu de pé por um tempo, exatamente como a luz a havia deixado, exceto que agora sua cabeça estava curvada e seus olhos baixos em pensamento.

En Quem mais poderia ter sido senão Carthoris? Ela tentou sentir raiva por ele ter retornado dessa forma, espionando-a, mas achou difícil ficar com raiva do jovem príncipe de Hélio.

En Ela se perguntou que capricho estranho poderia tê-lo levado a quebrar a etiqueta das nações tão severamente. Grandes potências tinham ido à guerra por razões menores.

En A princesa nela ficou chocada e irritada, mas ela também considerou os sentimentos da garota.

En Os guardas também ficaram tão surpresos com a ação sem precedentes do estranho que não a desafiaram. No entanto, sua intenção de perseguir logo ficou clara com o rugido dos motores no pátio de pouso e a rápida subida de um longo barco de patrulha.

En Thuvia observou a nave disparar para o leste. Outros olhos também a seguiram.

En Nas sombras profundas de um bosque de skeel, uma aeronave pairava a uma dúzia de pés acima do solo sob a folhagem suspensa. De seu convés, olhos atentos observavam o facho varredor do holofote do barco de patrulha. A nave oculta não mostrava luz e estava silenciosa como uma tumba. Sua tripulação de seis guerreiros vermelhos observou as luzes do barco de patrulha se afastarem na distância.

En Um deles comentou em voz baixa que a sabedoria de seus ancestrais os guiava naquela noite.

En Outra pessoa respondeu que nenhum plano jamais havia sido executado melhor; eles haviam feito exatamente como o príncipe havia previsto.

En Aquele que havia falado primeiro virou-se para o homem agachado diante do painel de controle.

En Ele sussurrou a palavra agora, e nenhuma outra ordem foi necessária. Cada homem no navio havia claramente sido bem instruído em cada detalhe do trabalho daquela noite. O casco escuro moveu-se silenciosamente sob os arcos imponentes do bosque escuro e silencioso.

En Olhando para o leste, Thuvia de Ptarth viu uma forma mais escura contra a escuridão das árvores enquanto a nave se elevava acima do muro do jardim com contrafortes. Ela viu sua massa escura inclinar-se suavemente para baixo em direção à grama vermelha do jardim.

En Ela sabia que homens que vinham de tal maneira não tinham intenções honrosas. No entanto, ela não gritou para alertar os guardas próximos, nem fugiu para a segurança do palácio.

En Ele perguntou por quê.

En Ele podia imaginá-la dando de ombros com seus ombros graciosos e dando a antiga e universal resposta de uma mulher: porque.

En Assim que a máquina voadora tocou o chão, quatro homens saltaram de seu convés e correram em direção à garota.

En Ela ainda não deu sinal de alarme, parada como se estivesse hipnotizada — ou talvez como alguém que esperava um visitante bem-vindo.

En Ela só se mexeu quando eles estavam bem perto. Então a lua mais próxima, subindo acima da folhagem ao redor, iluminou seus rostos com o brilho de seus raios prateados.

En Thuvia de Ptarth se viu cercada por estranhos—guerreiros vestindo o arreio de Dusar. Ela só então ficou assustada, mas já era tarde demais para escapar.

En Antes que ela pudesse dar um único grito, mãos ásperas a agarraram. Um pesado lenço de seda foi enrolado em sua cabeça. Ela foi levantada por braços fortes e carregada até o convés da aeronave. Então veio o giro repentino das hélices, a pressa do ar contra seu corpo e, de muito abaixo, os gritos e desafios da guarda.

En Outro aviador corria para o sul em direção a Helium. Dentro de sua cabine, um homem alto de pele vermelha se curvou sobre a sola macia de uma sandália virada. Usando instrumentos delicados, ele mediu a leve impressão de um pequeno objeto que estava visível ali. Em uma prancheta ao seu lado estava o contorno de uma chave, e ele cuidadosamente registrou os resultados de suas medições.

En Um sorriso cruzou seus lábios enquanto ele terminava seu trabalho e se virava para um homem que esperava do outro lado da mesa.

En Ele comentou que o homem era um gênio.

En O orador comentou que apenas um gênio poderia ter projetado uma fechadura como aquela. Ele entregou o esboço a Larok e instruiu-o a usar toda sua liberdade criativa para reproduzi-lo em metal.

En O guerreiro-artífice fez uma reverência e comentou que nada construído pelo homem poderia deixar de ser destruído pelo homem. Em seguida, saiu da cabine com o esboço.

En Ao amanhecer, quando a luz tocou as altas torres das cidades gêmeas de Hélio—uma escarlate, a outra amarela—uma nave voadora flutuou lentamente vinda do norte.

En A proa da nave trazia o emblema de um nobre menor de uma cidade distante do império de Hélio. Sua passagem lenta e confiante sobre a cidade não alarmou os guardas sonolentos, cujo turno estava quase no fim. Eles pensavam apenas em seus substitutos.

En A paz reinava sobre Hélio, mas era uma paz estagnada e enfraquecedora. Sem inimigos, não havia nada a temer.

En A patrulha aérea mais próxima virou lentamente e se aproximou da nave desconhecida. Quando estavam perto o suficiente para falar confortavelmente, o oficial na nave de patrulha chamou a embarcação que se aproximava.

En O cumprimento amigável e a história plausível de que o proprietário estava apenas visitando Helium para umas férias curtas satisfizeram a patrulha. A nave de patrulha aérea se virou e retomou seu curso. A nave estranha então continuou até uma plataforma de pouso pública, onde desceu sobre os trilhos e parou.

En Na mesma época, um guerreiro entrou na cabine.

En O guerreiro anunciou que a tarefa estava completa e entregou uma pequena chave de metal ao alto nobre, Vas Kor, que havia acabado de se levantar de suas sedas e peles.

En Vas Kor exclamou com aprovação e observou que Larok devia ter trabalhado nisso durante toda a noite.

En O guerreiro assentiu.

En Vas Kor ordenou que o guerreiro lhe trouxesse o metal heliumético que ele havia forjado alguns dias antes.

En Depois disso, o guerreiro ajudou seu mestre a substituir os ornamentos ornamentados com joias em seu arreio por enfeites mais simples, como os de um soldado comum de Hélio, com a mesma insígnia da casa que aparecia na proa da nave.

En Vas Kor tomou café da manhã em sua nave, depois saiu para o cais de aeronaves, pegou um elevador até a rua e logo desapareceu na multidão matinal de trabalhadores que se apressavam para seus empregos.

En Entre a multidão, sua vestimenta de guerreiro não atraiu atenção especial. Em Marte, todo homem capaz de portar armas é um soldado. Lojistas e funcionários usam suas armas enquanto trabalham. Os estudantes, que emergem quase adultos de suas cascas de incubação, se sentiriam tão estranhos sem uma espada quanto um garoto da Terra sem calças.

En Vas Kor pretendia chegar a Hélio Maior, que ficava a cerca de setenta e cinco milhas através da planície de Hélio Menor. Ele escolheu pousar em Hélio Menor porque sua patrulha aérea era menos vigilante do que aquela que guardava a metrópole maior, onde ficava o palácio do jeddak.

En Ele se movia com a multidão pela ampla avenida, semelhante a um parque, testemunhando o despertar de uma cidade marciana. As casas que haviam sido elevadas em finas colunas metálicas durante a noite desciam suavemente. Crianças brincavam entre as flores no gramado escarlate ao redor dos edifícios, enquanto mulheres riam e conversavam com vizinhos, colhendo flores brilhantes para colocar em vasos dentro de suas casas.

En O estrangeiro ouvia repetidamente a alegre saudação barsoomiana de "kaor" enquanto amigos e vizinhos começavam as atividades do dia.

En O distrito era uma área residencial rica, cheia de comerciantes prósperos. Por toda parte havia sinais de luxo. Escravos apareciam em cada telhado, estendendo sedas magníficas e peles caras para arejar ao sol da manhã. Mesmo a esta hora matinal, mulheres carregadas de joias descansavam em balcões esculpidos. Mais tarde, elas subiam aos telhados, onde escravos haviam arrumado sofás e erguido dosseles de seda para protegê-las dos raios solares.

En De janelas abertas vinham sons de música edificante, pois os marcianos haviam resolvido o desafio de tornar a transição abrupta do sono para a vigília uma experiência agradável—algo que ainda é difícil para as pessoas da Terra.

En Acima dele, os longos e leves fliers de passageiros corriam em suas pistas designadas entre os muitos estágios de pouso usados para viagens internas na cidade. Os imponentes estágios de pouso no alto do céu eram reservados para os grandes navios internacionais de passageiros. Os navios de carga usavam outros estágios de pouso em níveis mais baixos, alguns a apenas algumas centenas de pés do chão. Nenhum flier tinha permissão para subir ou descer de um nível para outro, exceto em zonas restritas específicas onde o tráfego horizontal era proibido.

En Ao longo da grama aparada que pavimentava a avenida principal, os fliers terrestres se moviam em linhas contínuas em direções opostas. Na maioria das vezes, eles deslizavam rente à superfície, ocasionalmente subindo graciosamente para ultrapassar um motorista mais lento à frente, ou em cruzamentos onde o tráfego norte-sul tinha preferência e o tráfego leste-oeste tinha que subir acima.

En De hangares particulares em muitos telhados, fliers mergulhavam no fluxo do tráfego. Adeus felizes e palavras de despedida se misturavam com o zumbido dos motores e os sons suaves da cidade.

En No entanto, em meio a todo esse movimento rápido e às inúmeras pessoas correndo em todas as direções, a impressão dominante era de luxuosa tranquilidade e silêncio suave.

En Os marcianos não gostavam de ruídos ásperos e discordantes. Os únicos sons altos que podiam tolerar eram os ruídos marciais da guerra — o choque de armas, a colisão de dois poderosos couraçados no céu. Para eles, não havia música mais doce do que essa.

En Vas Kor desceu da rua para uma grande estação pneumática no cruzamento de duas largas avenidas. Em uma pequena janela, ele pagou por sua viagem usando duas moedas opacas e ovais de Hélio.

En Depois do porteiro, ele viu uma fila lenta de transportadores que pareciam balas de dois metros e quarenta com ponta cônica para uma arma gigante. Eles se moviam um por um em um trilho ranhurado. Cerca de seis ajudantes ajudavam os passageiros a entrar ou guiavam os transportadores para o lugar certo.

En Vas Kor foi até um transportador vazio. Na sua frente havia um mostrador com um ponteiro. Ele o ajustou para uma estação na Grande Hélio, levantou a tampa curva, entrou e deitou no chão acolchoado. Um ajudante fechou a tampa, que travou com um clique, e o transportador prosseguiu lentamente.

En Logo, ele se moveu automaticamente para outro trilho e, após um momento, entrou em um dos tubos escuros e abertos.

En Assim que o transportador inteiro estava dentro da abertura escura, ele disparou como uma bala. Após um breve som de zumbido, parou suave e repentinamente. O transportador saiu lentamente em outra plataforma. Outro ajudante abriu a tampa, e Vas Kor saiu em uma estação sob o centro da Grande Hélio, a setenta e cinco milhas de onde tinha começado.

En Vas Kor desceu para a rua e entrou em um flier terrestre à espera. Sem uma palavra ao motorista escravo, ele sentou. Claramente, o motorista o estava esperando e já havia recebido suas instruções.

En Mal Vas Kor havia se sentado, o flier acelerou no trânsito rápido. Logo virou da ampla e movimentada avenida para uma rua mais tranquila. Deixando finalmente o distrito movimentado, entrou em uma área de pequenas lojas e parou diante de uma que exibia uma placa de um vendedor de sedas estrangeiras.

En Vas Kor entrou na sala de teto baixo. Um homem no outro extremo gesticulou em direção a uma sala interna, não mostrando mais reconhecimento até que ele seguiu o visitante para dentro e fechou a porta.

En Então ele se virou para encarar seu visitante e ofereceu uma saudação deferente.

En Ele começou a se dirigir a Vas Kor, mas o nobre o silenciou com um gesto.

En Ele disse que deveriam abandonar todas as formalidades. Ele insistiu que deviam esquecer seu verdadeiro status e tratá-lo simplesmente como um escravo. Ele acrescentou que, se tudo tivesse sido executado com tanto cuidado quanto foi planejado, não tinham tempo a perder. Em vez disso, deveriam estar a caminho do mercado de escravos. Então ele perguntou se a outra pessoa estava pronta.

En O comerciante concordou com a cabeça e foi até um grande baú, de onde tirou as vestes simples e sem marca de um escravo. Vas Kor as vestiu imediatamente. Em seguida, os dois saíram da loja por uma porta dos fundos, atravessaram um beco sinuoso até outra rua, onde um aerodeslizador os esperava.

En Cinco minutos depois, o comerciante levou seu escravo ao mercado público. Uma grande multidão preenchia o amplo espaço aberto, no centro do qual ficava o bloco de escravos.

En As multidões eram enormes naquele dia, pois esperava-se que Carthoris, o Príncipe de Hélio, fosse o principal licitante.

En Um a um, os mestres subiram ao pódio ao lado do bloco de escravos onde suas propriedades estavam. Cada um recitou brevemente e claramente os méritos de sua oferta específica.

En Depois que o leilão terminou, o mordomo-chefe do Príncipe de Hélio trouxe de volta à plataforma aqueles que o tinham impressionado. Ele já havia oferecido um preço justo por eles.

En Houve muito pouca negociação sobre os preços, e nenhuma quando Vas Kor foi colocado à venda. Seu mestre comerciante aceitou a primeira oferta, e assim um nobre de Dusar passou a fazer parte da casa de Carthoris.

Capítulo III — Traição

En No dia seguinte à chegada de Vas Kor ao palácio do Príncipe de Hélio, uma grande agitação se espalhou pelas cidades gêmeas, atingindo seu auge no palácio de Carthoris. Chegou a notícia de que Thuvia de Ptarth havia sido sequestrada da corte de seu pai, junto com uma sugestão velada de que o Príncipe de Hélio poderia saber muito sobre o ocorrido e o paradeiro da princesa.

En Na câmara do conselho de John Carter, o Guerreiro de Marte, estavam Tardos Mors, Jeddak de Hélio; seu filho Mors Kajak, Jed de Hélio Menor; Carthoris; e cerca de vinte dos grandes nobres do império.

En John Carter disse que não deveria haver guerra entre Ptarth e Hélio. Ele disse a seu filho que sabiam que ele era inocente da acusação que havia sido insinuada contra ele, mas Thuvan Dihn também precisava estar completamente convencido disso.

En Disseram a Carthoris que só ele poderia convencer Thuvan Dihn. Ele tinha que se apressar para a corte de Ptarth, onde sua presença e palavras provariam que as suspeitas do governante eram falsas. Ele deveria trazer a autoridade do Senhor da Guerra de Barsoom e do Jeddak de Hélio, prometendo todos os recursos aliados para ajudar Thuvan Dihn a recuperar sua filha e punir aqueles que a levaram.

En Foi lhe dito para partir imediatamente, pois estava claro que nenhum incentivo para pressa era necessário.

En Carthoris saiu da câmara do conselho e apressou-se para seu palácio.

En No palácio, os servos prepararam rapidamente tudo para a viagem de seu mestre. Vários cuidaram do aerobarco rápido que levaria o Príncipe de Hélio rapidamente a Ptarth.

En Finalmente, tudo estava pronto. Apenas dois guardas armados permaneceram. O sol poente estava baixo, e a escuridão logo cobriria tudo.

En Um guarda grande, com uma cicatriz fina que ia da têmpora à boca em sua bochecha direita, aproximou-se de seu companheiro. Ele olhou além e acima do outro homem e, quando chegou bem perto, falou.

En Ele perguntou que estranha nave era aquela.

En O outro guarda rapidamente se virou para olhar para cima. Assim que ele virou as costas, o gigante enterrou sua espada curta em sua omoplata esquerda, atravessando seu coração.

En O soldado caiu em silêncio, morto no local. O assassino rapidamente arrastou o cadáver para as sombras escuras do hangar e depois retornou à aeronave.

En Ele tirou do bolso uma chave habilmente feita e removeu a tampa do mostrador direito da bússola de destino. Ele estudou o mecanismo abaixo por um momento, depois recolocou o mostrador, ajustou o ponteiro e o removeu novamente para ver como as partes haviam se movido.

En Ele sorriu, então usou alicates para remover a projeção que conectava o ponteiro externo ao mostrador. Agora, mover o ponteiro não tinha efeito sobre o mecanismo interno. O mostrador do hemisfério oriental havia se tornado inútil.

En Em seguida, ele se concentrou no mostrador ocidental. Ele o ajustou para uma posição específica, então removeu sua tampa. Usando uma ferramenta afiada, ele cortou o dedo de aço debaixo do ponteiro.

En Ele rapidamente recolocou a tampa do segundo mostrador e voltou à sua posição de guarda. A bússola parecia funcionar normalmente, mas na verdade os ponteiros não controlavam mais o mecanismo abaixo. O dispositivo agora estava fixo em um destino escolhido pelo escravo.

En Carthoris logo chegou com apenas alguns de seus homens. Ele olhou rapidamente para o único escravo de guarda. Os lábios finos e cruéis do escravo e a cicatriz da têmpora à boca despertaram uma memória desagradável. Carthoris se perguntou onde Saran Tal o havia encontrado, mas depois afastou o pensamento. Ele começou a rir e conversar com seus companheiros, embora por baixo da superfície seu coração estivesse frio de medo. Ele não conseguia imaginar que perigos Thuvia de Ptarth poderia estar enfrentando.

En Seu primeiro pensamento foi que Astok de Dusar havia sequestrado a bela ptarthiana. No entanto, a notícia do sequestro chegou ao mesmo tempo que relatos de grandes celebrações em Dusar, honrando o retorno do filho do jeddak à corte de seu pai.

En Carthoris considerou que não poderia ter sido Astok, já que Astok estivera em Dusar na noite em que Thuvia foi levada. Ainda assim, ele tinha suas dúvidas.

CARTHORIS AND THUVIA

Português

Uma mulher sentou-se em um banco de ersite polido sob as flores de uma gigante árvore pimália, nos jardins reais de Thuvan Dihn. Seu pé calçado com sandália batia impacientemente no caminho cravejado de joias que serpenteava sob as altas árvores sorapus através do gramado escarlate. Um guerreiro de cabelos escuros e pele vermelha inclinou-se, sussurrando palavras acaloradas perto do ouvido dela.

Original English

Upon a massive bench of polished ersite beneath the gorgeous blooms of a giant pimalia a woman sat. Her shapely, sandalled foot tapped impatiently upon the jewel-strewn walk that wound beneath the stately sorapus trees across the scarlet sward of the royal gardens of Thuvan Dihn, Jeddak of Ptarth, as a dark-haired, red-skinned warrior bent low toward her, whispering heated words close to her ear.

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Português

O guerreiro exclamou que Thuvia de Ptarth era fria mesmo diante das explosões ardentes de seu amor consumidor. Ele declarou que nenhuma pedra era mais dura ou mais fria que o coração dela, e que o banco de ersite que sustentava sua forma divina era três vezes feliz. Ele implorou que ela lhe dissesse que ele ainda podia esperar, que, embora ela não o amasse agora, algum dia, sua princesa, ela poderia.

Original English

"Ah, Thuvia of Ptarth," he cried, "you are cold even before the fiery blasts of my consuming love! No harder than your heart, nor colder is the hard, cold ersite of this thrice happy bench which supports your divine and fadeless form! Tell me, O Thuvia of Ptarth, that I may still hope -- that though you do not love me now, yet some day, some day, my princess, I--"

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Português

A garota levantou-se rapidamente com uma exclamação de surpresa e desagrado. Ela manteve sua cabeça majestosa erguida sobre seus ombros vermelhos e lisos, e seus olhos escuros olharam com raiva nos olhos do homem.

Original English

The girl sprang to her feet with an exclamation of surprise and displeasure. Her queenly head was poised haughtily upon her smooth red shoulders. Her dark eyes looked angrily into those of the man.

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Português

Ela disse a Astok que ele se esquecera de si mesmo e dos costumes de Barsoom. Ela não lhe dera nenhum direito de se dirigir à filha de Thuvan Dihn daquela maneira, nem ele havia conquistado tal direito.

Original English

"You forget yourself, and the customs of Barsoom, Astok," she said. "I have given you no right thus to address the daughter of Thuvan Dihn, nor have you won such a right."

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Português

O homem de repente estendeu a mão e agarrou-a pelo braço.

Original English

The man reached suddenly forth and grasped her by the arm.

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Português

Astok insistiu que Thuvia se tornaria sua princesa. Ele jurou que ninguém o impediria de alcançar seu desejo, e que mataria qualquer rival e jogaria o corpo para os calots selvagens.

Original English

"You shall be my princess!" he cried. "By the breast of Issus, thou shalt, nor shall any other come between Astok, Prince of Dusar, and his heart's desire. Tell me that there is another, and I shall cut out his foul heart and fling it to the wild calots of the dead sea-bottoms!"

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Português

Quando Astok a tocou, a pele de Thuvia ficou pálida sob seu tom acobreado. Em Marte, as mulheres reais eram consideradas quase sagradas, então sua ação foi um grave desrespeito. Thuvia olhou para ele com horror, não medo, por causa do ato que ele havia cometido e suas possíveis consequências.

Original English

At touch of the man's hand upon her flesh the girl went pallid beneath her coppery skin, for the persons of the royal women of the courts of Mars are held but little less than sacred. The act of Astok, Prince of Dusar, was profanation. There was no terror in the eyes of Thuvia of Ptarth -- only horror for the thing the man had done and for its possible consequences.

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Português

Sua voz estava calma e fria enquanto ela ordenava que ele a soltasse.

Original English

"Release me." Her voice was level -- frigid.

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Português

Ele murmurou de forma incompreensível e a puxou bruscamente para mais perto.

Original English

The man muttered incoherently and drew her roughly toward him.

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Português

Ela repetiu sua ordem de forma cortante, avisando que chamaria a guarda e que o Príncipe de Dusar entendia as implicações.

Original English

"Release me!" she repeated sharply, "or I call the guard, and the Prince of Dusar knows what that will mean."

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Português

Ele rapidamente envolveu os ombros dela com o braço e tentou aproximar o rosto dela para um beijo. Ela soltou um pequeno grito e o atingiu na boca com as pesadas pulseiras em seu braço livre.

Original English

Quickly he threw his right arm about her shoulders and strove to draw her face to his lips. With a little cry she struck him full in the mouth with the massive bracelets that circled her free arm.

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Português

Ela o chamou de calot, depois gritou para a guarda vir rapidamente e proteger a Princesa de Ptarth.

Original English

"Calot!" she exclaimed, and then: "The guard! The guard! Hasten in protection of the Princess of Ptarth!"

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Português

Em resposta ao seu grito, cerca de uma dúzia de guardas correram pela grama vermelha. Suas longas espadas estavam desembainhadas e brilhando ao sol, seus equipamentos de metal chacoalhavam contra seus arreios de couro, e eles gritaram roucamente de raiva ao que viram.

Original English

In answer to her call a dozen guardsmen came racing across the scarlet sward, their gleaming long-swords naked in the sun, the metal of their accoutrements clanking against that of their leathern harness, and in their throats hoarse shouts of rage at the sight which met their eyes.

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Português

Mas antes que os guardas tivessem cruzado metade do jardim real até onde Astok de Dusar ainda segurava a garota que lutava, outra figura saltou de um aglomerado de arbustos grossos que escondia parcialmente uma fonte dourada próxima. Ele era um jovem alto e esbelto, de cabelos pretos e olhos cinzentos afiados, ombros largos e quadris estreitos, claramente construído para lutar. Sua pele tinha apenas um leve tom de cobre, que distinguia os homens vermelhos de Marte de outras raças, mas ele era diferente de maneiras sutis além de sua pele mais clara e olhos cinzentos.

Original English

But before they had passed half across the royal garden to where Astok of Dusar still held the struggling girl in his grasp, another figure sprang from a cluster of dense foliage that half hid a golden fountain close at hand. A tall, straight youth he was, with black hair and keen grey eyes; broad of shoulder and narrow of hip; a clean-limbed fighting man. His skin was but faintly tinged with the copper colour that marks the red men of Mars from the other races of the dying planet -- he was like them, and yet there was a subtle difference greater even than that which lay in his lighter skin and his grey eyes.

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Português

Seus movimentos também eram diferentes. Ele se aproximava em saltos enormes, cobrindo o chão tão rapidamente que a velocidade dos guardas parecia insignificante em comparação.

Original English

There was a difference, too, in his movements. He came on in great leaps that carried him so swiftly over the ground that the speed of the guardsmen was as nothing by comparison.

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Português

Astok ainda segurava o pulso de Thuvia quando um jovem guerreiro o desafiou. O recém-chegado não hesitou e proferiu apenas uma palavra.

Original English

Astok still clutched Thuvia's wrist as the young warrior confronted him. The new-comer wasted no time and he spoke but a single word.

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Português

Ele soltou um insulto e, em seguida, seu punho atingiu o queixo do outro, arremessando-o no ar e fazendo-o cair em uma pilha amassada dentro do arbusto pimalia ao lado do banco.

Original English

"Calot!" he snapped, and then his clenched fist landed beneath the other's chin, lifting him high into the air and depositing him in a crumpled heap within the centre of the pimalia bush beside the ersite bench.

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Português

Seu defensor virou-se para Thuvia e a cumprimentou, dizendo que parecia que o destino havia acertado o momento de sua visita.

Original English

Her champion turned toward the girl. "Kaor, Thuvia of Ptarth!" he cried. "It seems that fate timed my visit well."

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Português

A princesa retribuiu o cumprimento, chamando-o de Carthoris de Hélio e comentando que não se poderia esperar menos do filho de tal pai.

Original English

"Kaor, Carthoris of Helium!" the princess returned the young man's greeting, "and what less could one expect of the son of such a sire?"

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Português

Ele fez uma reverência para reconhecer o elogio a seu pai, John Carter. Então os guardas, ofegantes pela corrida, chegaram no momento em que o Príncipe de Dusar, sangrando pela boca e com a espada desembainhada, saiu rastejando do arbusto pimalia.

Original English

He bowed his acknowledgment of the compliment to his father, John Carter, Warlord of Mars. And then the guardsmen, panting from their charge, came up just as the Prince of Dusar, bleeding at the mouth, and with drawn sword, crawled from the entanglement of the pimalia.

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Português

Astok queria lutar contra o filho de Dejah Thoris, mas os guardas o cercaram e o impediram. Estava claro que Carthoris de Hélio ficaria muito feliz em lutar.

Original English

Astok would have leaped to mortal combat with the son of Dejah Thoris, but the guardsmen pressed about him, preventing, though it was clearly evident that naught would have better pleased Carthoris of Helium.

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Português

Ele implorou a Thuvia de Ptarth que lhe desse permissão, dizendo que teria grande prazer em punir o homem que merecia.

Original English

"But say the word, Thuvia of Ptarth," he begged, "and naught will give me greater pleasure than meting to this fellow the punishment he has earned."

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Português

Ela disse a Carthoris que isso não poderia acontecer. Embora o homem não merecesse mais sua consideração, ele era um convidado de seu pai, o jeddak, e apenas seu pai poderia lidar com seu ato terrível.

Original English

"It cannot be, Carthoris," she replied. "Even though he has forfeited all claim upon my consideration, yet is he the guest of the jeddak, my father, and to him alone may he account for the unpardonable act he has committed."

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Português

O homem de Hélio concordou com Thuvia, mas disse que depois o outro teria que responder a Carthoris, Príncipe de Hélio, por insultar a filha do amigo de seu pai. No entanto, o fogo em seus olhos mostrava que ele tinha um motivo mais pessoal para protegê-la.

Original English

"As you say, Thuvia," replied the Heliumite. "But afterward he shall account to Carthoris, Prince of Helium, for this affront to the daughter of my father's friend." As he spoke, though, there burned in his eyes a fire that proclaimed a nearer, dearer cause for his championship of this glorious daughter of Barsoom.

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Português

O rosto da garota corou sob sua pele translúcida, e Astok, Príncipe de Dusar, também olhou sombriamente enquanto entendia a comunicação silenciosa entre os dois nos jardins reais do jeddak.

Original English

The maid's cheek darkened beneath the satin of her transparent skin, and the eyes of Astok, Prince of Dusar, darkened, too, as he read that which passed unspoken between the two in the royal gardens of the jeddak.

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Português

Ele respondeu duramente ao desafio de Carthoris repetindo as mesmas palavras para ele.

Original English

"And thou to me," he snapped at Carthoris, answering the young man's challenge.

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Português

Os guardas ainda cercavam Astok. O jovem oficial no comando enfrentava uma situação difícil. Seu prisioneiro era filho de um poderoso jeddak e havia sido um convidado honrado de Thuvan Dihn, tratado com todas as dignidades reais. Prendê-lo à força certamente significaria guerra, mas ele havia feito algo que o guerreiro Ptarth considerava merecedor de morte.

Original English

The guard still surrounded Astok. It was a difficult position for the young officer who commanded it. His prisoner was the son of a mighty jeddak; he was the guest of Thuvan Dihn -- until but now an honoured guest upon whom every royal dignity had been showered. To arrest him forcibly could mean naught else than war, and yet he had done that which in the eyes of the Ptarth warrior merited death.

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Português

O jovem oficial hesitou e olhou para a princesa. Ela também entendia o quanto dependia do próximo momento. Por muitos anos, Dusar e Ptarth estiveram em paz. Seus grandes navios mercantes viajavam entre as maiores cidades das duas nações. Mesmo naquele momento, acima do domo escarlate salpicado de ouro do palácio do jeddak, ela podia ver um imenso cargueiro movendo-se majestosamente pelo ar rarefeito em direção ao oeste e a Dusar.

Original English

The young man hesitated. He looked toward his princess. She, too, guessed all that hung upon the action of the coming moment. For many years Dusar and Ptarth had been at peace with each other. Their great merchant ships plied back and forth between the larger cities of the two nations. Even now, far above the gold-shot scarlet dome of the jeddak's palace, she could see the huge bulk of a giant freighter taking its majestic way through the thin Barsoomian air toward the west and Dusar.

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Português

Com uma única palavra, ela poderia iniciar um conflito sangrento entre as duas poderosas nações. Isso as drenaria de seus homens mais corajosos e de sua imensa riqueza, deixando-as indefesas contra os ataques de seus vizinhos invejosos e mais fracos, e por fim presa fácil para as selvagens hordas verdes dos leitos de mares mortos.

Original English

By a word she might plunge these two mighty nations into a bloody conflict that would drain them of their bravest blood and their incalculable riches, leaving them all helpless against the inroads of their envious and less powerful neighbors, and at last a prey to the savage green hordes of the dead sea-bottoms.

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Português

Sua decisão não foi influenciada pelo medo, pois o medo é raro entre os filhos de Marte. Em vez disso, veio de um senso de responsabilidade que ela sentia como filha do jeddak pelo bem-estar do povo de seu pai.

Original English

No sense of fear influenced her decision, for fear is seldom known to the children of Mars. It was rather a sense of the responsibility that she, the daughter of their jeddak, felt for the welfare of her father's people.

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Português

Thuvia disse ao tenente que o havia chamado para proteger sua pessoa e preservar a paz que não deveria ser perturbada nos jardins reais do jeddak. Ela o instruiu a escoltá-la até o palácio e disse que o Príncipe de Hélio a acompanharia.

Original English

"I called you, Padwar," she said to the lieutenant of the guard, "to protect the person of your princess, and to keep the peace that must not be violated within the royal gardens of the jeddak. That is all. You will escort me to the palace, and the Prince of Helium will accompany me."

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Português

Sem olhar novamente para Astok, ela se virou, pegou a mão oferecida por Carthoris e caminhou lentamente em direção ao enorme palácio de mármore onde o governante de Ptarth e sua corte reluzente residiam. Guardas marchavam em ambos os lados. Dessa forma, Thuvia de Ptarth encontrou uma solução para seu dilema, evitando a necessidade de colocar o hóspede real de seu pai sob contenção e também separando os dois príncipes, que de outra forma teriam lutado no momento em que ela e a guarda partissem.

Original English

Without another glance in the direction of Astok she turned, and taking Carthoris' proffered hand, moved slowly toward the massive marble pile that housed the ruler of Ptarth and his glittering court. On either side marched a file of guardsmen. Thus Thuvia of Ptarth found a way out of a dilemma, escaping the necessity of placing her father's royal guest under forcible restraint, and at the same time separating the two princes, who otherwise would have been at each other's throat the moment she and the guard had departed.

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Português

Astok ficou ao lado da pimália, seus olhos escuros estreitados em fendas de ódio sob suas sobrancelhas abaixadas enquanto observava as formas que se afastavam da mulher que havia despertado suas paixões mais intensas e do homem que ele agora acreditava ser o obstáculo entre seu amor e sua realização.

Original English

Beside the pimalia stood Astok, his dark eyes narrowed to mere slits of hate beneath his lowering brows as he watched the retreating forms of the woman who had aroused the fiercest passions of his nature and the man whom he now believed to be the one who stood between his love and its consummation.

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Português

Assim que eles desapareceram dentro da estrutura, Astok deu de ombros e, murmurando um juramento, atravessou os jardins em direção a outra ala do edifício onde ele e sua comitiva estavam alojados.

Original English

As they disappeared within the structure Astok shrugged his shoulders, and with a murmured oath crossed the gardens toward another wing of the building where he and his retinue were housed.

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Português

Naquela noite, ele se despediu formalmente de Thuvan Dihn. Embora não tenha sido feita menção ao incidente no jardim, ficou claro pela cortesia fria do jeddak que apenas os costumes da hospitalidade real o impediam de expressar o desprezo que sentia pelo Príncipe de Dusar.

Original English

That night he took formal leave of Thuvan Dihn, and though no mention was made of the happening within the garden, it was plain to see through the cold mask of the jeddak's courtesy that only the customs of royal hospitality restrained him from voicing the contempt he felt for the Prince of Dusar.

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Português

Carthoris e Thuvia não compareceram à cerimônia formal de despedida. Enquanto o último dusariano embarcava no navio de guerra e este decolava, Thuvan Dihn demonstrou alívio claro e virou-se para um oficial para falar sobre algo não relacionado.

Original English

Carthoris was not present at the leave-taking, nor was Thuvia. The ceremony was as stiff and formal as court etiquette could make it, and when the last of the Dusarians clambered over the rail of the battleship that had brought them upon this fateful visit to the court of Ptarth, and the mighty engine of destruction had risen slowly from the ways of the landing-stage, a note of relief was apparent in the voice of Thuvan Dihn as he turned to one of his officers with a word of comment upon a subject foreign to that which had been uppermost in the minds of all for hours.

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Português

No entanto, talvez o assunto não fosse tão não relacionado quanto parecia.

Original English

But, after all, was it so foreign?

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Português

Thuvan Dihn ordenou a um oficial que dissesse ao Príncipe Sovan para recolher a frota que havia partido para Kaol mais cedo naquele dia e redirecioná-la para navegar a oeste de Ptarth.

Original English

"Inform Prince Sovan," he directed, "that it is our wish that the fleet which departed for Kaol this morning be recalled to cruise to the west of Ptarth."

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Português

Enquanto o navio de guerra que levava o Príncipe Astok de volta a Dusar virava para oeste, Thuvia de Ptarth observava suas luzes desaparecerem de seu assento. Carthoris sentou-se ao lado dela, mas em vez de olhar para o navio, ele contemplava o rosto dela ao luar.

Original English

As the warship, bearing Astok back to the court of his father, turned toward the west, Thuvia of Ptarth, sitting upon the same bench where the Prince of Dusar had affronted her, watched the twinkling lights of the craft growing smaller in the distance. Beside her, in the brilliant light of the nearer moon, sat Carthoris. His eyes were not upon the dim bulk of the battleship, but on the profile of the girl's upturned face.

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Português

Ele sussurrou o nome dela, Thuvia.

Original English

"Thuvia," he whispered.

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Português

A garota encontrou o olhar dele. Ele estendeu a mão para pegar a dela, mas ela gentilmente a afastou.

Original English

The girl turned her eyes toward his. His hand stole out to find hers, but she drew her own gently away.

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Português

O jovem guerreiro declarou seu amor por Thuvia de Ptarth e perguntou se ela estava ofendida.

Original English

"Thuvia of Ptarth, I love you!" cried the young warrior. "Tell me that it does not offend."

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Português

Ela balançou a cabeça tristemente e explicou que o amor dele era uma honra, mas ele não deveria oferecê-lo porque ela não poderia retribuí-lo.

Original English

She shook her head sadly. "The love of Carthoris of Helium," she said simply, "could be naught but an honour to any woman; but you must not speak, my friend, of bestowing upon me that which I may not reciprocate."

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Português

O jovem levantou-se lentamente, surpreso. Nunca lhe passara pela cabeça que Thuvia pudesse amar outra pessoa.

Original English

The young man got slowly to his feet. His eyes were wide in astonishment. It never had occurred to the Prince of Helium that Thuvia of Ptarth might love another.

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Português

Ele perguntou a ela o que ela havia feito em Kadabra e na corte de seu pai para avisá-lo de que ela não o amava.

Original English

"But at Kadabra!" he exclaimed. "And later here at your father's court, what did you do, Thuvia of Ptarth, that might have warned me that you could not return my love?"

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Português

Thuvia perguntou a Carthoris o que ela havia feito que o faria pensar que ela havia devolvido.

Original English

"And what did I do, Carthoris of Helium," she returned, "that might lead you to believe that I DID return it?"

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Português

Carthoris fez uma pausa, então balançou a cabeça, admitindo que ela não havia feito nada, mas insistindo que ele tinha certeza de que ela o amava. Ele acrescentou que ela devia saber o quanto ele a adorava.

Original English

He paused in thought, and then shook his head. "Nothing, Thuvia, that is true; yet I could have sworn you loved me. Indeed, you well knew how near to worship has been my love for you."

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Português

Thuvia perguntou inocentemente como ela poderia saber, observando que ele nunca havia falado de seu amor por ela antes.

Original English

"And how might I know it, Carthoris?" she asked innocently. "Did you ever tell me as much? Ever before have words of love for me fallen from your lips?"

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Português

Carthoris exclamou que ela devia saber. Ele confessou que era desajeitado em questões de romance, como seu pai, mas insistiu que tudo no jardim — as árvores, flores e grama — deveria ter revelado seu amor desde o momento em que viu sua beleza perfeita, então ele não conseguia entender como só ela não havia percebido.

Original English

"But you MUST have known it!" he exclaimed. "I am like my father -- witless in matters of the heart, and of a poor way with women; yet the jewels that strew these royal garden paths -- the trees, the flowers, the sward -- all must have read the love that has filled my heart since first my eyes were made new by imaging your perfect face and form; so how could you alone have been blind to it?"

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Português

Thuvia perguntou se as mulheres de Hélio cortejavam seus homens.

Original English

"Do the maids of Helium pay court to their men?" asked Thuvia.

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Português

Carthoris exclamou que Thuvia estava brincando com ele e implorou que ela dissesse que estava apenas fingindo e que realmente o amava.

Original English

"You are playing with me!" exclaimed Carthoris. "Say that you are but playing, and that after all you love me, Thuvia!"

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Português

Thuvia respondeu que não podia dizer isso porque já estava prometida a outra pessoa.

Original English

"I cannot tell you that, Carthoris, for I am promised to another."

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Português

A voz dela era firme, mas parecia carregar uma tristeza imensa, embora não se pudesse ter certeza.

Original English

Her tone was level, but was there not within it the hint of an infinite depth of sadness? Who may say?

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Português

Carthoris mal sussurrou as palavras, o rosto empalidecendo. Então ergueu a cabeça com o orgulho próprio de um descendente do governante de um mundo.

Original English

"Promised to another?" Carthoris scarcely breathed the words. His face went almost white, and then his head came up as befitted him in whose veins flowed the blood of the overlord of a world.

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Português

Ele disse que Carthoris de Hélio desejava a ela toda felicidade com o homem que ela havia escolhido, então fez uma pausa, esperando que ela dissesse o nome.

Original English

"Carthoris of Helium wishes you every happiness with the man of your choice," he said. "With--" and then he hesitated, waiting for her to fill in the name.

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Português

Ela respondeu que Kulan Tith era o Jeddak de Kaol, amigo de seu pai, e o aliado mais poderoso de Ptarth.

Original English

"Kulan Tith, Jeddak of Kaol," she replied. "My father's friend and Ptarth's most puissant ally."

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Português

O jovem olhou para ela atentamente por um momento antes de falar novamente.

Original English

The young man looked at her intently for a moment before he spoke again.

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Português

Ele perguntou a Thuvia de Ptarth se ela o amava.

Original English

"You love him, Thuvia of Ptarth?" he asked.

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Português

Ela respondeu simplesmente que estava prometida a ele.

Original English

"I am promised to him," she replied simply.

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Português

Ele não a pressionou mais. Carthoris refletiu que o homem era do sangue mais nobre e dos maiores guerreiros de Barsoom, amigo de seu pai e seu próprio, e desejou que pudesse ter sido outro. A expressão da garota escondia seus pensamentos, mostrando apenas uma sombra de tristeza que poderia ser por Carthoris, por si mesma ou por ambos.

Original English

He did not press her. "He is of Barsoom's noblest blood and mightiest fighters," mused Carthoris. "My father's friend and mine -- would that it might have been another!" he muttered almost savagely. What the girl thought was hidden by the mask of her expression, which was tinged only by a little shadow of sadness that might have been for Carthoris, herself, or for them both.

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Português

Carthoris notou a situação, mas não a questionou. Sua lealdade a Kulan Tith era tão inabalável quanto o vínculo entre John Carter e seus amigos, uma lealdade que não poderia ser superada.

Original English

Carthoris of Helium did not ask, though he noted it, for his loyalty to Kulan Tith was the loyalty of the blood of John Carter of Virginia for a friend, greater than which could be no loyalty.

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Português

Ele levantou uma peça adornada com joias da magnífica vestimenta da garota e a pressionou contra os lábios.

Original English

He raised a jewel-encrusted bit of the girl's magnificent trappings to his lips.

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Português

Ele brindou à honra e felicidade de Kulan Tith e à preciosa joia que ele havia recebido, com a voz sincera embora áspera. Ele confessou que amara Thuvia antes de saber que ela estava prometida a outro, e embora não pudesse repetir, ficou feliz que ela soubesse. Ele assegurou que não havia desonra para ela, Kulan Tith ou ele mesmo. Seu amor era tal que poderia também abraçar Kulan Tith se ela o amasse, e sua declaração carregava uma pergunta implícita.

Original English

"To the honour and happiness of Kulan Tith and the priceless jewel that has been bestowed upon him," he said, and though his voice was husky there was the true ring of sincerity in it. "I told you that I loved you, Thuvia, before I knew that you were promised to another. I may not tell you it again, but I am glad that you know it, for there is no dishonour in it either to you or to Kulan Tith or to myself. My love is such that it may embrace as well Kulan Tith -- if you love him." There was almost a question in the statement.

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Português

Ela respondeu que estava prometida a ele.

Original English

"I am promised to him," she replied.

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Português

Carthoris recuou lentamente, colocando uma mão sobre o coração e a outra no punho de sua longa espada.

Original English

Carthoris backed slowly away. He laid one hand upon his heart, the other upon the pommel of his long-sword.

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Português

Ele disse a ela que os itens eram dela para sempre, e então ele entrou no palácio, desaparecendo de sua vista.

Original English

"These are yours -- always," he said. A moment later he had entered the palace, and was gone from the girl's sight.

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Português

Se ele tivesse voltado imediatamente, a teria encontrado deitada de bruços no banco, com o rosto escondido nos braços, e ninguém estava lá para ver se ela estava chorando.

Original English

Had he returned at once he would have found her prone upon the ersite bench, her face buried in her arms. Was she weeping? There was none to see.

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Português

Carthoris de Hélio havia chegado à corte do amigo de seu pai sem aviso prévio naquele dia, viajando sozinho em um pequeno veículo voador, confiante na habitual recepção calorosa em Ptarth. Como sua chegada havia sido informal, não houve necessidade de formalidades quando ele partiu.

Original English

Carthoris of Helium had come all unannounced to the court of his father's friend that day. He had come alone in a small flier, sure of the same welcome that always awaited him at Ptarth. As there had been no formality in his coming there was no need of formality in his going.

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Português

Ele disse a Thuvan Dihn que estava testando uma invenção própria, um aperfeiçoamento da bússola aérea marciana padrão. Esse dispositivo, uma vez ajustado para um destino específico, permaneceria fixo nele, de modo que bastava manter a proa da nave apontada para a agulha da bússola para alcançar qualquer ponto em Barsoom pela rota mais direta.

Original English

To Thuvan Dihn he explained that he had been but testing an invention of his own with which his flier was equipped -- a clever improvement of the ordinary Martian air compass, which, when set for a certain destination, will remain constantly fixed thereon, making it only necessary to keep a vessel's prow always in the direction of the compass needle to reach any given point upon Barsoom by the shortest route.

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Português

O aperfeiçoamento de Carthoris consistia em um mecanismo adicional que guiava automaticamente a nave na direção da bússola e, ao atingir o ponto exato para o qual a bússola estava ajustada, parava a nave e a abaixava até o chão, tudo sem intervenção humana.

Original English

Carthoris' improvement upon this consisted of an auxiliary device which steered the craft mechanically in the direction of the compass, and upon arrival directly over the point for which the compass was set, brought the craft to a standstill and lowered it, also automatically, to the ground.

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Português

Carthoris explicou a Thuvan Dihn os benefícios de sua nova invenção. Eles estavam no telhado do palácio onde as naves pousavam, e Carthoris estava mostrando a ele a bússola antes de se despedir.

Original English

"You readily discern the advantages of this invention," he was saying to Thuvan Dihn, who had accompanied him to the landing-stage upon the palace roof to inspect the compass and bid his young friend farewell.

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Português

Um grupo de cerca de uma dúzia de oficiais da corte e vários servos pessoais se reuniu atrás do jeddak e seu convidado, ouvindo atentamente. Um servo estava tão ansioso que um nobre teve que repreendê-lo duas vezes por se adiantar àqueles de posição superior para ver o mecanismo complexo da chamada bússola de destino controladora.

Original English

A dozen officers of the court with several body servants were grouped behind the jeddak and his guest, eager listeners to the conversation -- so eager on the part of one of the servants that he was twice rebuked by a noble for his forwardness in pushing himself ahead of his betters to view the intricate mechanism of the wonderful "controlling destination compass," as the thing was called.

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Português

Carthoris então deu um exemplo: em uma longa viagem noturna como esta, ele ajustaria o ponteiro no mostrador direito para a latitude e longitude exatas de Helium. Então ele ligaria o motor, se enrolaria em sedas e peles para dormir, e viajaria pela noite com as luzes acesas, confiante de que chegaria suavemente ao seu próprio píer do palácio no horário marcado, mesmo que permanecesse dormindo.

Original English

"For example," continued Carthoris, "I have an all-night trip before me, as to-night. I set the pointer here upon the right-hand dial which represents the eastern hemisphere of Barsoom, so that the point rests upon the exact latitude and longitude of Helium. Then I start the engine, roll up in my sleeping silks and furs, and with lights burning, race through the air toward Helium, confident that at the appointed hour I shall drop gently toward the landing-stage upon my own palace, whether I am still asleep or no."

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Português

Thuvan Dihn levantou a possibilidade de colidir com outro viajante noturno.

Original English

"Provided," suggested Thuvan Dihn, "you do not chance to collide with some other night wanderer in the meanwhile."

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Português

Carthoris sorriu e garantiu que não havia perigo. Ele apontou para um dispositivo ao lado da bússola, que chamou de seu desviador de obstáculos. A parte visível era um interruptor para ligá-lo ou desligá-lo, enquanto o instrumento principal estava abaixo do convés, conectado tanto à direção quanto às alavancas de controle.

Original English

Carthoris smiled. "No danger of that," he replied. "See here," and he indicated a device at the right of the destination compass. "This is my 'obstruction evader,' as I call it. This visible device is the switch which throws the mechanism on or off. The instrument itself is below deck, geared both to the steering apparatus and the control levers.

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Português

O sistema funcionava de forma simples: um gerador de rádio espalhava radioatividade em todas as direções por cerca de cem jardas ao redor do veículo voador. Se essa força fosse interrompida, um instrumento delicado imediatamente percebia a irregularidade e enviava um impulso a um dispositivo magnético, que então acionava o mecanismo de direção para desviar a proa do obstáculo. Assim que a esfera de radioatividade do veículo não estava mais em contato, ele retornava ao seu curso normal. Se uma nave mais rápida se aproximasse por trás, o mecanismo também ajustava a velocidade e a direção, fazendo o veículo avançar e subir ou descer dependendo do plano da outra nave.

Original English

"It is quite simple, being nothing more than a radium generator diffusing radio-activity in all directions to a distance of a hundred yards or so from the flier. Should this enveloping force be interrupted in any direction a delicate instrument immediately apprehends the irregularity, at the same time imparting an impulse to a magnetic device which in turn actuates the steering mechanism, diverting the bow of the flier away from the obstacle until the craft's radio-activity sphere is no longer in contact with the obstruction, then she falls once more into her normal course. Should the disturbance approach from the rear, as in case of a faster-moving craft overhauling me, the mechanism actuates the speed control as well as the steering gear, and the flier shoots ahead and either up or down, as the oncoming vessel is upon a lower or higher plane than herself.

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Português

Em situações mais sérias, onde havia muitos obstáculos ou a proa precisava ser desviada mais de quarenta e cinco graus, ou quando o veículo voador chegava ao seu destino e descia a menos de cem jardas do chão, o mecanismo parava a nave completamente. Ao mesmo tempo, um alarme alto soava para acordar o piloto. O locutor afirmou ter antecipado quase todos os problemas possíveis.

Original English

"In aggravated cases, that is when the obstructions are many, or of such a nature as to deflect the bow more than forty-five degrees in any direction, or when the craft has reached its destination and dropped to within a hundred yards of the ground, the mechanism brings her to a full stop, at the same time sounding a loud alarm which will instantly awaken the pilot. You see I have anticipated almost every contingency."

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Português

Thuvan Dihn sorriu, demonstrando sua apreciação pelo notável dispositivo. O servo da frente se aproximou muito do veículo voador, com os olhos semicerrados.

Original English

Thuvan Dihn smiled his appreciation of the marvellous device. The forward servant pushed almost to the flier's side. His eyes were narrowed to slits.

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Português

Ele disse que o inventor havia pensado em tudo, exceto em uma coisa.

Original English

"All but one," he said.

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Português

Os nobres olharam para ele espantados, e um deles agarrou seu ombro bruscamente para empurrá-lo de volta ao seu lugar. Mas Carthoris levantou a mão para detê-los.

Original English

The nobles looked at him in astonishment, and one of them grasped the fellow none too gently by the shoulder to push him back to his proper place. Carthoris raised his hand.

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Português

Ele os instou a esperar e ouvir o homem, argumentando que nenhum plano feito por mortais é perfeito. Talvez o servo tivesse notado uma fraqueza que eles deveriam saber imediatamente. Então, ele perguntou diretamente ao homem qual poderia ser aquela possibilidade negligenciada.

Original English

"Wait," he urged. "Let us hear what the man has to say -- no creation of mortal mind is perfect. Perchance he has detected a weakness that it will be well to know at once. Come, my good fellow, and what may be the one contingency I have overlooked?"

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Português

Enquanto falava, Carthoris finalmente examinou o servo de perto. Ele viu um homem gigante e bonito, típico dos homens vermelhos marcianos, mas os lábios do servo eram finos e cruéis, e uma cicatriz branca e tênue de um corte de espada ia de sua têmpora direita até o canto da boca.

Original English

As he spoke Carthoris observed the servant closely for the first time. He saw a man of giant stature and handsome, as are all those of the race of Martian red men; but the fellow's lips were thin and cruel, and across one cheek was the faint, white line of a sword-cut from the right temple to the corner of the mouth.

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Português

O Príncipe de Hélio insistiu para que ele falasse.

Original English

"Come," urged the Prince of Helium. "Speak!"

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Português

O homem hesitou, claramente se arrependendo de que sua ousadia tivesse chamado a atenção de todos. Mas, não vendo saída, ele finalmente começou a falar.

Original English

The man hesitated. It was evident that he regretted the temerity that had made him the centre of interested observation. But at last, seeing no alternative, he spoke.

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Português

Ele disse que um inimigo poderia adulterá-lo.

Original English

"It might be tampered with," he said, "by an enemy."

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Português

Carthoris tirou uma pequena chave de sua bolsa de couro.

Original English

Carthoris drew a small key from his leathern pocket-pouch.

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Português

Ele mostrou a chave ao homem e explicou que o mecanismo que ela abria era tão complexo que nenhum chaveiro poderia dominá-lo. Protegia as partes internas do instrumento contra adulteração. Sem ela, um inimigo teria que quase destruir o dispositivo para alcançar seu núcleo, deixando sinais óbvios de interferência.

Original English

"Look at this," he said, handing it to the man. "If you know aught of locks, you will know that the mechanism which this unlooses is beyond the cunning of a picker of locks. It guards the vitals of the instrument from crafty tampering. Without it an enemy must half wreck the device to reach its heart, leaving his handiwork apparent to the most casual observer."

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Português

O servo pegou a chave e a examinou cuidadosamente. Quando estava prestes a devolvê-la, deixou-a cair no chão de mármore. Fingindo procurá-la, colocou a sandália diretamente sobre o objeto brilhante e apoiou todo o peso naquele pé brevemente. Então recuou, deu uma exclamação de satisfação como se a tivesse encontrado, abaixou-se, pegou-a e a devolveu a Carthoris. Depois retornou ao seu lugar atrás dos nobres e não foi mais notado.

Original English

The servant took the key, glanced at it shrewdly, and then as he made to return it to Carthoris dropped it upon the marble flagging. Turning to look for it he planted the sole of his sandal full upon the glittering object. For an instant he bore all his weight upon the foot that covered the key, then he stepped back and with an exclamation as of pleasure that he had found it, stooped, recovered it, and returned it to the Heliumite. Then he dropped back to his station behind the nobles and was forgotten.

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Português

Logo depois, Carthoris se despediu de Thuvan Dihn e seus nobres. Com suas luzes cintilando, ele ascendeu ao céu estrelado da noite marciana.

Original English

A moment later Carthoris had made his adieux to Thuvan Dihn and his nobles, and with lights twinkling had risen into the star-shot void of the Martian night.

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CHAPTER II — SLAVERY

Português

Quando o governante de Ptarth desceu da plataforma de desembarque acima do palácio, seguido por seus cortesãos, os servos assumiram suas posições atrás de seus senhores reais ou nobres. Um servo ficou atrás dos outros até o final. Então ele se abaixou rapidamente, removeu a sandália do pé direito e a colocou em sua bolsa.

Original English

As the ruler of Ptarth, followed by his courtiers, descended from the landing-stage above the palace, the servants dropped into their places in the rear of their royal or noble masters, and behind the others one lingered to the last. Then quickly stooping he snatched the sandal from his right foot, slipping it into his pocket-pouch.

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Português

O grupo desceu aos níveis inferiores, e o jeddak os dispensou com um gesto. Ninguém observou que o sujeito ousado que havia chamado tanta atenção antes da partida do Príncipe de Hélio havia desaparecido dentre os servos.

Original English

When the party had come to the lower levels, and the jeddak had dispersed them by a sign, none noticed that the forward fellow who had drawn so much attention to himself before the Prince of Helium departed, was no longer among the other servants.

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Português

Ninguém havia pensado em perguntar a qual séquito de nobre ele pertencia, pois os seguidores de um nobre marciano são numerosos e vão e vêm ao capricho de seu mestre. Um rosto novo raramente é questionado; passar pelos muros do palácio é considerado prova de lealdade inquestionável ao jeddak, dado o rigoroso exame que cada um deve sofrer para servir aos nobres da corte.

Original English

To whose retinue he had been attached none had thought to inquire, for the followers of a Martian noble are many, coming and going at the whim of their master, so that a new face is scarcely ever questioned, as the fact that a man has passed within the palace walls is considered proof positive that his loyalty to the jeddak is beyond question, so rigid is the examination of each who seeks service with the nobles of the court.

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Português

Era uma regra sólida, relaxada apenas como cortesia para a comitiva da realeza visitante de uma potência estrangeira amiga.

Original English

A good rule that, and only relaxed by courtesy in favour of the retinue of visiting royalty from a friendly foreign power.

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Português

No final da manhã seguinte, um servo alto vestindo a libré de um grande nobre de Ptarth saiu dos portões do palácio e entrou na cidade. Ele caminhou rapidamente por amplas avenidas, deixando o distrito dos nobres para trás, até chegar à área do mercado. Lá, procurou um imponente edifício que se erguia como uma torre em direção ao céu, suas paredes externas decoradas com delicadas esculturas e intrincados mosaicos.

Original English

It was late in the morning of the next day that a giant serving man in the harness of the house of a great Ptarth noble passed out into the city from the palace gates. Along one broad avenue and then another he strode briskly until he had passed beyond the district of the nobles and had come to the place of shops. Here he sought a pretentious building that rose spire-like toward the heavens, its outer walls elaborately wrought with delicate carvings and intricate mosaics.

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Português

Este era o Palácio da Paz, que abrigava os representantes de potências estrangeiras — ou melhor, suas embaixadas; os próprios ministros residiam em palácios esplêndidos dentro do distrito dos nobres.

Original English

It was the Palace of Peace in which were housed the representatives of the foreign powers, or rather in which were located their embassies; for the ministers themselves dwelt in gorgeous palaces within the district occupied by the nobles.

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Português

O homem foi à embaixada de Dusar. Ao entrar, um funcionário se levantou e, quando solicitado a ver o ministro, pediu credenciais. O visitante removeu um simples bracelete de metal de acima do cotovelo, apontou para uma inscrição dentro dele e sussurrou algumas palavras ao funcionário.

Original English

Here the man sought the embassy of Dusar. A clerk arose questioningly as he entered, and at his request to have a word with the minister asked his credentials. The visitor slipped a plain metal armlet from above his elbow, and pointing to an inscription upon its inner surface, whispered a word or two to the clerk.

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Português

Os olhos do funcionário se arregalaram e sua postura tornou-se imediatamente respeitosa. Ele conduziu o estranho a um assento com uma reverência, depois apressou-se para uma sala interna com o bracelete. Logo ele retornou e levou o visitante à presença do ministro.

Original English

The latter's eyes went wide, and his attitude turned at once to one of deference. He bowed the stranger to a seat, and hastened to an inner room with the armlet in his hand. A moment later he reappeared and conducted the caller into the presence of the minister.

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Português

Os dois conversaram em particular por um longo tempo. Quando o grande servo finalmente saiu do escritório interno, sua expressão se transformou em um sorriso de satisfação sinistra. Ele foi diretamente do Palácio da Paz ao palácio do ministro dusariano.

Original English

For a long time the two were closeted together, and when at last the giant serving man emerged from the inner office his expression was cast in a smile of sinister satisfaction. From the Palace of Peace he hurried directly to the palace of the Dusarian minister.

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Português

Naquela noite, dois velejadores rápidos partiram do topo do mesmo palácio. Um disparou rapidamente em direção a Hélio; o outro—

Original English

That night two swift fliers left the same palace top. One sped its rapid course toward Helium; the other --

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Português

Thuvia de Ptarth passeava pelos jardins do palácio de seu pai, como era seu costume noturno antes de se recolher. Ela havia enrolado suas sedas e peles ao redor de si, pois o ar de Marte é frio após o sol fazer seu mergulho rápido sob a borda oeste do planeta.

Original English

Thuvia of Ptarth strolled in the gardens of her father's palace, as was her nightly custom before retiring. Her silks and furs were drawn about her, for the air of Mars is chill after the sun has taken his quick plunge beneath the planet's western verge.

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Português

A mente da garota se desviou de seu próximo casamento, que a tornaria imperatriz de Kaol, para o jovem heliunita que havia declarado seu amor a ela no dia anterior.

Original English

The girl's thoughts wandered from her impending nuptials, that would make her empress of Kaol, to the person of the trim young Heliumite who had laid his heart at her feet the preceding day.

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Português

Era difícil dizer se era pena ou arrependimento que a fazia parecer triste enquanto olhava para o céu do sul, onde havia visto as luzes de seu flutuador desaparecerem na noite anterior.

Original English

Whether it was pity or regret that saddened her expression as she gazed toward the southern heavens where she had watched the lights of his flier disappear the previous night, it would be difficult to say.

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Português

Da mesma forma, era impossível adivinhar seus sentimentos quando ela avistou as luzes de um flutuador vindo rapidamente daquela mesma direção, como se atraído em direção ao seu jardim pela força de seus pensamentos.

Original English

So, too, is it impossible to conjecture just what her emotions may have been as she discerned the lights of a flier speeding rapidly out of the distance from that very direction, as though impelled toward her garden by the very intensity of the princess' thoughts.

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Português

Ela o observou circular mais baixo sobre o palácio até ter certeza de que estava pairando, pronto para pousar.

Original English

She saw it circle lower above the palace until she was positive that it but hovered in preparation for a landing.

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Português

Logo, poderosos feixes de seu holofote dispararam da proa. Por um momento, iluminaram a plataforma de pouso, revelando os guardas ptarthianos e fazendo as joias em seus elaborados arreios brilharem como pontos de fogo.

Original English

Presently the powerful rays of its searchlight shot downward from the bow. They fell upon the landing-stage for a brief instant, revealing the figures of the Ptarthian guard, picking into brilliant points of fire the gems upon their gorgeous harnesses.

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Português

A luz intensa então se moveu através dos domos brilhantes e torres delicadas, descendo para pátios, parques e jardins até finalmente parar no banco de ersite e na garota que estava ao lado. Ela tinha o rosto erguido diretamente em direção à máquina voadora.

Original English

Then the blazing eye swept onward across the burnished domes and graceful minarets, down into court and park and garden to pause at last upon the ersite bench and the girl standing there beside it, her face upturned full toward the flier.

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Português

O holofote pousou em Thuvia de Ptarth por apenas um momento, depois se apagou tão rapidamente quanto havia aparecido. O aeronave continuou acima dela e desapareceu atrás de um bosque de altas árvores skeel que cresciam nos terrenos do palácio.

Original English

For but an instant the searchlight halted upon Thuvia of Ptarth, then it was extinguished as suddenly as it had come to life. The flier passed on above her to disappear beyond a grove of lofty skeel trees that grew within the palace grounds.

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Português

A garota permaneceu de pé por um tempo, exatamente como a luz a havia deixado, exceto que agora sua cabeça estava curvada e seus olhos baixos em pensamento.

Original English

The girl stood for some time as it had left her, except that her head was bent and her eyes downcast in thought.

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Português

Quem mais poderia ter sido senão Carthoris? Ela tentou sentir raiva por ele ter retornado dessa forma, espionando-a, mas achou difícil ficar com raiva do jovem príncipe de Hélio.

Original English

Who but Carthoris could it have been? She tried to feel anger that he should have returned thus, spying upon her; but she found it difficult to be angry with the young prince of Helium.

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Português

Ela se perguntou que capricho estranho poderia tê-lo levado a quebrar a etiqueta das nações tão severamente. Grandes potências tinham ido à guerra por razões menores.

Original English

What mad caprice could have induced him so to transgress the etiquette of nations? For lesser things great powers had gone to war.

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Português

A princesa nela ficou chocada e irritada, mas ela também considerou os sentimentos da garota.

Original English

The princess in her was shocked and angered -- but what of the girl!

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Português

Os guardas também ficaram tão surpresos com a ação sem precedentes do estranho que não a desafiaram. No entanto, sua intenção de perseguir logo ficou clara com o rugido dos motores no pátio de pouso e a rápida subida de um longo barco de patrulha.

Original English

And the guard -- what of them? Evidently they, too, had been so much surprised by the unprecedented action of the stranger that they had not even challenged; but that they had no thought to let the thing go unnoticed was quickly evidenced by the skirring of motors upon the landing-stage and the quick shooting airward of a long-lined patrol boat.

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Português

Thuvia observou a nave disparar para o leste. Outros olhos também a seguiram.

Original English

Thuvia watched it dart swiftly eastward. So, too, did other eyes watch.

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Português

Nas sombras profundas de um bosque de skeel, uma aeronave pairava a uma dúzia de pés acima do solo sob a folhagem suspensa. De seu convés, olhos atentos observavam o facho varredor do holofote do barco de patrulha. A nave oculta não mostrava luz e estava silenciosa como uma tumba. Sua tripulação de seis guerreiros vermelhos observou as luzes do barco de patrulha se afastarem na distância.

Original English

Within the dense shadows of the skeel grove, in a wide avenue beneath o'erspreading foliage, a flier hung a dozen feet above the ground. From its deck keen eyes watched the far-fanning searchlight of the patrol boat. No light shone from the enshadowed craft. Upon its deck was the silence of the tomb. Its crew of a half-dozen red warriors watched the lights of the patrol boat diminishing in the distance.

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Português

Um deles comentou em voz baixa que a sabedoria de seus ancestrais os guiava naquela noite.

Original English

"The intellects of our ancestors are with us to-night," said one in a low tone.

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Português

Outra pessoa respondeu que nenhum plano jamais havia sido executado melhor; eles haviam feito exatamente como o príncipe havia previsto.

Original English

"No plan ever carried better," returned another. "They did precisely as the prince foretold."

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Português

Aquele que havia falado primeiro virou-se para o homem agachado diante do painel de controle.

Original English

He who had first spoken turned toward the man who squatted before the control board.

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Português

Ele sussurrou a palavra agora, e nenhuma outra ordem foi necessária. Cada homem no navio havia claramente sido bem instruído em cada detalhe do trabalho daquela noite. O casco escuro moveu-se silenciosamente sob os arcos imponentes do bosque escuro e silencioso.

Original English

"Now!" he whispered. There was no other order given. Every man upon the craft had evidently been well schooled in each detail of that night's work. Silently the dark hull crept beneath the cathedral arches of the dark and silent grove.

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Português

Olhando para o leste, Thuvia de Ptarth viu uma forma mais escura contra a escuridão das árvores enquanto a nave se elevava acima do muro do jardim com contrafortes. Ela viu sua massa escura inclinar-se suavemente para baixo em direção à grama vermelha do jardim.

Original English

Thuvia of Ptarth, gazing toward the east, saw the blacker blot against the blackness of the trees as the craft topped the buttressed garden wall. She saw the dim bulk incline gently downward toward the scarlet sward of the garden.

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Português

Ela sabia que homens que vinham de tal maneira não tinham intenções honrosas. No entanto, ela não gritou para alertar os guardas próximos, nem fugiu para a segurança do palácio.

Original English

She knew that men came not thus with honourable intent. Yet she did not cry aloud to alarm the near-by guardsmen, nor did she flee to the safety of the palace.

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Português

Ele perguntou por quê.

Original English

Why?

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Português

Ele podia imaginá-la dando de ombros com seus ombros graciosos e dando a antiga e universal resposta de uma mulher: porque.

Original English

I can see her shrug her shapely shoulders in reply as she voices the age-old, universal answer of the woman: Because!

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Português

Assim que a máquina voadora tocou o chão, quatro homens saltaram de seu convés e correram em direção à garota.

Original English

Scarce had the flier touched the ground when four men leaped from its deck. They ran forward toward the girl.

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Português

Ela ainda não deu sinal de alarme, parada como se estivesse hipnotizada — ou talvez como alguém que esperava um visitante bem-vindo.

Original English

Still she made no sign of alarm, standing as though hypnotized. Or could it have been as one who awaited a welcome visitor?

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Português

Ela só se mexeu quando eles estavam bem perto. Então a lua mais próxima, subindo acima da folhagem ao redor, iluminou seus rostos com o brilho de seus raios prateados.

Original English

Not until they were quite close to her did she move. Then the nearer moon, rising above the surrounding foliage, touched their faces, lighting all with the brilliancy of her silver rays.

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Português

Thuvia de Ptarth se viu cercada por estranhos—guerreiros vestindo o arreio de Dusar. Ela só então ficou assustada, mas já era tarde demais para escapar.

Original English

Thuvia of Ptarth saw only strangers -- warriors in the harness of Dusar. Now she took fright, but too late!

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Português

Antes que ela pudesse dar um único grito, mãos ásperas a agarraram. Um pesado lenço de seda foi enrolado em sua cabeça. Ela foi levantada por braços fortes e carregada até o convés da aeronave. Então veio o giro repentino das hélices, a pressa do ar contra seu corpo e, de muito abaixo, os gritos e desafios da guarda.

Original English

Before she could voice but a single cry, rough hands seized her. A heavy silken scarf was wound about her head. She was lifted in strong arms and borne to the deck of the flier. There was the sudden whirl of propellers, the rushing of air against her body, and, from far beneath the shouting and the challenge from the guard.

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Português

Outro aviador corria para o sul em direção a Helium. Dentro de sua cabine, um homem alto de pele vermelha se curvou sobre a sola macia de uma sandália virada. Usando instrumentos delicados, ele mediu a leve impressão de um pequeno objeto que estava visível ali. Em uma prancheta ao seu lado estava o contorno de uma chave, e ele cuidadosamente registrou os resultados de suas medições.

Original English

Racing toward the south another flier sped toward Helium. In its cabin a tall red man bent over the soft sole of an upturned sandal. With delicate instruments he measured the faint imprint of a small object which appeared there. Upon a pad beside him was the outline of a key, and here he noted the results of his measurements.

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Português

Um sorriso cruzou seus lábios enquanto ele terminava seu trabalho e se virava para um homem que esperava do outro lado da mesa.

Original English

A smile played upon his lips as he completed his task and turned to one who waited at the opposite side of the table.

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Português

Ele comentou que o homem era um gênio.

Original English

"The man is a genius," he remarked.

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Português

O orador comentou que apenas um gênio poderia ter projetado uma fechadura como aquela. Ele entregou o esboço a Larok e instruiu-o a usar toda sua liberdade criativa para reproduzi-lo em metal.

Original English

"Only a genius could have evolved such a lock as this is designed to spring. Here, take the sketch, Larok, and give all thine own genius full and unfettered freedom in reproducing it in metal."

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Português

O guerreiro-artífice fez uma reverência e comentou que nada construído pelo homem poderia deixar de ser destruído pelo homem. Em seguida, saiu da cabine com o esboço.

Original English

The warrior-artificer bowed. "Man builds naught," he said, "that man may not destroy." Then he left the cabin with the sketch.

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Português

Ao amanhecer, quando a luz tocou as altas torres das cidades gêmeas de Hélio—uma escarlate, a outra amarela—uma nave voadora flutuou lentamente vinda do norte.

Original English

As dawn broke upon the lofty towers which mark the twin cities of Helium -- the scarlet tower of one and the yellow tower of its sister -- a flier floated lazily out of the north.

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Português

A proa da nave trazia o emblema de um nobre menor de uma cidade distante do império de Hélio. Sua passagem lenta e confiante sobre a cidade não alarmou os guardas sonolentos, cujo turno estava quase no fim. Eles pensavam apenas em seus substitutos.

Original English

Upon its bow was emblazoned the signia of a lesser noble of a far city of the empire of Helium. Its leisurely approach and the evident confidence with which it moved across the city aroused no suspicion in the minds of the sleepy guard. Their round of duty nearly done, they had little thought beyond the coming of those who were to relieve them.

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Português

A paz reinava sobre Hélio, mas era uma paz estagnada e enfraquecedora. Sem inimigos, não havia nada a temer.

Original English

Peace reigned throughout Helium. Stagnant, emasculating peace. Helium had no enemies. There was naught to fear.

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Português

A patrulha aérea mais próxima virou lentamente e se aproximou da nave desconhecida. Quando estavam perto o suficiente para falar confortavelmente, o oficial na nave de patrulha chamou a embarcação que se aproximava.

Original English

Without haste the nearest air patrol swung sluggishly about and approached the stranger. At easy speaking distance the officer upon her deck hailed the incoming craft.

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Português

O cumprimento amigável e a história plausível de que o proprietário estava apenas visitando Helium para umas férias curtas satisfizeram a patrulha. A nave de patrulha aérea se virou e retomou seu curso. A nave estranha então continuou até uma plataforma de pouso pública, onde desceu sobre os trilhos e parou.

Original English

The cheery "Kaor!" and the plausible explanation that the owner had come from distant parts for a few days of pleasure in gay Helium sufficed. The air-patrol boat sheered off, passing again upon its way. The stranger continued toward a public landing-stage, where she dropped into the ways and came to rest.

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Português

Na mesma época, um guerreiro entrou na cabine.

Original English

At about the same time a warrior entered her cabin.

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Português

O guerreiro anunciou que a tarefa estava completa e entregou uma pequena chave de metal ao alto nobre, Vas Kor, que havia acabado de se levantar de suas sedas e peles.

Original English

"It is done, Vas Kor," he said, handing a small metal key to the tall noble who had just risen from his sleeping silks and furs.

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Português

Vas Kor exclamou com aprovação e observou que Larok devia ter trabalhado nisso durante toda a noite.

Original English

"Good!" exclaimed the latter. "You must have worked upon it all during the night, Larok."

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Português

O guerreiro assentiu.

Original English

The warrior nodded.

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Português

Vas Kor ordenou que o guerreiro lhe trouxesse o metal heliumético que ele havia forjado alguns dias antes.

Original English

"Now fetch me the Heliumetic metal you wrought some days since," commanded Vas Kor.

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Português

Depois disso, o guerreiro ajudou seu mestre a substituir os ornamentos ornamentados com joias em seu arreio por enfeites mais simples, como os de um soldado comum de Hélio, com a mesma insígnia da casa que aparecia na proa da nave.

Original English

This done, the warrior assisted his master to replace the handsome jewelled metal of his harness with the plainer ornaments of an ordinary fighting man of Helium, and with the insignia of the same house that appeared upon the bow of the flier.

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Português

Vas Kor tomou café da manhã em sua nave, depois saiu para o cais de aeronaves, pegou um elevador até a rua e logo desapareceu na multidão matinal de trabalhadores que se apressavam para seus empregos.

Original English

Vas Kor breakfasted on board. Then he emerged upon the aerial dock, entered an elevator, and was borne quickly to the street below, where he was soon engulfed by the early morning throng of workers hastening to their daily duties.

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Português

Entre a multidão, sua vestimenta de guerreiro não atraiu atenção especial. Em Marte, todo homem capaz de portar armas é um soldado. Lojistas e funcionários usam suas armas enquanto trabalham. Os estudantes, que emergem quase adultos de suas cascas de incubação, se sentiriam tão estranhos sem uma espada quanto um garoto da Terra sem calças.

Original English

Among them his warrior trappings were no more remarkable than is a pair of trousers upon Broadway. All Martian men are warriors, save those physically unable to bear arms. The tradesman and his clerk clank with their martial trappings as they pursue their vocations. The schoolboy, coming into the world, as he does, almost adult from the snowy shell that has encompassed his development for five long years, knows so little of life without a sword at his hip that he would feel the same discomfiture at going abroad unarmed that an Earth boy would experience in walking the streets knicker-bockerless.

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Português

Vas Kor pretendia chegar a Hélio Maior, que ficava a cerca de setenta e cinco milhas através da planície de Hélio Menor. Ele escolheu pousar em Hélio Menor porque sua patrulha aérea era menos vigilante do que aquela que guardava a metrópole maior, onde ficava o palácio do jeddak.

Original English

Vas Kor's destination lay in Greater Helium, which lies some seventy-five miles across the level plain from Lesser Helium. He had landed at the latter city because the air patrol is less suspicious and alert than that above the larger metropolis where lies the palace of the jeddak.

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Português

Ele se movia com a multidão pela ampla avenida, semelhante a um parque, testemunhando o despertar de uma cidade marciana. As casas que haviam sido elevadas em finas colunas metálicas durante a noite desciam suavemente. Crianças brincavam entre as flores no gramado escarlate ao redor dos edifícios, enquanto mulheres riam e conversavam com vizinhos, colhendo flores brilhantes para colocar em vasos dentro de suas casas.

Original English

As he moved with the throng in the parklike canyon of the thoroughfare the life of an awakening Martian city was in evidence about him. Houses, raised high upon their slender metal columns for the night were dropping gently toward the ground. Among the flowers upon the scarlet sward which lies about the buildings children were already playing, and comely women laughing and chatting with their neighbours as they culled gorgeous blossoms for the vases within doors.

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Português

O estrangeiro ouvia repetidamente a alegre saudação barsoomiana de "kaor" enquanto amigos e vizinhos começavam as atividades do dia.

Original English

The pleasant "kaor" of the Barsoomian greeting fell continually upon the ears of the stranger as friends and neighbours took up the duties of a new day.

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Português

O distrito era uma área residencial rica, cheia de comerciantes prósperos. Por toda parte havia sinais de luxo. Escravos apareciam em cada telhado, estendendo sedas magníficas e peles caras para arejar ao sol da manhã. Mesmo a esta hora matinal, mulheres carregadas de joias descansavam em balcões esculpidos. Mais tarde, elas subiam aos telhados, onde escravos haviam arrumado sofás e erguido dosseles de seda para protegê-las dos raios solares.

Original English

The district in which he had landed was residential -- a district of merchants of the more prosperous sort. Everywhere were evidences of luxury and wealth. Slaves appeared upon every housetop with gorgeous silks and costly furs, laying them in the sun for airing. Jewel-encrusted women lolled even thus early upon the carven balconies before their sleeping apartments. Later in the day they would repair to the roofs when the slaves had arranged couches and pitched silken canopies to shade them from the sun.

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Português

De janelas abertas vinham sons de música edificante, pois os marcianos haviam resolvido o desafio de tornar a transição abrupta do sono para a vigília uma experiência agradável—algo que ainda é difícil para as pessoas da Terra.

Original English

Strains of inspiring music broke pleasantly from open windows, for the Martians have solved the problem of attuning the nerves pleasantly to the sudden transition from sleep to waking that proves so difficult a thing for most Earth folk.

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Português

Acima dele, os longos e leves fliers de passageiros corriam em suas pistas designadas entre os muitos estágios de pouso usados para viagens internas na cidade. Os imponentes estágios de pouso no alto do céu eram reservados para os grandes navios internacionais de passageiros. Os navios de carga usavam outros estágios de pouso em níveis mais baixos, alguns a apenas algumas centenas de pés do chão. Nenhum flier tinha permissão para subir ou descer de um nível para outro, exceto em zonas restritas específicas onde o tráfego horizontal era proibido.

Original English

Above him raced the long, light passenger fliers, plying, each in its proper plane, between the numerous landing-stages for internal passenger traffic. Landing-stages that tower high into the heavens are for the great international passenger liners. Freighters have other landing-stages at various lower levels, to within a couple of hundred feet of the ground; nor dare any flier rise or drop from one plane to another except in certain restricted districts where horizontal traffic is forbidden.

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Português

Ao longo da grama aparada que pavimentava a avenida principal, os fliers terrestres se moviam em linhas contínuas em direções opostas. Na maioria das vezes, eles deslizavam rente à superfície, ocasionalmente subindo graciosamente para ultrapassar um motorista mais lento à frente, ou em cruzamentos onde o tráfego norte-sul tinha preferência e o tráfego leste-oeste tinha que subir acima.

Original English

Along the close-cropped sward which paves the avenue ground fliers were moving in continuous lines in opposite directions. For the greater part they skimmed along the surface of the sward, soaring gracefully into the air at times to pass over a slower-going driver ahead, or at intersections, where the north and south traffic has the right of way and the east and west must rise above it.

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Português

De hangares particulares em muitos telhados, fliers mergulhavam no fluxo do tráfego. Adeus felizes e palavras de despedida se misturavam com o zumbido dos motores e os sons suaves da cidade.

Original English

From private hangars upon many a roof top fliers were darting into the line of traffic. Gay farewells and parting admonitions mingled with the whirring of motors and the subdued noises of the city.

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Português

No entanto, em meio a todo esse movimento rápido e às inúmeras pessoas correndo em todas as direções, a impressão dominante era de luxuosa tranquilidade e silêncio suave.

Original English

Yet with all the swift movement and the countless thousands rushing hither and thither, the predominant suggestion was that of luxurious ease and soft noiselessness.

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Português

Os marcianos não gostavam de ruídos ásperos e discordantes. Os únicos sons altos que podiam tolerar eram os ruídos marciais da guerra — o choque de armas, a colisão de dois poderosos couraçados no céu. Para eles, não havia música mais doce do que essa.

Original English

Martians dislike harsh, discordant clamour. The only loud noises they can abide are the martial sounds of war, the clash of arms, the collision of two mighty dreadnoughts of the air. To them there is no sweeter music than this.

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Português

Vas Kor desceu da rua para uma grande estação pneumática no cruzamento de duas largas avenidas. Em uma pequena janela, ele pagou por sua viagem usando duas moedas opacas e ovais de Hélio.

Original English

At the intersection of two broad avenues Vas Kor descended from the street level to one of the great pneumatic stations of the city. Here he paid before a little wicket the fare to his destination with a couple of the dull, oval coins of Helium.

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Português

Depois do porteiro, ele viu uma fila lenta de transportadores que pareciam balas de dois metros e quarenta com ponta cônica para uma arma gigante. Eles se moviam um por um em um trilho ranhurado. Cerca de seis ajudantes ajudavam os passageiros a entrar ou guiavam os transportadores para o lugar certo.

Original English

Beyond the gatekeeper he came to a slowly moving line of what to Earthly eyes would have appeared to be conical-nosed, eight-foot projectiles for some giant gun. In slow procession the things moved in single file along a grooved track. A half dozen attendants assisted passengers to enter, or directed these carriers to their proper destination.

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Português

Vas Kor foi até um transportador vazio. Na sua frente havia um mostrador com um ponteiro. Ele o ajustou para uma estação na Grande Hélio, levantou a tampa curva, entrou e deitou no chão acolchoado. Um ajudante fechou a tampa, que travou com um clique, e o transportador prosseguiu lentamente.

Original English

Vas Kor approached one that was empty. Upon its nose was a dial and a pointer. He set the pointer for a certain station in Greater Helium, raised the arched lid of the thing, stepped in and lay down upon the upholstered bottom. An attendant closed the lid, which locked with a little click, and the carrier continued its slow way.

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Português

Logo, ele se moveu automaticamente para outro trilho e, após um momento, entrou em um dos tubos escuros e abertos.

Original English

Presently it switched itself automatically to another track, to enter, a moment later, one of the series of dark-mouthed tubes.

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Português

Assim que o transportador inteiro estava dentro da abertura escura, ele disparou como uma bala. Após um breve som de zumbido, parou suave e repentinamente. O transportador saiu lentamente em outra plataforma. Outro ajudante abriu a tampa, e Vas Kor saiu em uma estação sob o centro da Grande Hélio, a setenta e cinco milhas de onde tinha começado.

Original English

The instant that its entire length was within the black aperture it sprang forward with the speed of a rifle ball. There was an instant of whizzing -- a soft, though sudden, stop, and slowly the carrier emerged upon another platform, another attendant raised the lid and Vas Kor stepped out at the station beneath the centre of Greater Helium, seventy-five miles from the point at which he had embarked.

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Português

Vas Kor desceu para a rua e entrou em um flier terrestre à espera. Sem uma palavra ao motorista escravo, ele sentou. Claramente, o motorista o estava esperando e já havia recebido suas instruções.

Original English

Here he sought the street level, stepping immediately into a waiting ground flier. He spoke no word to the slave sitting in the driver's seat. It was evident that he had been expected, and that the fellow had received his instructions before his coming.

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Português

Mal Vas Kor havia se sentado, o flier acelerou no trânsito rápido. Logo virou da ampla e movimentada avenida para uma rua mais tranquila. Deixando finalmente o distrito movimentado, entrou em uma área de pequenas lojas e parou diante de uma que exibia uma placa de um vendedor de sedas estrangeiras.

Original English

Scarcely had Vas Kor taken his seat when the flier went quickly into the fast-moving procession, turning presently from the broad and crowded avenue into a less congested street. Presently it left the thronged district behind to enter a section of small shops, where it stopped before the entrance to one which bore the sign of a dealer in foreign silks.

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Português

Vas Kor entrou na sala de teto baixo. Um homem no outro extremo gesticulou em direção a uma sala interna, não mostrando mais reconhecimento até que ele seguiu o visitante para dentro e fechou a porta.

Original English

Vas Kor entered the low-ceiling room. A man at the far end motioned him toward an inner apartment, giving no further sign of recognition until he had passed in after the caller and closed the door.

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Português

Então ele se virou para encarar seu visitante e ofereceu uma saudação deferente.

Original English

Then he faced his visitor, saluting deferentially.

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Português

Ele começou a se dirigir a Vas Kor, mas o nobre o silenciou com um gesto.

Original English

"Most noble--" he commenced, but Vas Kor silenced him with a gesture.

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Português

Ele disse que deveriam abandonar todas as formalidades. Ele insistiu que deviam esquecer seu verdadeiro status e tratá-lo simplesmente como um escravo. Ele acrescentou que, se tudo tivesse sido executado com tanto cuidado quanto foi planejado, não tinham tempo a perder. Em vez disso, deveriam estar a caminho do mercado de escravos. Então ele perguntou se a outra pessoa estava pronta.

Original English

"No formalities," he said. "We must forget that I am aught other than your slave. If all has been as carefully carried out as it has been planned, we have no time to waste. Instead we should be upon our way to the slave market. Are you ready?"

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Português

O comerciante concordou com a cabeça e foi até um grande baú, de onde tirou as vestes simples e sem marca de um escravo. Vas Kor as vestiu imediatamente. Em seguida, os dois saíram da loja por uma porta dos fundos, atravessaram um beco sinuoso até outra rua, onde um aerodeslizador os esperava.

Original English

The merchant nodded, and, turning to a great chest, produced the unemblazoned trappings of a slave. These Vas Kor immediately donned. Then the two passed from the shop through a rear door, traversed a winding alley to an avenue beyond, where they entered a flier which awaited them.

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Português

Cinco minutos depois, o comerciante levou seu escravo ao mercado público. Uma grande multidão preenchia o amplo espaço aberto, no centro do qual ficava o bloco de escravos.

Original English

Five minutes later the merchant was leading his slave to the public market, where a great concourse of people filled the great open space in the centre of which stood the slave block.

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Português

As multidões eram enormes naquele dia, pois esperava-se que Carthoris, o Príncipe de Hélio, fosse o principal licitante.

Original English

The crowds were enormous to-day, for Carthoris, Prince of Helium, was to be the principal bidder.

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Português

Um a um, os mestres subiram ao pódio ao lado do bloco de escravos onde suas propriedades estavam. Cada um recitou brevemente e claramente os méritos de sua oferta específica.

Original English

One by one the masters mounted the rostrum beside the slave block upon which stood their chattels. Briefly and clearly each recounted the virtues of his particular offering.

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Português

Depois que o leilão terminou, o mordomo-chefe do Príncipe de Hélio trouxe de volta à plataforma aqueles que o tinham impressionado. Ele já havia oferecido um preço justo por eles.

Original English

When all were done, the major-domo of the Prince of Helium recalled to the block such as had favourably impressed him. For such he had made a fair offer.

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Português

Houve muito pouca negociação sobre os preços, e nenhuma quando Vas Kor foi colocado à venda. Seu mestre comerciante aceitou a primeira oferta, e assim um nobre de Dusar passou a fazer parte da casa de Carthoris.

Original English

There was little haggling as to price, and none at all when Vas Kor was placed upon the block. His merchant-master accepted the first offer that was made for him, and thus a Dusarian noble entered the household of Carthoris.

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CHAPTER III — TREACHERY

Português

No dia seguinte à chegada de Vas Kor ao palácio do Príncipe de Hélio, uma grande agitação se espalhou pelas cidades gêmeas, atingindo seu auge no palácio de Carthoris. Chegou a notícia de que Thuvia de Ptarth havia sido sequestrada da corte de seu pai, junto com uma sugestão velada de que o Príncipe de Hélio poderia saber muito sobre o ocorrido e o paradeiro da princesa.

Original English

The day following the coming of Vas Kor to the palace of the Prince of Helium great excitement reigned throughout the twin cities, reaching its climax in the palace of Carthoris. Word had come of the abduction of Thuvia of Ptarth from her father's court, and with it the veiled hint that the Prince of Helium might be suspected of considerable knowledge of the act and the whereabouts of the princess.

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Português

Na câmara do conselho de John Carter, o Guerreiro de Marte, estavam Tardos Mors, Jeddak de Hélio; seu filho Mors Kajak, Jed de Hélio Menor; Carthoris; e cerca de vinte dos grandes nobres do império.

Original English

In the council chamber of John Carter, Warlord of Mars, was Tardos Mors, Jeddak of Helium; Mors Kajak, his son, Jed of Lesser Helium; Carthoris, and a score of the great nobles of the empire.

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Português

John Carter disse que não deveria haver guerra entre Ptarth e Hélio. Ele disse a seu filho que sabiam que ele era inocente da acusação que havia sido insinuada contra ele, mas Thuvan Dihn também precisava estar completamente convencido disso.

Original English

"There must be no war between Ptarth and Helium, my son," said John Carter. "That you are innocent of the charge that has been placed against you by insinuation, we well know; but Thuvan Dihn must know it well, too.

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Português

Disseram a Carthoris que só ele poderia convencer Thuvan Dihn. Ele tinha que se apressar para a corte de Ptarth, onde sua presença e palavras provariam que as suspeitas do governante eram falsas. Ele deveria trazer a autoridade do Senhor da Guerra de Barsoom e do Jeddak de Hélio, prometendo todos os recursos aliados para ajudar Thuvan Dihn a recuperar sua filha e punir aqueles que a levaram.

Original English

"There is but one who may convince him, and that one be you. You must hasten at once to the court of Ptarth, and by your presence there as well as by your words assure him that his suspicions are groundless. Bear with you the authority of the Warlord of Barsoom, and of the Jeddak of Helium to offer every resource of the allied powers to assist Thuvan Dihn to recover his daughter and punish her abductors, whomsoever they may be.

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Português

Foi lhe dito para partir imediatamente, pois estava claro que nenhum incentivo para pressa era necessário.

Original English

"Go! I know that I do not need to urge upon you the necessity for haste."

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Português

Carthoris saiu da câmara do conselho e apressou-se para seu palácio.

Original English

Carthoris left the council chamber, and hastened to his palace.

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Português

No palácio, os servos prepararam rapidamente tudo para a viagem de seu mestre. Vários cuidaram do aerobarco rápido que levaria o Príncipe de Hélio rapidamente a Ptarth.

Original English

Here slaves were busy in a moment setting things to rights for the departure of their master. Several worked about the swift flier that would bear the Prince of Helium rapidly toward Ptarth.

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Português

Finalmente, tudo estava pronto. Apenas dois guardas armados permaneceram. O sol poente estava baixo, e a escuridão logo cobriria tudo.

Original English

At last all was done. But two armed slaves remained on guard. The setting sun hung low above the horizon. In a moment darkness would envelop all.

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Português

Um guarda grande, com uma cicatriz fina que ia da têmpora à boca em sua bochecha direita, aproximou-se de seu companheiro. Ele olhou além e acima do outro homem e, quando chegou bem perto, falou.

Original English

One of the guardsmen, a giant of a fellow across whose right cheek there ran a thin scar from temple to mouth, approached his companion. His gaze was directed beyond and above his comrade. When he had come quite close he spoke.

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Português

Ele perguntou que estranha nave era aquela.

Original English

"What strange craft is that?" he asked.

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Português

O outro guarda rapidamente se virou para olhar para cima. Assim que ele virou as costas, o gigante enterrou sua espada curta em sua omoplata esquerda, atravessando seu coração.

Original English

The other turned about quickly to gaze heavenward. Scarce was his back turned toward the giant than the short-sword of the latter was plunged beneath his left shoulder blade, straight through his heart.

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Português

O soldado caiu em silêncio, morto no local. O assassino rapidamente arrastou o cadáver para as sombras escuras do hangar e depois retornou à aeronave.

Original English

Voiceless, the soldier sank in his tracks -- stone dead. Quickly the murderer dragged the corpse into the black shadows within the hangar. Then he returned to the flier.

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Português

Ele tirou do bolso uma chave habilmente feita e removeu a tampa do mostrador direito da bússola de destino. Ele estudou o mecanismo abaixo por um momento, depois recolocou o mostrador, ajustou o ponteiro e o removeu novamente para ver como as partes haviam se movido.

Original English

Drawing a cunningly wrought key from his pocket-pouch, he removed the cover of the right-hand dial of the controlling destination compass. For a moment he studied the construction of the mechanism beneath. Then he returned the dial to its place, set the pointer, and removed it again to note the resultant change in the position of the parts affected by the act.

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Português

Ele sorriu, então usou alicates para remover a projeção que conectava o ponteiro externo ao mostrador. Agora, mover o ponteiro não tinha efeito sobre o mecanismo interno. O mostrador do hemisfério oriental havia se tornado inútil.

Original English

A smile crossed his lips. With a pair of cutters he snipped off the projection which extended through the dial from the external pointer -- now the latter might be moved to any point upon the dial without affecting the mechanism below. In other words, the eastern hemisphere dial was useless.

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Português

Em seguida, ele se concentrou no mostrador ocidental. Ele o ajustou para uma posição específica, então removeu sua tampa. Usando uma ferramenta afiada, ele cortou o dedo de aço debaixo do ponteiro.

Original English

Now he turned his attention to the western dial. This he set upon a certain point. Afterward he removed the cover of this dial also, and with keen tool cut the steel finger from the under side of the pointer.

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Português

Ele rapidamente recolocou a tampa do segundo mostrador e voltou à sua posição de guarda. A bússola parecia funcionar normalmente, mas na verdade os ponteiros não controlavam mais o mecanismo abaixo. O dispositivo agora estava fixo em um destino escolhido pelo escravo.

Original English

As quickly as possible he replaced the second dial cover, and resumed his place on guard. To all intents and purposes the compass was as efficient as before; but, as a matter of fact, the moving of the pointers upon the dials resulted now in no corresponding shift of the mechanism beneath -- and the device was set, immovably, upon a destination of the slave's own choosing.

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Português

Carthoris logo chegou com apenas alguns de seus homens. Ele olhou rapidamente para o único escravo de guarda. Os lábios finos e cruéis do escravo e a cicatriz da têmpora à boca despertaram uma memória desagradável. Carthoris se perguntou onde Saran Tal o havia encontrado, mas depois afastou o pensamento. Ele começou a rir e conversar com seus companheiros, embora por baixo da superfície seu coração estivesse frio de medo. Ele não conseguia imaginar que perigos Thuvia de Ptarth poderia estar enfrentando.

Original English

Presently came Carthoris, accompanied by but a handful of his gentlemen. He cast but a casual glance upon the single slave who stood guard. The fellow's thin, cruel lips, and the sword-cut that ran from temple to mouth aroused the suggestion of an unpleasant memory within him. He wondered where Saran Tal had found the man -- then the matter faded from his thoughts, and in another moment the Prince of Helium was laughing and chatting with his companions, though below the surface his heart was cold with dread, for what contingencies confronted Thuvia of Ptarth he could not even guess.

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Português

Seu primeiro pensamento foi que Astok de Dusar havia sequestrado a bela ptarthiana. No entanto, a notícia do sequestro chegou ao mesmo tempo que relatos de grandes celebrações em Dusar, honrando o retorno do filho do jeddak à corte de seu pai.

Original English

First to his mind, naturally, had sprung the thought that Astok of Dusar had stolen the fair Ptarthian; but almost simultaneously with the report of the abduction had come news of the great fetes at Dusar in honour of the return of the jeddak's son to the court of his father.

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Português

Carthoris considerou que não poderia ter sido Astok, já que Astok estivera em Dusar na noite em que Thuvia foi levada. Ainda assim, ele tinha suas dúvidas.

Original English

It could not have been he, thought Carthoris, for on the very night that Thuvia was taken Astok had been in Dusar, and yet --

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