Sarkoja’s Persecution

This flow traces Sarkoja’s influence as she tries to preserve Thark custom, undermine Carter’s protection of Dejah Thoris, and punish those who resist her.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Captive’s Guard

Cruelty as Authority A harsh custodian Sarkoja guards Dejah Thoris and uses physical force and humiliation against her. Her treatment contrasts with Sola’s care and turns captivity into a daily contest over dignity. A challenge to convention Sola objects to the cruelty and questions the Tharks’ endless violence. Sarkoja answers by treating compassion as weakness, exposing the ideological basis of her authority.

A Report to the Council

Surveillance and Suspicion Private talk overheard Sarkoja listens to Carter and Dejah Thoris discussing escape and Carter’s origins. She converts their private conversation into evidence of a plan against Thark interests. Authority tightened Lorquas Ptomel warns Carter that the alleged plot could bring execution. Sarkoja’s influence shows how political control can operate through accusation even when the accused has not yet acted.

A Mirror in the Duel

An Attempted Killing The attack from the crowd As Carter fights Zad, Sarkoja reflects sunlight into Carter’s eyes with a small mirror. The interference nearly gives his opponent a lethal opening. Sola intervenes Dejah Thoris knocks the mirror away, and Sarkoja turns her dagger on her. Sola steps between them and is wounded, making Sarkoja’s hostility a direct danger to the people Carter protects.

The Escape Betrayed

A Plot Fractured Pursuit is prepared Carter learns that guards expect him at the meeting place and that Dejah Thoris has been taken before Tal Hajus. Sarkoja has helped turn the escape into a trap. The consequences spread Carter must enter Tal Hajus’s quarters to rescue Dejah Thoris and Sola. The resulting flight leaves him exposed to capture and puts all three fugitives in greater danger.

Sarkoja Disappears

The Past Comes Due Gozava’s betrayal recalled Tars Tarkas confronts Sarkoja with her role in exposing Gozava’s secret relationship and bringing about her torture. He warns her that Carter may subject her to the danger she once imposed on others. Power shifts away Sarkoja disappears by the following morning. Her exit follows the change in leadership and the exposure of her old actions, closing a personal conflict without making her accountable through a formal trial.

After Dejah Thoris is brought to Korad

During Carter’s early days as a Thark chieftain

During Carter’s duel with the warrior Zad

The night of the planned flight from Thark

After Tars Tarkas returns to Thark as Carter’s ally