Kantos Kan’s Search and Loyalty

This flow follows Kantos Kan from his survival after the Helium expedition to his partnership with Carter in the effort to free Dejah Thoris.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Wrecked Expedition

A Survivor Returns Escape from the battle Kantos Kan survives the defeat of the Helium expedition and helps bring a damaged vessel home. Most of the crew is lost, but his report allows Helium to begin a search for Dejah Thoris. A search becomes personal Kantos Kan is determined to find the princess and remains in danger while pursuing that goal. His devotion to Helium’s royal family shapes his later decisions in enemy territory.

A Lone Search in Warhoon

Searching Enemy Territory Infiltration on foot Kantos Kan enters Warhoon territory alone and explores the city and its dungeons for signs of Dejah Thoris. He is eventually captured just as he prepares to leave. Captivity brings a partner Chained near Carter, he hears the story of the princess and believes she and Sola may have reached safety. His knowledge of the terrain gives Carter hope while their shared imprisonment creates a practical alliance.

A Staged Arena Death

Trust Under the Spectators’ Eyes Refusing the expected duel Carter and Kantos Kan must fight for the arena’s promised freedom. They agree to conceal their refusal to kill each other by staging a false death. Separation with a plan Kantos Kan leaves the arena as winner and is expected to seek Carter near the hills. Their plan gives Carter a way to escape while preserving the possibility of reunion.

The Zodangan Infiltration

A Scout Inside the Enemy City Disguise as service Kantos Kan joins the Zodangan navy as an air scout in hopes of earning Sab Than’s confidence. He searches for the place where Dejah Thoris is held. Carter joins the effort Carter reaches the city disguised as a red man and reunites with him. Their combined access and experience make a rescue possible, though neither knows how close the ceremony is.

A Mission Interrupted

Separate Routes to Rescue A plan to enter the palace Kantos Kan reveals a hidden route to Sab Than’s apartments and promises to kill the prince to protect Helium and Dejah Thoris. Carter instead flies toward Helium to bring help. Capture and reunion The air patrol captures Kantos Kan before he reaches the palace. Carter later finds him in the dungeon after the Thark assault, and their friendship survives the failure of their separate plans.

After the Thark attack on the Helium fleet

During the weeks after Dejah Thoris’s capture

The final contest of the Warhoon Games

Kantos Kan’s third day in Zodanga

The night Carter launches from Zodanga