Injured in a mid-air collision, her back horribly broken and twisted, Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, lies dying, the greatest surgeons of Helium barely keeping her alive. John Carter vows to find Ras Thavas, the Master Mind of Mars, the one man who's skill is enough to save her. Thavas is missing however, and none seem to know his whereabouts. Accompanying Carter is Vor Daj, a padwar in the Warlords Guard, and loyal soldier of Helium. Together they set out to find Thavas, and find him they do, but much to their demise. Soon, Vor Daj is alone and discovers that Ras Thavas is not hiding but is instead a prisoner, kept hostage by a horror of his own creation....