In the frozen wastes of Polar Mars lay the home of the Holy Therns, powerful and brutal rulers. Only John Carter dared to go there to find his lost Dejah Thoris.

There is a game on Mars similar to chess - very similar, save that it is played on a board of a hundred squares, and with ornate pieces. The Martians call it jetan, and it is as old as the civilization of Barsoom. But in the Martian city of Manator, jetan is no game. The chiefs of Manator play with living pieces - criminals, slaves, or warriors eager for fame. The opposing chessmen duel to the death for possession of their squares. The chiefs of Mantor...