The Chessmen of Mars

The Chessmen of Mars is a science fantasy novel from the Barsoom series. Tara - daughter of John Carter and Deja Thoris - meets Prince Gahan, and is initially unimpressed, viewing him as something of a popinjay. Later she takes her flier into a storm and loses control of the craft, and the storm carries her to an unfamiliar region of Barsoom. After landing and fleeing from a pack of ferocious Martian lions, she is seized by the horrific Kaldanes. The Kaldanes have bred a symbiotic race of headless human-like beings called Rykors, which they can attach themselves to and ride like a horse. They imprison Tara, intending to fatten her up, then eat her... Will Gahan be able to rescue her? If so, will there be more trouble ahead?