I spoke to the warrior, but obviously he could not understand me. I tried again in every language I knew. It was all met with the same confusion and frustration on both our parts.

Nevertheless, the warrior approached me carefully and in what looked now like a peaceful manner. The red-headed girl had already left the clearing, for the warrior had spoken some words to her that caused her to run off. To where, I could not guess. The other girl with the bright green hair stood by as if frozen looking at me intently, apparently unable to move.

I stood by, frozen too, as the warrior slowly advanced. We eyed each other warily. One soldier, or warrior, to another. Then with a sudden, wild howl the warrior lunged forward in a mad rush upon me.

Instantly I found myself in a deadly duel for my life. Our battle had begun...

The Winged Men is inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs' John Carter series and set upon the faraway planet Ares. This is the first of a new series of thrilling sword-and-planet adventures!