A crestfallen Aquaman returns to Atlantis. It has been nearly a week since his wife, Queen Mera, was abducted. To date, his search for her has been fruitless. The only clue he has to her abductor's identity is the image of a ring with a five-sided stone. Aquaman consults with Narkran, his first deputy and the man he left in charge of Atlantis during his absence. There has been no ransom demand. No word at all about Mera. Aquaman next turns to Zancol, an aged Atlantean who is said to have visited all points of interest beneath the seas. Zancol identifies the ring as one worn by the Maarzons, savage tribesmen who occupy a colony some three days out from Atlantis. Aquaman departs immediately for the Maarzon colony. To shave two days off of his journey, Aquaman elects to travel through an area