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READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

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Tarzan on Mars<br />

love of a woman, because he, himself, willed it so—even in<br />

spite of the avid interest which many a Heliumite maiden had<br />

demonstrated to him.<br />

But of late, a great and daring inspiration had come to<br />

him. There was a way of solving his loneliness—if he dared!<br />

And what a princess she would be—if only the miracle lay<br />

within his power!<br />

However, Kar Komak was a loyal soldier who had laid his<br />

sword at the feet of John Carter. This meant that his sword<br />

and his life was forever dedicated to the service of the<br />

Warlord. Therefore, there were other matters which should<br />

be occupying his mind this night.<br />

He forced himself, at last, to concentrate on the dangerous<br />

mission which lay before him.<br />

Boldness was a part of the plan. Such rash boldness as<br />

would allay any suspicions on the part of the Lotharians that<br />

he was anything but what he pretended to be—a panthan, or<br />

soldier of fortune, who was ready to serve any nation or<br />

minor jed in return for profit, or at least his food and shelter.<br />

Moreover, he knew that the soaring battlements of<br />

Lothar were not protected by an air patrol. The Lotharians<br />

were philosophers and mentalists who relied upon their<br />

deadly phantom bowmen to protect them. They knew naught<br />

of aircraft.<br />

Thus it was that when Kar Komak passed over the range<br />

of mountains which concealed Lothar from the outer world,<br />

he did not land to conceal his flier and approach the ancient<br />

city on foot. Instead, he sailed innocently onward, until the<br />

great, towering walls loomed before him.<br />

Strange were the emotions of the man who must call this<br />

his native land, yet of which he had never been a part. Still, it<br />

was home. Here had been his origin—in the very mind of the<br />

most dangerous enemy he sought—Tario, Jeddak of Lothar!<br />

Boldly, he sailed across the walls and floated above the<br />

city. And in that same instant, dawn came with the abruptness<br />

102

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