READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
utan of the Third Army under the gilded banner of the Holy
Alliance... while La, High Priestess of the Flaming God,
wandered through the dark catacombs of Opar, seeking the
answer to the mystery of her own life.
* * *
The great amphitheater in Zumor had undergone
alterations. The conference table now stood on the broad
balcony overlooking the tremendous Valley of Tarnath.
Where it had once been located on the high, circular dais in
the center of the amphitheater a gleaming throne of gold
encrusted with precious jewels had been placed under a
gorgeous canopy of costly silks, surrounded by the exotic
plants and flowers which only Derlas Kor could coax into
existence.
Tario had said it would be a strong psychological symbol.
Zithad had insisted it was vitally necessary—even though in
a temporary location. And Sardon Dhur could only wonder if
both were right—or mad.
For this was the ancient throne of Issus. And it was still
empty.
On the balcony, the Sacred Council sat in secret session.
The same four were there—Tario of Lothar, Zithad, black
Dator of the First Born, Sardon Dhur, provisional Hekkador
of Therns, and Ranas Ghol, chief and representative of the
Zumorians. The changes which ten years had wrought in
them were indicative of the character, the motivations and the
chosen strategy of each.
Sardon Dhur wore gorgeous trappings heavy with gold
and diamonds and the holy symbols of his station in the
empire of the Therns; and even his yellow wig has laden with
jewels. His face had hardened into those lines of stern
contempt and cruelty which are the mark of the petulant
tyrant whose sudden acquisition of vast power for overshadows
his capacity for wielding it.
"You of the First Born are too ready on the trigger," he
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