READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
throne again, the people of Barsoom will be won entirely to
our cause!"
Sardon Dhur sneered at the Dator. "Well, we have waited
long enough for the miracle in which you believe, Zithad. Is
it not time now to be practical and produce our own Issus?"
"As a temporary solution, yes," admitted the Dator,
coolly. "But, sooner or later, she will return from that mystery
into which she was lost ages ago!"
"Tario," said Ranas Ghol, "will provide us with our Issus."
The Thern and the First Born Dator stared at Tario.
"You have made a selection?" asked Sardon Dhur of the
Lotharian.
"No," he replied, "but it should not be difficult. The
maiden's mind can always be altered to make her believe that
she is what the masses believe her to be."
"She must be white," said Zithad.
"Since there are no Lotharian women," added Sardon
Dhur, "this leaves you only a choice of Thern women."
Ranas Ghol interrupted. "Using a Thern woman is
problematical," he said. "Her disappearance from among her
acquaintances, coinciding as it will with the appearance of
Issus, may arouse some suspicion."
"But from what other source may a white-skinned Issus
be obtained?" Sardon Dhur complained.
"I believe," said Ranas Ghol, "that the Holy Diadem will
provide the answer—but only in the hands of Tario."
Zithad and Sardon Dhur frowned at Tario.
"What does he mean by that?" asked Sardon Dhur.
Tario, himself, did not know. He studied Ranas Ghol,
wishing fervently that he could penetrate the Zumorian's alien
mind. But he would not reveal his ignorance of the other's
meaning.
"We shall see," he replied, evasively.
"Well," said Zithad, "and what of Tharos Pthan, the
prophesied Guardian of Heaven—Issus' mate?"
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