READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
Zithad started. He cast an apprehensive glance at Sardon
Dhur, but the latter did not notice, for he was concentrating
all of his attention upon Tavan Jaw. Ranas Ghol sat at ease,
his expression indefinable.
Tario, on the other hand, frowned menacingly. "And if no
message ever reaches your son!—what then?" he demanded
to know.
"Then," smiled Tavan Jal, "Jahar will join forces with the
Warlord—as will half a dozen other nations, such as Phundahl
and Tjanath and Amhor— not to mention Zodanga.
Zithad and Sardon Dhur straightened up. "Zodanga!!"
they exclaimed in uni-son, impressed by the name of one of
the mightiest member nations of the Heliumetic Alliance.
"You see," said Tavan Jal, "there is one other besides
myself who knows the location of Tarnath— and that is my
son, Price Sor Tal, himself. In fact, it was he who discovered
your escarpment years ago. Neither he nor myself have divulged
this valuable information. But we have formulated a
plan to test, once and for all, where our allegiance must lie in
the coming battle—in the great Holy War which now looms
inevitable upon Barsoom as the result of the work of the Holy
Alliance. Six other great nations of this planet are relying on
my word, or that of my son. So you see," he smiled again,
confidently, "it is not I alone who stand here before you." He
drew himself up to his full height, and very suddenly his smile
changed into a menacing scowl. "You do not dare to violate
the person of a representative of seven nations!" he exclaimed.
"We hold an allied force in reserve, which consists of
more than ten million warriors and above twenty thousands
of warships. I am here to decide whether they join the Holy
Alliance or the Warlord—and for this decision have I dared to
cross your sacred threshold!"
Zithad scowled darkly, his hand toying with the hilt of his
sword. Sardon Dhur slumped in his chair. Ranas Ghol looked
curiously at Tario, as though to say, "I have warned all of you
166