READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
of this impending trap!"
Tario frowned, but not because of the former jeddak's
challenge. Something was bothering his mind—a strange
ringing in the distance that was yet without sound. A nameless
excitement began slowly to pervade him.
He shook himself, concentrating upon Tavan Jal. "You
have forgotten one thing," he replied, evenly. What may the
force of arms avail against the sacred will of Issus?"
Zithad looked up at him, startled and wonderingly, as did
Sardon Dhur.
Tavan Jal looked about the amphitheater and then finally
his eyes rested on the golden throne on the raised dais. He
turned back to Tario.
"I see the throne of Issus," he replied. "But where is the
goddess, herself?"
As Tario did not answer, he continued. "Please understand
me. What the Holy Therns have preached to us concerning
the reformed religion and the coming resurrection of
Issus all men wish to believe. But all men of intelligence wish
also to know for certain that the Holy Alliance is not but a
disguise for the cruel and hideous deceptions of old. This is
such a vital issue to the world that all nations now stand
divided between positive doubt and wishful thinking. Do you
understand? We who would side with the Holy Alliance wish
to believe!"
Tario could have taken hold of this man's mind and made
him believe anything. Zithad and Sardon Dhur knew it.
However, Ranas Ghol knew that Tario would do something
far more effective.
Suddenly, Tavan Jal, the former Jeddak of Jahar, staggered
back, his mouth agape, as he stared wide-eyed at Ranas
Ghol. All men in the throne room of Issus turned to see that
the Zumorian's brow had parted to reveal his third eye, which
now stared unblinking into realms which only he could
envision.
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