READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
and disbelief, and blood runs daily in the streets. I came to tell
you of this and much more."
"But—" Mordos Val was grave, visibly shaken. "Is it
really true? Is it but another hideous deception of the Therns
or is it, at last, the long awaited miracle of legend?"
"Tell us, Var Koros!" exclaimed Sorquas Ptorel. "Do you
know if she who sits upon the eternal throne is actually
Issus?"
Var Koros looked at La. "Who can say?" he answered.
"La, tell me, do you believe that you are Issus?"
La narrowed her eyes as she surveyed them all. "let men
call me what they will. I am myself! I was not my own creator,
nor did I choose my station now. Therefore, blame the
powers that put me here. I am but their instrument, and if I
symbolize that which men require for their souls, then why
should I deny that which I am?"
During the pause which followed, everyone could sense
that each was withdrawing into his own private citadel of
thought. This sacred Issus was truly one which could divide
every human fraternity against itself. Many of the warriors
fell into a brooding silence, staring either at her or at each
other— or at Var Koros.
"But enough of this!" La exclaimed. "I would speak of
another thing, which is the purpose of my visit to your valley.
It is to my liking here, and it is the location where I would
build my temple."
"I can understand your need," said Sorquas Ptorel, "but
we also require such a hidden refuge as this."
La smiled. "Many of my warriors would relish the
prospect of taking it from you," she said, quietly, "but this can
be avoided."
"And how is that?" the green jeddak inquired.
"Sooner or later you will join me. Why not now?"
"There is something you have not divulged, as yet,"
interrupted Var Koros. "You seem to have a desire to acquire
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