READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
the time comes, but first I shall lead my forces against
Tarnath and dethrone this false usurper!"
Kar Komak laughed. "You!" he exclaimed. "Even the
great Warlord of Barsoom, John Carter, himself, with all his
mighty fleets and armies, will risk his life to approach that
terrible fortress! Think again, my princess!"
"La!" insisted Tarzan. "I have waited long enough. I want
you to tell me what he is saying."
In her present belligerent mood, La might have defied
this command in spite of the dark threat in the apeman's eyes.
But, so important were her secret plans to her now that she
subordinated her anger to the growing need for subterfuge
and crafty diplomacy.
She fell to interpreting for the two men with a will, at the
same time gathering all the information she could for her own
purposes, as well. She even reminded Kar Komak of his life
among the Lost People, where she had found him. She told
him of Var Koros and what he had said concerning Tarnath.
The end result was that Tarzan was able to conclude that
Tario was definitely his man, and that Jane Clayton could be
found at Tarnath. This, in itself, would have been sufficient
reason to make Tarnath his objective, but when Kar Komak
represented himself as a secret agent of John Carter, the
apeman suggested that the two of them might pose as Therns
and act as agents together for the Warlord.
"This is possible," agreed Kar Komak. "Both of us have
white skins. I would help you find your rightful mate, Tharos
Pthan!"
When Tarzan objected to taking his assumed role seriously,
Kar Komak suddenly cast a new light on the subject.
"Whether you are Tharos Pthan or not," he said, "it would
be marvelous strategy for you to continue in that role. The
people will follow you. If you favor John Carter's side, then
Barsoom will be his to command—against the Holy Alliance.
Don't you see? It will be a trap for those who sought to
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