READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
Tars Tarkas, yet their dwar hesitated to deprive him of his
swords and pistols. A rumbling laugh answered them as the
great Thark observed La's maneuver with grim appreciation.
"Know you, woman," he said, "that Lothar and all its
mountains are surrounded by two hundred thousand warriors—my
entire nation, and many allies. I am here to decide
whether you are Issus."
This announcement came evidently as a surprise to the
guards, because there were many who muttered an exclamation
of astonishment. La, however, did not flicker an
eyelash.
"And would you expect a goddess to cringe with fear because
of such a pitiful display of worldly strength?" she asked
him, evenly.
"You speak well," answered Tars Tarkas, "but whence
comes your superior power, which you intimate you have—
and of what does it consist?"
La slowly raised a shapely white arm and pointed her
finger at her haughty interrogator. "You are my power," she
answered. "You came to me because you need an Issus, as
shall others come also, until at last you are all united in your
need. And, when you are united, the power will be yours
alone, and I the symbol of it, as ever in the past."
"This is valid," said Tars Tarkas, "only if you are the
living Issus. And you would have my sword at your feet,
answer my question: Where were you born?"
La's eyes found those of Var Koros for one brief moment.
His gaze was penetrating, intent, a sad, wise smile
curving his lips.
"The birthplace of Issus is a mystery," she answered
slowly. "I have lived in two worlds, and I was born before the
Cataclysm."
Now, Var Koros moved forward down the aisle which
had been formed by the green guards. Tars Tarkas' eyes
swung backward in their sockets, watching his approach. The
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