READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
"He is right," agreed Sardon Dhur. "We are in command
now. And there is work to be done!"
The Zumorian sighed and shook his head. "I will give you
one example of your fatal puerility," he replied. "Tario is not
dead."
The Thern and the Dator of the First Born paused to
look at Ranas Ghol in amazement. Then suddenly, Zithad
leaped to Tario's side and lifted his head by the hair, looking
into his dead face. By now, the Lotharian's blood had half
covered the table.
"What do you call that?" he shouted. "I have seen dead
men before who by comparison with this shattered corpse
were much more alive than he! What nonsense is this you
spread, Zumorian?"
For answer, the corpse and the blood suddenly disappeared
into thin air, and Tario's laugh rang out above their
heads. They turned swiftly to discover him sitting on the
golden throne of Issus.
"Idiots!" he shouted. "You have never measured the
mighty powers of Tario! Through the centuries, I have
developed faculties of which you could never dream— and
now this Star of Issus has augmented them a thousandfold!
How else could I have created Issus, herself? You shot at my
image, Zithad, and even now, you cannot know but what I am
phantom or flesh. Do not waste your time trying to assassinate
me. It will never be done. I know your thoughts and
foresee every action you contemplate. You two force my
hand! Zithad, is this what you want?" He pointed to Sardon
Dhur.
As Zithad turned to look upon the exalted Hekkador of
the Holy Therns he was astounded to see him groveling upon
the floor, bowing in reverence to Tario.
"I can make you do as I wish," continued Tario, "but I
would rather have you be the agents of your own free will. And
now I demand that you choose between the two alternatives!"
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