READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
certain that my mate is not your Issus of prophecy, nor am I
your Tharos Pthan."
"But to offer the people nothing save disillusionment at
this stage would be to invite the continuation of universal
chaos even after victory is won—by either side!" protested
Kar Komak. "Their dream of a holy River Iss and a genuine
heaven in the Valley Dor, their longing for spiritual identity
with an eternal Issus—all these things cannot fall into dust!"
"Only the passage of time and the further development
of events may determine the wisest course," replied Tarzan.
"You deny that you are Tharos Pthan and that your mate
is Issus," said Kar Komak, watching him closely, "yet you do
not apply this denial to La. Do you believe she is the real
Issus?"
"Her history is exceedingly strange and mysterious,"
answered the apeman. "But, if the facts in the case would tend
to support such a theory, certainly her actions and evaluations
are devoid of ethereal motivations or eternal qualities."
"What do you mean by that?"
"She desires and emotes on a very mortal plane, and she
threatens. She seeks power for personal advantage and
reward. I could be angered with her, but instead I am moved
to pity. Her present course may only lead to disillusionment,
heart-break, and perhaps even to self-destruction."
"I could not permit the latter to happen," said Kar Komak
sternly.
Tarzan placed his hand on the other's shoulder. "It is well
that you are so determined," he replied. "For you, I believe,
are her only real salvation."
It was in that moment that they both heard the whirring
sound of radium engines outside the building in which they
were conversing. Simultaneously, they heard the clank of
sidearms and the shouts of men.
They looked at each other in sudden alarm, then silently
went outside into an adjacent courtyard to examine the sky.
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