READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
in alongside her litter, and she recognized its solemn-visaged
rider at once.
"Ah, Va Caraways!" she exclaimed. "And what say you
now of the progress of our journey? Does the Golden Throne
of Issus lie yet far ahead?"
The red Martian did not seem to be quite as slumped
over with age as usual. he rode the thoat well and seeming
like a warrior, his long radium rifle slung purposefully across
his back. And in his face was no beatific expression of the
religious disciple or philosophic dreamer. He wore, instead,
an expression of sullen, brooding resentment and deep
concern.
"I bring you a message from Tars Tarkas," he answered,
riding along beside her. "You seem to be the actual authority
among us now, La. He wants to know if you have a plan of
action relative to our approach."
La smiled at him. "None but to announce the arrival of
the true Issus, so that the imposter may be dethroned. This,
alone, should be strategy enough to bring the enemy's forces
to our side."
Va Caraways frowned. "Are you aware of the present
size and composition of your army?" he asked. "If not, I should
like to suggest that you inspect it.
"You are my wisest counselor," La replied. "But I feel
that you resent me for some reason. Do you doubt that I am
Issus, Va Caraways?"
The old man did not answer at first, but finally he said,
"Do you doubt it?"
"Your question has a strange sound to it," she countered,
with narrowing eyes. "Why do you couch such weighted
words in double meaning?"
"I feel," he answered, "that you fear you may not be
Issus, after all. If you were sure of it, you would not entrench
yourself so firmly in this citadel of ruthless power which is
building around about you now."
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