READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
Tars Tarkas, chafing miserably. "If only we might batter down
that gate!"
"It is of the substance of the Escarpment," returned Var
Koros. "It is impenetrable."
The mile of beach became dangerously crowded as
panicked masses of infantry pushed upward out of the
whirlpool's gorge, trying to escape the rising waters.
"Something must be done!" cried another green chieftain
beside Tars Tarkas. "An entire army like this cannot drown
before striking a single blow at Tarnath!"
La's proud face slowly changed its complexion as she
became fully cognizant of the perilous situation affecting
herself and her numerous followers. Tears filled her eyes as
she sank suddenly to her knees beside Tarzan. Then she
threw her body across his and sobbed.
"My love! My love!" she cried. "Must fate destroy these
thousands to thwart this single life of mine? Why? Why?"
"Do I detect a note of humility in the voice of the glorious
Issus?" asked Tarzan, quietly. "Do I hear, for the first time, an
expression of concern for others?"
"Please! Please! Do not mock me now!" she pleaded,
unaware, the while, of Var Koros' grave surveillance nearby.
"On the contrary," said Tarzan. "Perhaps this is your real
beginning, La. Humility must be learned. It is the mother of
wisdom."
As the cries of the multitude behind them crescendoed
and the roaring sound of the whirlpool changed to a muffled
gurgling, the apeman felt the beautiful body of the woman so
tightly pressed against him begin to tremble.
"La," he whispered, "listen to me. I have almost positive
evidence that you are the genuine Issus. The fate of this
entire bleeding world depends on the faith which you can
inspire in men today. Do not lose your composure. This is
your greatest test."
She tensed, listening to him, seemingly speechless.
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