READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
"I see no one here," interrupted John Carter, "to represent
the Thern Empire, or that of the First Born of Omean.
They, especially, should be here."
Ranas Ghol smiled as he answered. "Even as we of
Zumor foresaw it—Zithad, Dator of the First Born, and
Sardon Dhur, Hekkador of Therns, have defected from the
Alliance in order to safeguard their own interests."
John Carter started. "Then—the air forces of Tarnath—"
Ranas Ghol nodded. "They are withdrawing to battle
among themselves. Also, the ground forces are already in
confusion. The Heliumitic armies should be able to take the
Valley soon, for the Fortress, itself, is silenced."
The Jeddak of Jahar drew his sword in sudden alarm. He
looked up at Tario accusingly. "Why was this information
withheld from us?" he shouted. "I shall leave at once to
contact my own forces!"
Var Koros raised his hand. "That will not be necessary,"
he said. "Now hear me out. You all know the issue at hand.
Shall there be, or shall there not be, a religious reformation?
Is the Legend of Issus valid? Is there or is there not a living
Issus—"
"She has occupied this throne for these many years!"
insisted Tario.
"Of the two women who claim to be Issus," continued Var
Koros, "which of them is the genuine goddess and which of
them is but the innocent victim of a scheme to help further
the private ambitions of a false Tharos Pthan?"
"Take care, ancient one!" threatened Tario, who was
secretly puzzled by the fact that he could not begin to probe
Var Koros's mind. Nor did Kar Komak realize that the one
time he had probed it had been with the old man's acquiescence.
"All that you have said so far is false presumption. We
are here to speak the truth! I, alone, am Tharos Pthan, mate
to Issus, and the judge of all of you. Therefore, choose your
words with care!"
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