READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
"How can you know this?" he demanded.
For answer, Var Koros tore from his forehead a false
layer of skin, revealing a tell-tale third eye. "I am Dras Khral,
the oldest Zumorian alive. I was a witness, as you well know,
to your experiment in immortality. I was alive when you
isolated the psychic crystals of tharton which composed both
the Star of Issus you now wear and the Great Star of Iss,
which gave your daughter more power than you wished her
to have. She destroyed your evil power and sent you and your
kind into exile—before the Cataclysm. I also witnessed the
flight of the First Born to ancient Jasoom, when they took
Issus with them. Now, she alone has survived the ancient
destruction of that ill-fated colony, and she claims her golden
throne, as of old!#"
As Var Koros spoke, the great white apes lowered La's
litter to the floor before the dais, and as one in a trance she
slowly mounted the steps, seemingly oblivious to all save the
golden throne, itself. It was as though this throne were the
key that would unlock the entire mystery of her existence.
When she finally reached it, she felt of its great, jewelencrusted
arms, wonderingly. Then, very slowly, she seated
herself upon it. Silence fell upon the vast chamber as the
representatives of an embattled world observed her reactions.
At last, she turned to Tarzan, and her eyes filled with
tears.
"This is the answer to my life, Tarzan," she said. "The
haunting burden of the whole eternity of waiting is lifted from
me. Forgive me my selfish love, Tarzan. I am Issus, and here
is my destiny."
Tarzan did not smile. His gray eyes penetrated hers
searchingly. "And what of Kar Komak now?" he asked.
"Ah, yes! Kar Komak! Him, too, have I wronged. Where
is he now?"
"Issus!" shouted the Jeddak of Jahor, dropping to one
knee. "Hail to Issus Eternal!"
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