READ THE NOVEL- Chapters 1-31 - ERBzine

Tarzan on Mars
throne."
The proud Dator of the First Born slowly sheathed his
sword and returned to his throne.
"And now," said Tario, "behold!" He turned and waved his
hand imperiously at the entrance of the throne room.
Trumpets sounded. Martial music crescendoed in the
palace of the Dator, and the latter saw a military orchestra
enter his throne room, followed by utan after utan of tall,
white-skinned bowmen.
Gradually, as the room filled, Tario released his mental
grip on the living men present. The black-skinned guards
turned to look in consternation and amazement at this
impossible invasion. Then they whirled about to face their
ruler, swords still in hand.
"But speak, sire!" said the padwar who was their officer.
"And we will die in your defense!"
Zithad had risen to his feet, staring alternately at the
bowmen and at Tario. He dismissed the brave suggestion of
his lieutenant with an impatient gesture.
As the music stopped and an ominous silence descended
upon the great throne room, Zithad addressed Tario. "Long is
the memory of the First Born," he said, "who walked upon the
world before the rest of you had yet sprung from the Tree of
Life. Thus it is that I recognize here the phantom bowmen of
legend. And now I know who your are—Tario of Lothar. You
are of that lost race of wizards who once gave immortality to
Issus, herself! The original Issus, who disappeared at the
time of the Cataclysm. Tell me—be there more of your kind?"
"Indeed," smiled Tario. "and if your memory of these
legends serves you well, you will realize that our phantom
arrows can kill."
Zithad sat down on his throne again. He waved a hand at
the bowmen. "Dismiss them," he said, quietly. "I would hear
your plan. You do not intimidate me, but your very existence
is a thing that impresses me."
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