Edgar Rice Burroughs

The Chessmen of Mars Edgar Rice Burroughs

Tara of Helium did not return to her father's guests, but awaited in her own apartments theword from Djor Kantos which she knew must come, begging her to return to the gardens. Shewould then refuse, haughtily. But no appeal came from Djor Kantos. At first Tara of Helium wasangry, then she was hurt, and always she was puzzled. She could not understand. Occasionallyshe thought of the Jed of Gathol and then she would stamp her foot, for she was very angryindeed with Gahan. The presumption of the man! He had insinuated that he read love for him inher eyes. Never had she been so insulted and humiliated. Never had she so thoroughly hated aman. Suddenly she turned toward Uthia."My flying leather!" she commanded."But the guests!" exclaimed the slave girl. "Your father, The Warlord, will expect you toreturn.""He will be disappointed," snapped Tara of Helium. The slave hesitated. "He does not approve of your flying alone," she reminded her mistress. The young princess sprang to her feet and seized the unhappy slave by the shoulders, shakingher. "You are becoming unbearable, Uthia," she cried. "Soon there will be no alternative than tosend you to the public slave-market. Then possibly you will find a master to your liking."Tears came to the soft eyes of the slave girl. "It is because I love you, my princess," she saidsoftly. Tara of Helium melted. She took the slave in her arms and kissed her."I have the disposition of a thoat, Uthia," she said. "Forgive me! I love you and there isnothing that I would not do for you and nothing would I do to harm you. Again, as I have sooften in the past, I offer you your freedom.""I do not wish my freedom if it will separate me from you, Tara of Helium," replied Uthia. "Iam happy here with you-I think that I should die without you."Again the girls kissed. "And you will not fly alone, then?" questioned the slave. Tara of Helium laughed and pinched her companion. "You persistent little pest," she cried."Of course I shall fly-does not Tara of Helium always do that which pleases her?"Uthia shook her head sorrowfully. "Alas! she does," she admitted. "Iron is the Warlord ofBarsoom to the influences of all but two. In the hands of Dejah Thoris and Tara of Helium he isas potters' clay.""Then run and fetch my flying leather like the sweet slave you are," directed the mistress.