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CHAPTER II - AT THE GALE'S MERCY

Tara of Helium did not return to her father's guests, but awaited in her own

apartments the word from Djor Kantos which she knew must come, begging her

to return to the gardens. She would then refuse, haughtily. But no appeal came

from Djor Kantos. At first Tara of Helium was angry, then she was hurt, and

always she was puzzled. She could not understand. Occasionally she thought of

the Jed of Gathol and then she would stamp her foot, for she was very angry

indeed with Gahan. The presumption of the man! He had insinuated that he read

love for him in her eyes. Never had she been so insulted and humiliated. Never

had she so thoroughly hated a man. Suddenly she turned toward Uthia.

"My flying leather!" she commanded.

"But the guests!" exclaimed the slave girl. "Your father, The Warlord, will expect

you to return."

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, shaking her. "You are becoming unbearable, Uthia," she cried. "Soon

there will be no alternative than to send 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 said softly. 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 is nothing that I would not do for you and nothing would I do to harm you.

Again, as I have so often 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. "I am 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?"

The Chessmen of Mars