is the slave woman Tara, a princess of
Helium. The Black Chief is U-Kal of Manataj, a volunteer player; the
Orange Chief is the dwar U-Dor of the 8th Utan of the jeddak of
Manator, also a volunteer player. The squares shall be contested to the
death. Just are the laws of Manator! I have spoken."

The initial move was won by U-Dor, following which the two Chiefs
escorted their respective Princesses to the square each was to occupy.
It was the first time Gahan had been alone with Tara since she had been
brought upon the field. He saw her scrutinizing him closely as he
approached to lead her to her place and wondered if she recognized him:
but if she did she gave no sign of it. He could not but remember her
last words--"I hate you!" and her desertion of him when he had been
locked in the room beneath the palace by I-Gos, the taxidermist, and so
he did not seek to enlighten her as to his identity. He meant to fight
for her--to die for her, if necessary--and if he did not die to go on
fighting to the end for her love. Gahan of Gathol was not easily to be
discouraged, but he was compelled to admit that his chances of winning
the love of Tara of Helium were remote. Already had she repulsed him
twice. Once as jed of Gathol and again as Turan the panthan. Before his
love, however, came her safety and the former must be relegated to the
background until the latter had been achieved.

Passing among the players already at their stations the two took their
places upon their respective squares. At Tara's left was the Black
Chief, Gahan of Gathol; directly in front of her the Princess' Panthan,
Floran of Gathol; and at her right the Princess' Odwar, Val Dor of
Helium. And each of these knew the part that he was to play, win or
lose, as did each of the other Black players. As Tara took her place
Val Dor bowed low. "My sword is at your feet, Tara of Helium," he said.

She turned and looked at him, an expression of surprise and incredulity
upon her face. "Val Dor, the dwar!" she exclaimed. "Val Dor of
Helium--one of my father's trusted captains! Can it be possible that my
eyes speak the truth?"

"It is Val Dor, Princess," the warrior replied, "and here to die for
you if need be, as is every wearer of the Black upon this field of
jetan today. Know Princess," he whispered, "that upon this side is no
man of Manator, but each and every is an enemy of Manator."

She cast a quick, meaning glance toward Gahan. "But what of him?" she
whisp