Glory to the Black Caste
- Tarnsman Of GorBlack Caste References: Tarnsman
Of Gor.
This page contains all of the references made throughout the John Norman book, Tarmsman of Gor, regarding the Black Caste Assassins.
“A member of the Caste of Assassins,” said the older Tarl, gazing at the retreating speck in the distance. “Marlenus, who would be Ubar of all Gor, knows of your existence.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 59
“The spies of Ar are effective”,” I said.
“More effective than the Assassins of Ar,” she said.
“Pa-Kur, Ar’s Master Assassin, was dispatched to kill you, but failed.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 107
That night we brought the caravan into the palisaded keep prepared for Mintar by Pa-Kur, the Master Assassin, who was the Ubar of this vast, scarcely organised, predatory horde.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 131
I noted with satisfaction that Pa-Kur, Master Assassin, proud leader of perhaps the greatest horde ever assembled on the plains of Gor, had need of Mintar, who was only of the Merchant Caste.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 131
I had noticed that there was among the crowd one tall, somber figure who sat alone on a high, wooden throne, surrounded by tarnsmen. He wore the black helmet of a member of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 133
I could not forget the figure on the throne, he of the black helmet, and I thought perhaps that he had noticed me and had reacted.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 134
I cleared my head as best I could, and into my uncertain field of vision moved a dark object, which became the black helmet of a member of the Caste of Assassins. Slowly, with a stylized movement, the helmet was lifted, and I found myself staring up into a gray, lean, cruel face, a face that might have been made of metal. The eyes were inscrutable, as if they had been made of glass or stone and set artificially in that metallic mask of a countenance.
“I am Pa-Kur,” said the man.
It was he, the Master Assassin of Ar, leader of the assembled horde.
“We meet again,” I said.
The eyes, like glass or stone, revealed nothing.
“The cylinder at Ko-ro-ba,” I said. “The crossbow,”
He said nothing.
“You failed to kill me that time,” I taunted. “Perhaps you would care to risk another shot now. Perhaps the mark would be more suited to your skills.”
The men behind Pa-Kur muttered at my impudence. He himself showed no impatience.
“My weapon,” he said, simply extending his hand. A crossbow was immediately placed in his grip. It was a large steel bow, wound and set, the iron quarrel placed in the guide.
I prepared to welcome the bolt flashing through my body. I was curious to know if I would be conscious of its strike. Pa-Kur raised his hand with an imperious gesture. From somewhere I saw a small, round object sailing high into the air, out over the river. It was a tarn disk hurled by one of Pa-Kur’s men. Just as the tiny object, black against the blue sky, reached its apogee, I heard the click of the trigger, the vibration of the string, and the swift hiss of the quarrel. Before the tarn disk could begin its fall, the quarrel pierced it, carrying it, I would judge, some two hundred and fifty yards out into the river. The men of Par-Kur stamped their feet in the sand and clanged their spears on their shields.
“I spoke as a fool,” I said to Pa-Kur.
“And you will die the death of a fool,” he said. He spoke with no trace of anger or emotion of any kind. He motioned to the men to thrust the frame out into the river, where it would be swept away.
“Wait,” I said, “I ask your favour.” The words came hard.
Pa-Kur gestured to the men to desist.
“What have you done with the girl?”
“She is Talena, daughter of the Ubar Marlenus,” said Pa-Kur. “She will rule in Ar as my queen.”
In the meantime, until the city fell or Pa-Kur altered his plans, she would presumably be safe. It seemed unlikely that Pa-Kur would be so politically naïve as to use the girl before she had publically accepted him as her Free Companion, according to the rites of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 176
“She would die first,” I said.
“She has accepted me,” said Pa-Kur, “and will rule by my side.” The stone eyes regarded me, expressionless.
“It was her wish that you die the death of a villain,” he said, “on the Frame of Humiliation, unworthy to stain our weapons.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 138
Then, each of the men of Pa-Kur, as is the custom before a frame is surrendered to the waters of the Vosk, spit on my body. Lastly, Pa-Kur spit in his hand and then placed his hand on my chest. “Were it not for the daughter of Marlenus,” said Pa-Kur, his metallic face as placid as the quicksilver behind a mirror, “I would have slain you honourably. That I swear by the black helmet of my caste.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 138
She who would gladly give her kisses to the cold Pa-Kur for a place on the throne of Ar
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 139
As nearly as I could determine, we did not pass over or near the great highway that ran to the Vosk. Had we done so, I might have seen the war horde of Pa-Kur on its way to Ar, with is marching columns, its lines of tharlarion riders, its foraging cavalries of tarnsmen, its supply wagons and pack animals.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 141
My hair froze as I heard the shrill, angry cry of another Tarn; he was an enormous creature as sable as the helmet of Pa-Kur
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 141
That would mean that I had unknowingly passed over the great highway, but weather ahead of or behind Pa-Kur’s horde I had no idea.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 144
I could see the glow from what must be thousands of cooking fires, the night’s camp of Pa-Kur.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 147
“Your daughter hates me,” I said.
“She agreed to be the mate of Pa-Kur, the Assassin,” he said, “in order that you might have one small chance of life, on the frame of Humiliation.”
“How do you know this?” I asked.
“It is common knowledge in the camp of Pa-Kur,” replied Marlenus.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 159
Beyond the walls were Pa-Kur's lines of investment, set forth with all the skill of Gor’s most experienced siege engineers.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 163
In the walls, every hundred yards or so, was a log gate. Behind this wall were the innumerable tents of Pa-Kur’s horde.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 163/164
When it came time for Pa-Kur to attack, bridges would be constructed over the ditches. Over these bridges the siege towers would be rolled to the walls of Ar; over them his tharlarion cavalry would march; over them his horde would flow. Light engines, mostly catapults and ballistae, would be transported over the ditches by harnessed tarn teams.
One aspect of the siege which I knew would exist but which I obviously could not witness would be the sensitive duel of mine and counter which must be taking place between the camp of Pa-Kur and the city of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 164
Given the depth of the foundations of Ar’s mighty walls and the mantle of the rock on which they were fixed, it would be extremely unlikely that her walls could be successfully undermined to the extent of bringing down a significant section, but it was surely possible that if one of the tunnels managed to pass unnoticed beneath the ramparts, it could serve to spill a line of soldiers into the city at night, enough men to overcome a gate crew and expose Ar to the onslaught of Pa-Kur’s main forces.
I noted one thing that seemed puzzling for a moment. Pa-Kur had not protected his rear with the customary third ditch and rampart. I could see foragers and merchants moving to and from the camp unimpeded. I reasoned that Pa-Kur had nothing to fear and consequently chose not to employ his siege slaves and prisoners in unnecessary and time-consuming works. Still, it seemed that he had committed an error, if only according to the manuals of siege practice. If I had had a considerable force of men at my disposal; I could have exploited that error.
I brought the tarn down near the far ranges of Pa-Kur’s tents, where his camp ended, seven or eight miles from the city. I was not too surprised when I was not challenged; Pa-Kur’s arrogance, or simply his rational assurance, was such that no sentries, no signs and counter-signs, had been arranged at the rear of the camp. Leading the tarn, I entered the camp as casually as I might have strolled into a carnival or fair.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 164/165
My luck held, and I scaled the interior corral wall and dropped to the trampled path between the corral and the tents of Mintar’s men. Normally, the merchant’s camp, like the better-organised military camps, not the melange that constituted the camp of Pa-Kur, is laid out geometrically, and, night after night, one puts up one’s tent in the same relative position.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 166
“And Pa-Kur,” I said, “is the Assassin,”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 170
“If the Assassin should take the City,” I said, “the rule of the Initiates will be broken, and eventually the horde with its loot will scatter, leaving a garrison!
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 171
“And,” I went on, “when Pa-Kur falls, the garrison will be divided, and a revolution may take place.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 171
“You are willing,” I asked, “to turn the city over to Pa-Kur, that his horde should swarm into the cylinders, that the city may be looted and burned, the people destroyed or enslaved?” I shuddered involuntarily at the thought of the uncontrolled hordes of Pa-Kur among the spires of Ar, butchering, pillaging, burning, raping or as the Goreans will have it, washing the bridges in blood.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 171
“If you seize them, you can divide Pa-Kur’s horde.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 172
"Perhaps some of them fight for their freedom - for the right to keep their own Home Stone," I said. "Surely not all of Pa-Kur's horde are adventurers, mercenaries.'' Noting the Ubar's interest, I went on. "Besides, few of the soldiers of Gor, barbarians though they might be, would risk the destruction of their city's Home Stone - the luck of their birthplace."
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 172
“We are not certain,” said Mintar. “But it is presumed that she is kept in the tents of Pa-Kur.”
For the first time Kazrak spoke. “On the day that Ar falls, she will wed Pa-Kur and rule by beside him.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 173
“And rumor has it,” said Mintar, not looking up from the board, “that she pledged herself to Pa-Kur only that some tarnsman she loved might be given a small chance of life.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 173
“Where are the tents of Pa-Kur?” I asked.
“On the highest ground in camp,” said Mintar, “near the second ditch and across from the great gate of Ar. You will see the black banner of the Caste of Assassins.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 175
“Yes,” I said, “but Pa-Kur will guarantee those monopolies as freely as Marlenus.”
“Even more freely,” corrected Mintar, turning his attention again to the board, “but, you see, Pa-Kur does not play the game.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 175
In the meantime, until the city fell or Pa-Kur altered his plans, she would presumably be safe. It seemed unlikely that Pa-Kur would be so politically naïve as to use the girl before she had publically accepted him as her Free Companion, according to the rites of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 176
I dyed my hair black and acquired the helmet and gear of an Assassin. Across the left temple of the black helmet I fixed the golden slash of the messenger. In this disguise I freely wandered about the camp.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 176
When this occurred, inevitably the spearmen and lancers of Pa-Kur, following the lead of siege slaves through the maze of stakes and traps, would engage the men of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 177
Only to be met by Pa-Kur’s clustered support troops
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 178
One of Pa-Kur’s towers was undermined, and it tilted crazily and they crashed into the dust.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 178
picked tarnsmen of Pa-Kur, each of whose tarns carried a dangling, knotted rope of nine spearmen,
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 178/179
On the twentieth day of the siege there was great rejoicing in the camp of Pa-Kur, because in one place the wires had been cut and a squad of spearmen had reached the main siege reservoir, emptying their barrels of toxic kanda, a lethal poison extracted from one of Gor’s desert shrubs.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 179
In a few minutes I gathered my own gear and put on the heavy black helmet of the Assassin
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182
I saw the wall of black silk that surrounded the compound of Pa-Kur
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182
Above them, at several places, flew the black banner of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182
Who would be bold enough to deny entrance to one whose helmet bore the golden slash of the courier?
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182
“Give me your name,” I demanded, “so that I may report to Pa-Kur who it is that denies his message to his future Ubara.
There was an agonized silence, and then the guard stepped aside.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 183
Pa-Kur was not as careless about his own safety as I had conjectured.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 183
I HAD BEEN OUTWITTED BY the brilliance of Pa-Kur
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 185
He then raised a spear and set it, like the shield, at his feet. This gesture is a military convention employed by commanders on Gor when calling for a parley or conference. It signifies a truce, literally the temporary putting aside of weapons.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 187
In a short time Pa-Kur appeared on the first wall, opposite the Supreme Initiate, and performed the same gestures.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 187
The bargaining of the Initiates was largely to secure their own safety and, as much as possible, to prevent the utter ravaging of the city. The first condition for their surrender was that Pa-Kur granted a general amnesty for themselves and their temples.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 188
Pa-Kur willingly granted this condition. Any indiscriminate slaughter of Initiates would be regarded by his troops as an ill omen, and, besides, they would be useful in controlling the population.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 188
Pa-Kur himself rode a black tharlarion, one of the few I had seen.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 189
I was puzzled as the great procession halted and a palanquin was borne forward by eight members of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 189
The procession resumed to the beat of the tarn drum and Talena, bound in chains of gold, walked slowly, with dignity, beside the tharlarion of her captor, Pa-Kur, the Assassin.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 189
“But why?” I demanded. “She was to be the bride of Pa-Kur, to be Ubara of Ar.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 190
“To save face before the citizens of Ar, they (Initiates) have demanded that Pa-Kur respect their decree and impale her (Talena).”
“And Pa-Kur agreed?”
“Of course,” said the man. “One key to open the gates of Ar is as good as another.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 190
All were silent. I wore the garb of the Caste of Assassins, and on the left temple of the black helmet was the golden slash of the messenger.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 192
He did not enjoy being summoned by an enemy of Ar, and in particular by one who wore the habiliments of the hated Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 192
To them, my presence was unauthorised, and my Assassin’s garb, far from being a safe-conduct, was an incitement to attack.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 200
“Die, Assassin!” one of them screamed, and struck downward with his blade.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 200
I could see the white robes of Initiates and the variegated colours of soldiers, both of Ar and of Pa-Kur’s horde. And, dark among these shapes, like shadows, I could see the somber black of the members of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 204
I had expected to be fired on immediately but suddenly remembered that I still wore the garb of the messenger. No Assassin would fire on me, and no one else would dare.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 204
No one spoke. The men, of both sides, fell back even further. Pa-Kur himself seemed awed. The spiritual power of the Supreme Initiate was almost sensible in the air. The religious conditioning of the men of Gor, based on superstition though it might be, was as powerful as a set of chains….more powerful than chains because they did not realise it existed. They feared the word, the curse, of this old man without weapons more than they would have feared the massed swords of a thousand foemen.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 206
The voice of Pa-Kur was heard, level and unnaturally calm. “The sword shall decide these matters,” he said.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 208
Pa-Kur was said to be the finest swordsman on Gor.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 208
Pa-Kur approached warily, confident in his superior swordsmanship, but, as I expected, determined to take no chances
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 208
Pa-Kur himself was never recovered from the foot of the Cylinder of Justice. I assume it was destroyed by the angry citizens of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 216
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 59
“The spies of Ar are effective”,” I said.
“More effective than the Assassins of Ar,” she said.
“Pa-Kur, Ar’s Master Assassin, was dispatched to kill you, but failed.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 107
That night we brought the caravan into the palisaded keep prepared for Mintar by Pa-Kur, the Master Assassin, who was the Ubar of this vast, scarcely organised, predatory horde.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 131
I noted with satisfaction that Pa-Kur, Master Assassin, proud leader of perhaps the greatest horde ever assembled on the plains of Gor, had need of Mintar, who was only of the Merchant Caste.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 131
I had noticed that there was among the crowd one tall, somber figure who sat alone on a high, wooden throne, surrounded by tarnsmen. He wore the black helmet of a member of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 133
I could not forget the figure on the throne, he of the black helmet, and I thought perhaps that he had noticed me and had reacted.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 134
I cleared my head as best I could, and into my uncertain field of vision moved a dark object, which became the black helmet of a member of the Caste of Assassins. Slowly, with a stylized movement, the helmet was lifted, and I found myself staring up into a gray, lean, cruel face, a face that might have been made of metal. The eyes were inscrutable, as if they had been made of glass or stone and set artificially in that metallic mask of a countenance.
“I am Pa-Kur,” said the man.
It was he, the Master Assassin of Ar, leader of the assembled horde.
“We meet again,” I said.
The eyes, like glass or stone, revealed nothing.
“The cylinder at Ko-ro-ba,” I said. “The crossbow,”
He said nothing.
“You failed to kill me that time,” I taunted. “Perhaps you would care to risk another shot now. Perhaps the mark would be more suited to your skills.”
The men behind Pa-Kur muttered at my impudence. He himself showed no impatience.
“My weapon,” he said, simply extending his hand. A crossbow was immediately placed in his grip. It was a large steel bow, wound and set, the iron quarrel placed in the guide.
I prepared to welcome the bolt flashing through my body. I was curious to know if I would be conscious of its strike. Pa-Kur raised his hand with an imperious gesture. From somewhere I saw a small, round object sailing high into the air, out over the river. It was a tarn disk hurled by one of Pa-Kur’s men. Just as the tiny object, black against the blue sky, reached its apogee, I heard the click of the trigger, the vibration of the string, and the swift hiss of the quarrel. Before the tarn disk could begin its fall, the quarrel pierced it, carrying it, I would judge, some two hundred and fifty yards out into the river. The men of Par-Kur stamped their feet in the sand and clanged their spears on their shields.
“I spoke as a fool,” I said to Pa-Kur.
“And you will die the death of a fool,” he said. He spoke with no trace of anger or emotion of any kind. He motioned to the men to thrust the frame out into the river, where it would be swept away.
“Wait,” I said, “I ask your favour.” The words came hard.
Pa-Kur gestured to the men to desist.
“What have you done with the girl?”
“She is Talena, daughter of the Ubar Marlenus,” said Pa-Kur. “She will rule in Ar as my queen.”
In the meantime, until the city fell or Pa-Kur altered his plans, she would presumably be safe. It seemed unlikely that Pa-Kur would be so politically naïve as to use the girl before she had publically accepted him as her Free Companion, according to the rites of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 176
“She would die first,” I said.
“She has accepted me,” said Pa-Kur, “and will rule by my side.” The stone eyes regarded me, expressionless.
“It was her wish that you die the death of a villain,” he said, “on the Frame of Humiliation, unworthy to stain our weapons.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 138
Then, each of the men of Pa-Kur, as is the custom before a frame is surrendered to the waters of the Vosk, spit on my body. Lastly, Pa-Kur spit in his hand and then placed his hand on my chest. “Were it not for the daughter of Marlenus,” said Pa-Kur, his metallic face as placid as the quicksilver behind a mirror, “I would have slain you honourably. That I swear by the black helmet of my caste.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 138
She who would gladly give her kisses to the cold Pa-Kur for a place on the throne of Ar
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 139
As nearly as I could determine, we did not pass over or near the great highway that ran to the Vosk. Had we done so, I might have seen the war horde of Pa-Kur on its way to Ar, with is marching columns, its lines of tharlarion riders, its foraging cavalries of tarnsmen, its supply wagons and pack animals.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 141
My hair froze as I heard the shrill, angry cry of another Tarn; he was an enormous creature as sable as the helmet of Pa-Kur
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 141
That would mean that I had unknowingly passed over the great highway, but weather ahead of or behind Pa-Kur’s horde I had no idea.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 144
I could see the glow from what must be thousands of cooking fires, the night’s camp of Pa-Kur.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 147
“Your daughter hates me,” I said.
“She agreed to be the mate of Pa-Kur, the Assassin,” he said, “in order that you might have one small chance of life, on the frame of Humiliation.”
“How do you know this?” I asked.
“It is common knowledge in the camp of Pa-Kur,” replied Marlenus.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 159
Beyond the walls were Pa-Kur's lines of investment, set forth with all the skill of Gor’s most experienced siege engineers.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 163
In the walls, every hundred yards or so, was a log gate. Behind this wall were the innumerable tents of Pa-Kur’s horde.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 163/164
When it came time for Pa-Kur to attack, bridges would be constructed over the ditches. Over these bridges the siege towers would be rolled to the walls of Ar; over them his tharlarion cavalry would march; over them his horde would flow. Light engines, mostly catapults and ballistae, would be transported over the ditches by harnessed tarn teams.
One aspect of the siege which I knew would exist but which I obviously could not witness would be the sensitive duel of mine and counter which must be taking place between the camp of Pa-Kur and the city of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 164
Given the depth of the foundations of Ar’s mighty walls and the mantle of the rock on which they were fixed, it would be extremely unlikely that her walls could be successfully undermined to the extent of bringing down a significant section, but it was surely possible that if one of the tunnels managed to pass unnoticed beneath the ramparts, it could serve to spill a line of soldiers into the city at night, enough men to overcome a gate crew and expose Ar to the onslaught of Pa-Kur’s main forces.
I noted one thing that seemed puzzling for a moment. Pa-Kur had not protected his rear with the customary third ditch and rampart. I could see foragers and merchants moving to and from the camp unimpeded. I reasoned that Pa-Kur had nothing to fear and consequently chose not to employ his siege slaves and prisoners in unnecessary and time-consuming works. Still, it seemed that he had committed an error, if only according to the manuals of siege practice. If I had had a considerable force of men at my disposal; I could have exploited that error.
I brought the tarn down near the far ranges of Pa-Kur’s tents, where his camp ended, seven or eight miles from the city. I was not too surprised when I was not challenged; Pa-Kur’s arrogance, or simply his rational assurance, was such that no sentries, no signs and counter-signs, had been arranged at the rear of the camp. Leading the tarn, I entered the camp as casually as I might have strolled into a carnival or fair.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 164/165
My luck held, and I scaled the interior corral wall and dropped to the trampled path between the corral and the tents of Mintar’s men. Normally, the merchant’s camp, like the better-organised military camps, not the melange that constituted the camp of Pa-Kur, is laid out geometrically, and, night after night, one puts up one’s tent in the same relative position.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 166
“And Pa-Kur,” I said, “is the Assassin,”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 170
“If the Assassin should take the City,” I said, “the rule of the Initiates will be broken, and eventually the horde with its loot will scatter, leaving a garrison!
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 171
“And,” I went on, “when Pa-Kur falls, the garrison will be divided, and a revolution may take place.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 171
“You are willing,” I asked, “to turn the city over to Pa-Kur, that his horde should swarm into the cylinders, that the city may be looted and burned, the people destroyed or enslaved?” I shuddered involuntarily at the thought of the uncontrolled hordes of Pa-Kur among the spires of Ar, butchering, pillaging, burning, raping or as the Goreans will have it, washing the bridges in blood.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 171
“If you seize them, you can divide Pa-Kur’s horde.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 172
"Perhaps some of them fight for their freedom - for the right to keep their own Home Stone," I said. "Surely not all of Pa-Kur's horde are adventurers, mercenaries.'' Noting the Ubar's interest, I went on. "Besides, few of the soldiers of Gor, barbarians though they might be, would risk the destruction of their city's Home Stone - the luck of their birthplace."
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 172
“We are not certain,” said Mintar. “But it is presumed that she is kept in the tents of Pa-Kur.”
For the first time Kazrak spoke. “On the day that Ar falls, she will wed Pa-Kur and rule by beside him.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 173
“And rumor has it,” said Mintar, not looking up from the board, “that she pledged herself to Pa-Kur only that some tarnsman she loved might be given a small chance of life.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 173
“Where are the tents of Pa-Kur?” I asked.
“On the highest ground in camp,” said Mintar, “near the second ditch and across from the great gate of Ar. You will see the black banner of the Caste of Assassins.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 175
“Yes,” I said, “but Pa-Kur will guarantee those monopolies as freely as Marlenus.”
“Even more freely,” corrected Mintar, turning his attention again to the board, “but, you see, Pa-Kur does not play the game.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 175
In the meantime, until the city fell or Pa-Kur altered his plans, she would presumably be safe. It seemed unlikely that Pa-Kur would be so politically naïve as to use the girl before she had publically accepted him as her Free Companion, according to the rites of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 176
I dyed my hair black and acquired the helmet and gear of an Assassin. Across the left temple of the black helmet I fixed the golden slash of the messenger. In this disguise I freely wandered about the camp.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 176
When this occurred, inevitably the spearmen and lancers of Pa-Kur, following the lead of siege slaves through the maze of stakes and traps, would engage the men of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 177
Only to be met by Pa-Kur’s clustered support troops
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 178
One of Pa-Kur’s towers was undermined, and it tilted crazily and they crashed into the dust.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 178
picked tarnsmen of Pa-Kur, each of whose tarns carried a dangling, knotted rope of nine spearmen,
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 178/179
On the twentieth day of the siege there was great rejoicing in the camp of Pa-Kur, because in one place the wires had been cut and a squad of spearmen had reached the main siege reservoir, emptying their barrels of toxic kanda, a lethal poison extracted from one of Gor’s desert shrubs.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 179
In a few minutes I gathered my own gear and put on the heavy black helmet of the Assassin
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182
I saw the wall of black silk that surrounded the compound of Pa-Kur
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182
Above them, at several places, flew the black banner of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182
Who would be bold enough to deny entrance to one whose helmet bore the golden slash of the courier?
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 182
“Give me your name,” I demanded, “so that I may report to Pa-Kur who it is that denies his message to his future Ubara.
There was an agonized silence, and then the guard stepped aside.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 183
Pa-Kur was not as careless about his own safety as I had conjectured.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 183
I HAD BEEN OUTWITTED BY the brilliance of Pa-Kur
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 185
He then raised a spear and set it, like the shield, at his feet. This gesture is a military convention employed by commanders on Gor when calling for a parley or conference. It signifies a truce, literally the temporary putting aside of weapons.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 187
In a short time Pa-Kur appeared on the first wall, opposite the Supreme Initiate, and performed the same gestures.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 187
The bargaining of the Initiates was largely to secure their own safety and, as much as possible, to prevent the utter ravaging of the city. The first condition for their surrender was that Pa-Kur granted a general amnesty for themselves and their temples.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 188
Pa-Kur willingly granted this condition. Any indiscriminate slaughter of Initiates would be regarded by his troops as an ill omen, and, besides, they would be useful in controlling the population.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 188
Pa-Kur himself rode a black tharlarion, one of the few I had seen.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 189
I was puzzled as the great procession halted and a palanquin was borne forward by eight members of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 189
The procession resumed to the beat of the tarn drum and Talena, bound in chains of gold, walked slowly, with dignity, beside the tharlarion of her captor, Pa-Kur, the Assassin.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 189
“But why?” I demanded. “She was to be the bride of Pa-Kur, to be Ubara of Ar.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 190
“To save face before the citizens of Ar, they (Initiates) have demanded that Pa-Kur respect their decree and impale her (Talena).”
“And Pa-Kur agreed?”
“Of course,” said the man. “One key to open the gates of Ar is as good as another.”
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 190
All were silent. I wore the garb of the Caste of Assassins, and on the left temple of the black helmet was the golden slash of the messenger.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 192
He did not enjoy being summoned by an enemy of Ar, and in particular by one who wore the habiliments of the hated Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 192
To them, my presence was unauthorised, and my Assassin’s garb, far from being a safe-conduct, was an incitement to attack.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 200
“Die, Assassin!” one of them screamed, and struck downward with his blade.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 200
I could see the white robes of Initiates and the variegated colours of soldiers, both of Ar and of Pa-Kur’s horde. And, dark among these shapes, like shadows, I could see the somber black of the members of the Caste of Assassins.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 204
I had expected to be fired on immediately but suddenly remembered that I still wore the garb of the messenger. No Assassin would fire on me, and no one else would dare.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 204
No one spoke. The men, of both sides, fell back even further. Pa-Kur himself seemed awed. The spiritual power of the Supreme Initiate was almost sensible in the air. The religious conditioning of the men of Gor, based on superstition though it might be, was as powerful as a set of chains….more powerful than chains because they did not realise it existed. They feared the word, the curse, of this old man without weapons more than they would have feared the massed swords of a thousand foemen.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 206
The voice of Pa-Kur was heard, level and unnaturally calm. “The sword shall decide these matters,” he said.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 208
Pa-Kur was said to be the finest swordsman on Gor.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 208
Pa-Kur approached warily, confident in his superior swordsmanship, but, as I expected, determined to take no chances
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 208
Pa-Kur himself was never recovered from the foot of the Cylinder of Justice. I assume it was destroyed by the angry citizens of Ar.
Tarnsman of Gor – Page 216