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Janno’s Five Tasks (continued . . .)

















	














Just when it seemed that they must be clear of the quicksand, Janno’s foot sent a stone bounding along the path.

Gnaaaaaaghh!

Now for trouble—big trouble!

He crouched to meet the coming onslaught.

If I step to one side, I could walk straight into the quicksand!

An instant before what seemed like certain destruction . . .

Using the Gora’s own impetus, he sent the great beast over his shoulders!

The quicksand took its victim in its deadly grip.

Farewell, Gora. It was either you or me.

Janno soon came in sight of his companions at the far side of the desert.

Congratulations, Excellency! You have performed the first test with great courage!

But remember, Colonel, there still remain four more to be carried out!
























	














News of Janno’s exploit reached the Emperor Trigo who was furious!

I send him to control the Zallus, and he spends his time trying to get himself killed.

Go to my nephew! Tell him that I do not expect the heir presumptive to the throne of the Trigan Empire to risk his neck for the amusement of a pack of Zallu barbarians!

Yes, Imperial Majesty!

Brag had a wry comment to make to his brother . . .

At his age, you would have done exactly the same! Come now, Trigo—admit it!

I admit nothing!

The Emperor’s emissary arrived in Zallusia the following day and presented himself at Janno’s headquarters.

I come by order of the Emperor to instruct Janno that he must not carry out any more of these foolhardy tasks.

I’m afraid you are a little too late, my dear fellow.

You have an excellent view from this window of Janno performing his second task—see!

By all the stars!

The highest building in the city was a giant memorial to a long-dead Zallu chief. Janno was climbing it!

He—he’ll never make it.

Possibly, but he’ll perish trying.

At the far side of the square, a hidden marksman took aim.

Die, Trigan.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 763 on 28 August 1976.

 
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Janno’s Five Tasks (continued . . .)

















	














The Zallu elders conferred among themselves for some time, and then their spokesman pointed to Janno.

We have decided what shall be your first task.

You will cross the desert of Zath, alone, unarmed, and on foot.

Janno’s aide hissed, desperately, in his chief’s ear.

This is madness, your Excellency. These animals are out to kill you—and they’ll succeed. The desert of Zath is crawling with savage predators, and it is also half—quicksand!

Silence, Colonel!

I accept!

By tomorrow’s suns, we shall be without our headstrong young master.

No one has attempted to cross the desert of Zath and lived to tell the tale.

The following dawn, Janno was taken to the edge of the forbidding tract of desert.

I will see you at the far side of the desert at sundown, Colonel.

I hope so, Excellency.
























	














He set off in the searing heat of Elekton’s twin suns as they rose on high.

So far, so good . . .

And then . . .

Quicksand!

If I can reach that clump of scrub . . .

With the aid of the scrub, he pulled himself, slowly, painfully, from the cloying grip of the quicksand.

I can never hope to be so lucky again!

It was then that he saw . . . IT!

A horned Gora. Terror of the desert of Zath.

The brute walks quickly and sure-footed through the desert. Either it knows—or senses—the safe paths through the quicksands. What if I were to—follow it?

If it turns its head, I’m done for!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 762 on 21 August 1976.

 
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Janno’s Five Tasks

















	














The Zallus were a race of warriors living on the borders of Vorg Province. One day, their dreaded cavalry poured over the frontier and attacked!

Death to all Trigans!

Although the Trigan forces were taken by surprise, the Zallus really had no hope, in the long run, against the might of the Trigan Empire. They were surrounded and cut to pieces.

The last Zallu warrior hurled himself into the abyss, with defiance still on his lips.

Death to all Trigans!

So it was that, for the sake of future peace, the Trigans were obliged to occupy the country of the Zallus.

I have a feeling that we are not wanted here.

You know the old saying—Make an enemy of a Zallu and he stays your enemy.

Back in Trigan City, Janno the Emperor’s nephew was taking up his sleek fighting craft for what seemed to be his last flight for a long time.

Who wants to go to Zallusia of all places?
























	














Later, the Emperor Trigo explained matters.

As heir presumptive to the throne of the Trigan Empire, it is high time you had some experience in the running of it. So I am sending you as Governor-General of Zallusia. It is a tough assignment, but I think you’ll make a success of it.

And so, a lunar month later, Janno departed.

Good luck!

Landing in Zallusia, the new Governor-General became immediately aware of the hatred directed at him.

They look a  sullen lot, Colonel.

I’ve been here a long time, Excellency, and not once have I seen a Zallu smile.

Janno’s first task was to address the five elders of the Zallu nation.

My friends, it is my wish to help to bring our two peoples together in peaceful co-operation for the greater good of the Trigan Empire.

The senior elder replied.

Why should we listen to your words, Trigan? You speak as a leader, but you should know that no-one is accepted as a leader among the Zallus till he has performed five tests of courage to prove his worth.

Janno replied without hesitation.

Very well! I myself will perform any five tasks you choose to set me.

The young fool fell neatly into our trap.

He is as good as dead! The tasks we shall set him would break the courage of a wild Zargot!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 761 on 14 August 1976.