The Trigan Empire

From out of the depths rose a monster of the seas.

By the stars!

Janno closed his eyes and waited for his end.

And then—a sharp crack. The slam of a projectile.

The sea monster slid out of sight, and Janno was freed by the Emperor of the Trigans.

I owe you my life, Uncle. But, I have failed in this task!

How so? You have passed one complete night here from dusk till dawn!

As they drew away from the island, they could see the Zallus gazing at them from the heights.

They must be beside themselves with fury!

And with good cause! You have destroyed the legend of their precious island and revealed it for the sham it is!























I’m sorry I disobeyed you, Uncle. But I promise you I won’t attempt their final task!

You will perform whatever task they give you, and you will like it!

On their arrival back at the city, the Emperor summoned the elders of the Zallus.

My nephew has performed honourably, despite the fact that, at your instructions, he has been treacherously attacked on every possible occasion.

The elders muttered among themselves.

Does Trigo really think we can be shamed by his talk of treachery?

Wait till Janno attempts the final task!

What is to be Janno’s final task? Speak!

He is to tame the wild Kreed of Zorpho and ride it in triumph into the city. For such a heroic feat, the Zallus will acknowledge his overlordship.

Zorpho of Zallu had been a legend in his lifetime, as had the great black warKreed that only he could ride. Warlord of the Zallus, he had been struck down in battle—falling from the saddle.

Still saddled and caparisoned, the great Kreed now ran wild on the plains, terrorising all who came within its reach!

It’s the wild Kreed! Fly for your lives!

Trigo heard the chilling demand—and added his own comment.

I hope for their sakes that you succeed, Janno. For if you fail and perish in the attempt, the elders of Zallu will all be put to the sword.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 767 on 25 September 1976.

Having deposited his passenger on the dread island, the boatman sculled hurriedly away.

You’ll never see the light of tomorrow’s dawn, so goodbye, Trigan!

Janno gathered sticks and made a fire.

When will the trouble start, I wonder?

He had not long to wait!

By all the stars!

Is it a spectre?

We’ll soon see.

Now . . .























Speed straight and true to your mark!

Aaaaaaagghh!

Janno was beside his victim in a few swift bounds, and ripped off the hideous mask.

No spectre you, my friend, just another treacherous Zallu.

The next instant, the young Trigan’s world dissolved in a flash of agony.

Uuuuhhhh!

The unconscious Janno was surrounded by Zallus, including one of their merciless elders.

His mind is too strong to be destroyed by fear, so we must destroy his body! Take him to the Pillar of Doom!

Surfacing from the mists of insensibility, Janno found himself bound to a stone pillar by the water’s edge.

We leave you now to your fate, Trigan.

Through the long night, Janno waited, every nerve stretched to snapping point. And then towards dawn—it came!

No! It can’t be . . . It can’t!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 766 on 18 September 1976.

The monster launched itself at Janno.

Janno kicked out and evaded the deadly jaws.

Missing its victim, the monster broke through the surface and dashed the Zallu fishing boat to fragments!

Janno continued on his way, swimming as fast as he was able.

Those Zallus are paying dearly for their attempts to kill me.

Towards sunset, after a daylong struggle against the treacherous tides, he came in sight of the continent of Tharv.

I really think I’m going to make it.























It was nearly dark when he waded ashore, where he was greeted by his staff, who had flown over to meet him.

I’m glad to see you, Colonel.

Any problems on the way, Excellency?

I was ambushed by the people of the group of islets called “the Demon brethren” but they bought more trouble than they bargained for.

News of Janno’s exploits were brought to the Emperor in Trigan City.

How that young Demon defies me. Did I not send orders that he was not to fall into the trap that the Zallu Elders dug for him?

His brother intervened—and was roundly rebuked for his pains.

Trigo, you would have done just the same in the lad’s position.

Will you shut your mouth!

Since my fine nephew will neither listen to reason nor recognise his duty, and since he scorns my messengers—I, myself, will travel to the land of the Zallus and settle accounts with him!

At about the same time, Janno was receiving his next order from the assembled Elders of the Zallus.

You have done well so far. we are emboldened to subject you, next, to an ordeal from which no one has ever returned alive and sane.

Janno felt a tremor pass through his frame as the elder spoke . . .

You will pass one complete night in the abode of the dead!

The Abode of the Dead was an island offshore, where the slain warriors of the Zallu race had been laid to rest since time immemorial. A place of silence and mystery, it was reputed to be haunted. No one ever went there after sunset. Its very appearance caused even the bravest to shudder . . .

One eve, Janno was taken there . . .

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 765 on 11 September 1976.