With rousing pageantry, the Emperor of the Trigans led the parade of his armed forces through the streets of the capital on the anniversary of the founding of the empire.

Long live the Emperor!

Thank you, my people.

No one in that vast multitude was more loyal than the slight figure in a green uniform.

This was Krusi. No soldier, he, but merely a street sweeper, for the Trigan City Council. The procession past, Krusi went back to work.

Not discontented with his humble lot, but sometimes rather wistful—that was Krusi.

If only I could have been somebody instead of a nobody!

And then . . .

A wallet—and well-filled, by the look of it.























More money than I’ve ever seen in one wad before.

And there’s a name and address on this card . . . ‘Simbal—Villa Lorca, Zora Heights, near Trigan City’.

Zora Heights was a district where the very richest Trigans lived. Without a moment’s hesitation, the young street sweeper walked to the Villa Lorca and knocked on the door.

Tell your master, Simbal, that I have his wallet. He must have dropped it during the Empire Day procession.

I am Simbal.

But it’s all here! What an honest young fellow you are!

Of course, sir. I work for the Trigan City Council. They don’t employ dishonest folk.

Simbal invited Krusi in for a rich meal.

I am not a Trigan, but a citizen of Cato. It was in Cato that I made my fortune. And now, having no family, I have decided to settle down and end my days somewhere in the beautiful Trigan countryside.

After the meal . . .

I like you, Krusi. You must stay with me for a few days. Why don’t you have a nap till supper time? Unless, like me you prefer a dip in the swimming pool.

I think I’d prefer a little nap.

Simbal plunged into the luxury pool.

That young fellow is so transparently honest that I can’t afford to let him go. He will be of tremendous help to me. I will employ him as my confidential secretary.

Some time later—uninvited visitors.

How did you ..?

How did we trace you here? You really didn’t think you were going to get away with it, did you?

We don’t want to hurt you, Simbal. Tell you what, just duck your head under water and keep it there while I count up to a thousand, real slow . . .

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 769 on 9 October 1976.

Gazing savagely about the plain, the great black war-kreed saw . . . an intruder!

Ho, there!

Responding angrily, the kreed leapt forward.

Unless he overtakes me and runs me down, the first part of my ruse has worked.

Janno leapt . . .

If I miss my handhold, I’m done for!

Some distance away, a hidden marksman saw that Janno had reached safety.

Perish, Trigan.

But . . .

No. Don’t shoot!

Why? I had orders from the Elders.

If Janno dies, the accursed Trigan Emperor is going to execute the elders!

At that moment, Janno leapt.

And now—the second part of my ruse!























He landed in the fiery beast’s saddle.

Then followed a struggle for supremacy.

Ho-hah!

It culminated in a breakneck gallop over the plains.

It was evening. The Zallu guards on the gates of the city stared in awe . . .

Look!

It can’t be!

In through the gates rode Janno, the master of his mount.

Everyone said that no one would ever mount Zorpho’s kreed again.

They were wrong!

Through the streets rode Janno, with the stubborn Zallus marvelling.

We acknowledge Janno as Overlord!

We will no longer obey the Elders!

By conquering the wild kreed, Janno had subdued the warlike Zallus, and he received the personal thanks of his uncle, the Emperor.

Lad, you have done well. After what you have done, the Zallus will follow you, and the Trigan Empire, anywhere!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 768 on 2 October 1976.

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.