One shattering explosion and the “Daveli” plunged to the depths!

The Emperor conducted an enquiry into the disaster.

How did it happen?

None of the survivors were able to tell, Imperial Majesty! All we know is that, shortly after daybreak, the ship suddenly began to sink!

To lose more vessels, in our present plight, would be a double disaster! I call for two volunteers to examine the wreck!

The Emperor’s own nephew was the first to respond.

I’ll go!

And I!

The second volunteer was the Lokan youth, Zaro. Later . . .

Strange to think of you—a Lokan—in the service of the Emperor!

I have to make some amends for the terrible wrongs that my people did under the evil leadership of Yorri-Zim.

Yorri-Zim was a son of the tyrant Zorth, last king of the Lokans. By our traditions of obedience, we were bound to follow him!

I disobeyed him and betrayed him! I thanks the stars that he perished in the deluge!























But Zaro was wrong! Day and night, a pair of hate-filled eyes watched the Imperial Palace, from a rooftop nearby.

It was . . . Yorri-Zim!

Once Trigo shows himself, I will destroy him! When he is gone, the rest of them will turn and tear each other apart! I shall be the last man alive on Elekton!

All eyes were upon Janno and Zaro as they plunged into the flood waters.

Good luck!

Down . . . down . . . down . . . past familiar, submerged landmarks.

There’s the great gate of the city!

Presently . . .

The “Daveli”!

As they drew near the sunken craft, Janno had a premonition of peril. Turning, he saw . . . . THEM!

Zaro! Behind you!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 640 on 20 April 1974.