The fungus grew—and grew! Presently, the older buildings began to collapse under the tremendous weight. The whole city is falling down! The green scourge even penetrated the interior of buildings. Within days, the Imperial Archives—nerve centre of the Trigan administration—was a shambles. We can’t go on! This green stuff is everywhere! The Imperial Council met in a state of panic. Government has become impossible in the city! Tharv is certain to invade us, knowing our weakness! There are food riots in the streets! Be silent! The Emperor Trigo’s voice was calm and commanding. The city will be evacuated immediately. The capital of the empire will be removed to the town of Vorgpass till the . . . emergency . . . is over. News that the city was to be abandoned to the green fungus sent a wave of despair through the population. Grim-faced and silent, they took what belongings they could carry and filed out through the green-carpeted streets. The voice of Uruz the blind beggar sounded like a knell of doom. I told them, but they wouldn’t listen! I warned them that evil had been done!But, before the evacuation could be completed, it happened again. The green fog! It’s come back! Swirling over the fungus-hung rooftops glided the sinister green cloud. Aaaaaaagh! The green blindness enveloped the city, for the rest of that day and the day after. I can’t take any more! I think I shall go mad! It must end . . . mustn’t it? The green fog cleared as quickly as it had come. And the weary and frightened people looked about them. The fungus has gone! Thank the stars! But, as the great scientist Peric commented . . . Not completely gone, as you see. It is as if someone had come along and cut off the fruit of the growth, to allow for more growth! What are you suggesting? I hardly know, Imperial Majesty! But I think we must send for Uruz the blind beggar again. I suggest we listen to him more patiently than we did before. So Uruz was once more summoned to appear before the Imperial Council of the empire. But this time he was treated with respect. Now, Uruz, if you will be so kind as to repeat to the council everything you heard and sensed while the green fog was enveloping the city. The top people of the empire hung on the words of a blind beggar!
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 734 on 7 February 1976.
