Posted on March 3, 2023March 8, 2023A World within a World (continued . . .) A truce was declared. The Emperor’s brother, Brag, met leaders of the revolt and the more moderate political groups. Where is the Emperor ? It’s useless to talk of reforms, when the only man who can make them law refuses to show himself ! The Emperor will appear . . . in . . . in good time ! The leader of the moderates spoke up . . . Lord Brag—you must produce the Emperor by the end of the lunar month, or we shall have no alternative but to agree to the declaration of a Republic ! Brag knew that Trigo was as good as doomed already. If—if my brother does not appear within the time you have given, would I be acceptable in his place ? No, my Lord, you would not ! It’s Trigo— or nothing ! And so . . . It’s all up to you, Peric. You’ve got to restore the Emperor to his proper size by the end of the lunar month, or the Trigan Empire’s finished ! I am nowhere near the answer to the problem, Lord Brag. Meanwhile, the Emperor is shrinking fast ! Look ! Brag looked. His brother was living in the nightmare world of the microscopic ! By all the stars ! This is horrible ! My greatest problem is to protect him from predatory bacteria. Unfortunately, in keeping him alive and nourished, I am also keeping alive the creatures that could destroy him ! Even at that moment, Trigo was in deadly peril ! I am done for ! This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 581 on 3 March 1973.
Posted on February 10, 2023February 10, 2023The Lost Years (continued . . .) This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 578 on 10 February 1973.
Posted on December 30, 2022November 8, 2023The Lost Years (continued . . .) In the worst part of Trigan City was a low haunt given over to the illegal sport of colli-baiting. One night, a stranger entered . . . Who are you, and what do you want ? All strangers were suspect in that evil den. Er—I’m looking for a fellow named Rocco. He’s big and bearded. Perhaps you know him ? Rocco ? Never heard the name ! Be off with you ! Narri walked away down the ill-lit alleyway. I’ve searched everywhere for him, and that was my last hope. It’s no use ! And then . . . it happened ! Aaaaaeeeeghhhh . . . Who are you, eh ? A police spy ? Why are you searching for me, hey ? I . . . I heard that you were looking for somewhere to live and . . . and I might be able to help you ! The big man released Narri. I’m thinking of leaving my place, see ? And I might let you have it cheaply. It’s true my place burnt down the other day. Let me know when you leave, eh ? You can always find me at the colli-baiting. Narri went on his way, a great dread in his heart. It really wasn’t a dream. It will all happen ! Rocco will take over my house, just as I saw him. You can’t change the future ! Back home, he looked down at the tiny sapling by his door. That will grow up into a tall tree, just as I saw it in the future. The Trigan Empire will fall, and the tyrant will take over ! It’s all inevitable ! And then . . . with a sudden flash of inspiration . . . It’s not inevitable ! This sapling won’t grow into a tree, for a start ! My fore-knowledge has enabled me to destroy the sapling and change the future, so I can change the course of other future events ! With my fore-knowledge, I can save the Trigan Empire ! Early next morning, the Emperor Trigo and his young nephew Janno were at swordplay exercise in a courtyard of the Imperial Palace. Hah ! Well done, lad ! You improve daily ! Suddenly, a figure leapt from the top of the high wall ! Cut him down ! Imperial Majesty ! Narri struggled forward and threw himself at the feet of his Emperor. Who is this fellow ? He’s obviously mad ! You are in danger, Imperial Majesty. Only I can save you ! You must listen to me . . . This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 572 on 30 December 1972.
