Without an instant’s hesitation, Janno hurled himself through the window. Be he living or dead, I’m going after him! Janno! No! With Sweya’s shout ringing in his ears, he landed in the courtyard. King Yutta’s mummy! A few swift strides—an athletic leap—and his hands connected with solid flesh and bone! Sweya! Come quickly! I’ve got him! Eeeeaaagh! And then—Janno’s world dissolved in a sea of pain and unconsciousness. Uuuugh . . . When he opened his eyes again, he was not alone. Are you all right, Janno? What happened? We heard lord Janno cry out! Someone . . . something . . . struck me on the head from behind. That was a foolhardy thing you did! If you don’t care for yourself, you might give some thought for me—I’m responsible for your safety, with my head as forfeit! I’m sorry, Sweya. But I had my hands on him—and I’d swear he’s living flesh and blood, like you and me! What’s more, he cried out and do you know? . . . I’d stake my life I’ve heard that voice before!The Emperor sent for Janno and his bodyguard the following morning. I would remind you, Nephew, that your father is at death’s door. If anything happens to me, you may well become the next Emperor of the Trigans. To secure the succession, I am going to send you away—secretly—to a lonely island . . . When Elekton’s twin suns were at the zenith, Janno was flying over the trackless Great Ocean, piloted by Sweya. The island is dead ahead, according to my calculations. I have it in visual contact. Stand by for a landing. The island had been well-chosen, being far from normal air and sea routes. Not bad. We’ll be quite comfortable here for a lunar month or so. When they had landed . . . I’ll have a scout around our new home. I’ll join you just as soon as I’ve unloaded these provisions. Some time later, at the far side of the small island, a moving shadow fell across Janno. He turned . . . Who’s that? You! Suddenly face-to-face with death, Janno felt no fear—only shocked surprise!
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 565 on 11 November 1972.
