The monster launched itself at Janno.

Janno kicked out and evaded the deadly jaws.

Missing its victim, the monster broke through the surface and dashed the Zallu fishing boat to fragments!

Janno continued on his way, swimming as fast as he was able.

Those Zallus are paying dearly for their attempts to kill me.

Towards sunset, after a daylong struggle against the treacherous tides, he came in sight of the continent of Tharv.

I really think I’m going to make it.























It was nearly dark when he waded ashore, where he was greeted by his staff, who had flown over to meet him.

I’m glad to see you, Colonel.

Any problems on the way, Excellency?

I was ambushed by the people of the group of islets called “the Demon brethren” but they bought more trouble than they bargained for.

News of Janno’s exploits were brought to the Emperor in Trigan City.

How that young Demon defies me. Did I not send orders that he was not to fall into the trap that the Zallu Elders dug for him?

His brother intervened—and was roundly rebuked for his pains.

Trigo, you would have done just the same in the lad’s position.

Will you shut your mouth!

Since my fine nephew will neither listen to reason nor recognise his duty, and since he scorns my messengers—I, myself, will travel to the land of the Zallus and settle accounts with him!

At about the same time, Janno was receiving his next order from the assembled Elders of the Zallus.

You have done well so far. we are emboldened to subject you, next, to an ordeal from which no one has ever returned alive and sane.

Janno felt a tremor pass through his frame as the elder spoke . . .

You will pass one complete night in the abode of the dead!

The Abode of the Dead was an island offshore, where the slain warriors of the Zallu race had been laid to rest since time immemorial. A place of silence and mystery, it was reputed to be haunted. No one ever went there after sunset. Its very appearance caused even the bravest to shudder . . .

One eve, Janno was taken there . . .

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 765 on 11 September 1976.

THUNKKK! A bullet struck the masonry close by Janno’s hand.

Janno recovered, and moved swiftly to one side. Next time the hidden marksman fired Janno was behind cover.

He won’t get me now!

Others had seen the incident . . .

Go and get that sniper.

Janno’s all right. He’ll reach the top.

Sure enough, Janno climbed safely on to the high platform.

After descending safely, he was addressed by his grim-faced aide.

The sniper escaped. It’s clear that he was acting on orders from the Elders. Let me execute a couple of those scoundrels. You won’t have any more trouble then!

No, Colonel!

We have no proof. I mean to show the Elders that a Trigan is not only brave, but just.























Next day, Janno summoned the Elders of the Zallus.

For your third task you will swim the Channel of Yulf, alone.

The Emperor’s emissary demanded an interview with Janno.

Excellency! Unless you refuse to carry out this task I shall return to Trigan City and report on your conduct!

I wish you a good journey home, Captain.

At dawn next day, Janno set foot in the inhospitable waters of Yulf.

Good luck, Excellency!

By noon Janno reckoned that he was about half way across.

There’s the islets known as The Demon Brethren.

And then—trouble!

Janno dived deep, as a keen-edged harpoon slashed through the water.

And then he saw—IT!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 764 on 4 September 1976.

The Zallus were a race of warriors living on the borders of Vorg Province. One day, their dreaded cavalry poured over the frontier and attacked!

Death to all Trigans!

Although the Trigan forces were taken by surprise, the Zallus really had no hope, in the long run, against the might of the Trigan Empire. They were surrounded and cut to pieces.

The last Zallu warrior hurled himself into the abyss, with defiance still on his lips.

Death to all Trigans!

So it was that, for the sake of future peace, the Trigans were obliged to occupy the country of the Zallus.

I have a feeling that we are not wanted here.

You know the old saying—Make an enemy of a Zallu and he stays your enemy.

Back in Trigan City, Janno the Emperor’s nephew was taking up his sleek fighting craft for what seemed to be his last flight for a long time.

Who wants to go to Zallusia of all places?























Later, the Emperor Trigo explained matters.

As heir presumptive to the throne of the Trigan Empire, it is high time you had some experience in the running of it. So I am sending you as Governor-General of Zallusia. It is a tough assignment, but I think you’ll make a success of it.

And so, a lunar month later, Janno departed.

Good luck!

Landing in Zallusia, the new Governor-General became immediately aware of the hatred directed at him.

They look a  sullen lot, Colonel.

I’ve been here a long time, Excellency, and not once have I seen a Zallu smile.

Janno’s first task was to address the five elders of the Zallu nation.

My friends, it is my wish to help to bring our two peoples together in peaceful co-operation for the greater good of the Trigan Empire.

The senior elder replied.

Why should we listen to your words, Trigan? You speak as a leader, but you should know that no-one is accepted as a leader among the Zallus till he has performed five tests of courage to prove his worth.

Janno replied without hesitation.

Very well! I myself will perform any five tasks you choose to set me.

The young fool fell neatly into our trap.

He is as good as dead! The tasks we shall set him would break the courage of a wild Zargot!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 761 on 14 August 1976.