The Lost Valley (continued . . .)




The sight of a blacksmith attaching thick plates of metal to one side of a motor vehicle greatly interested Kalli, Janno’s Nobe friend. There you are, Kalli—armour plating while you wait. That will stop a projectile, and fifty of these vehicles will add up to our armoured division. Later, the pick of the valley’s young athletes were gathered in the main square. I have a plan for the destruction of the Caton invading force. It calls for careful timing and instant obedience on your part. You will learn this plan, till you carry it out in your sleep! Any questions? Yes! What are we going to use for weapons? We don’t have any weapons! In fact, you have a splendid weapon. With it, you Nobes play the fastest and most dangerous game on Elekton. The Bollo Ball! Shortly after dawn the next day, the Catons entered the valley. They marched to attention, colours flying. Not a sign of the Nobes. I fully expect to walk through the valley and take it without firing a shot.
And then . . . Vehicles! The Nobe armoured division was heading into battle! Yahooooo! With disciplined calm, the Caton guards halted, faced their flank, and the command rang out. Open fire! The Nobe armour drove at breakneck speed down the Caton column attracting all the enemy fire. It was then, behind the Catons, that the best bollo players in the valley rose from their hiding place in a dried river bed, and sent their hard metal balls rocketing towards the enemy. The Caton guards were taken entirely unawares by the most dangerous game on Elekton. Aaaaaagh! Uuuuuughhh!

This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 746 on 1 May 1976.

 

The Lost Valley




Long after the founding of the Trigan Empire, vast tracts of the planet Elekton, for geographical and political reasons, remained totally unexplored. In the beginning of the year of Zemm, an eruption of cataclysmic proportions rent the remote mountain range of Zeros, in the continent of Tharv. A rock wall fell during the eruption, revealing a vast and fertile valley lying within the heart of the range. News of the development was received in far-off Trigan City, and a public announcement was broadcast in the Great Square. A race of strange people have been found living in the secret valley since the beginning of time. His Imperial Majesty is appointing a commission to visit these people and convey to them the good-will of the Empire. In fact, it was the Emperor’s nephew Janno and the top scientist Peric, who were even at that moment being briefed by the Emperor. I want you to convince these people that we wish only for friendship and that they have nothing to fear from us. Understood? Yes, Imperial Majesty. Yes, Uncle. Always remember, Janno, that you may, one day, be Emperor of the Trigans. We have no wish to make enemies of these unknown people. I understand, Uncle. Janno piloted them both across the planet. Over deserts, mountains and trackless forests. Approaching Tharv now . . .
The air space over the Tharv province surrounding the Zeros range was jealously guarded by a treaty that the Tharvs had made with the Empire. The two emissaries were obliged to travel by kreed, under the suspicious eyes of mountain tribesmen. Will they shoot us? It has been known! But don’t worry, cannibalism was stamped out last year. . . . At least, that’s what they say! Presently, they came safely to the strange valley. It’s like . . . a miracle! They were met by the leaders of the people who inhabited the valley. Sir . . . Address me as “Enlightened One“ if you would be so kind. I am the present elected leader of the Nobes, and you would seem to be more emissaries from the outside world. We are flattered. There was a strong attitude of superiority about the leader of the Nobes. We are aware that, because you have been cut off from us since the beginning of time, there are vast differences between us. But, I assure you, the Nobes are more than willing to help you. Help us? But . . . how? We will assist you with our superior technology . . . Of which that flying machine is a notable example. One day, with our help, you will be able to construct another of those! A few paces distant was the piece of “superior technology”!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 740 on 20 March 1976.

 

The Ultimate Collection (continued . . .)




Next morning, the planet’s newspapers screamed—Chorpinal kidnapped—Elekton’s greatest living composer snatched from the liner “Emperor Trigo” while on his way to conduct his newest symphony. Peric was at the Imperial Palace soon after dawn. His Imperial Majesty is not to be disturbed! Stand aside. My business won’t wait! Trigo was at sword practice. Imperial Majesty, I tried to . . . Good morning, Peric. It must be an important matter to bring you here so early. It is, Sire! I request that you designate me, by Imperial Proclamation, as Supreme Scientist of Elekton. Well, by all the stars! The Emperor was wryly amused. And you such a modest individual. You are undoubtedly the greatest scientist alive, but do we have to thrust it down the throat of every other scientist on the planet? It is not for myself I ask it, Majesty, but part of my plan to get to the bottom of these thefts and kidnappings . . . Is it, indeed! Yes, Sire. I will explain . . . Peric’s explanation was so satisfactory to Trigo that a special ceremony took place the same day, to which all the scientists within call were hastily summoned. Whose idea was this? Meaningless mumbo-jumbo. Surely not the Emperor’s? And Peric would never have the impudence to suggest it. Peric, in appreciation of your great works for the cause of scientific progress, I grant you the title of Supreme Scientist of Elekton.
The ceremony over, Peric took himself to his villa in the suburbs, where he relaxed. And now . . . to wait! He did not have long to wait. That same evening . . . The great scientist did not turn a hair when they burst in on him. Good evening, gentlemen. I’ve been expecting you. They took him away. Not far away, in a pleasant valley beyond the city limits, a sumptuous mansion standing in secluded grounds . . . He was taken into the palatial dwelling and brought before its owner. We have him, master.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 728 on 27 December 1975.