This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 570 on 16 December 1972.
The Curse of King Yutta (continued . . .)
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.
The Curse of King Yutta (continued . . .)
During that night, Brag—normally a peaceful sleeper—awoke from a dreadful nightmare. Something terrible’s going to happen tomorrow! Trigo’s in awful danger—I know it! He sought out his brother, the Emperor, early next morning. Brag, as you know, I’m making a trial descent in Peric’s new undersea exploration sphere today, and . . . No! You mustn’t go! I’ve had a premonition of disaster! A dream . . . Trigo listened to Brag’s account of his nightmare. Then he smiled indulgently. It’s quite touching, the way you worry about my safety. I really do appreciate it, my dear fellow, but if you think I’m going to cancel the descent on account of some silly dream . . . Something terrible will happen today. I know it! The faithful Brag was watching from the Palace roof when Trigo’s air craft set off for the rendezvous on the Great Ocean. I shall never set eyes on him again—never! In the middle of the Great Ocean, at its deepest part, floated the undersea exploration rig that supported a massive sphere. The Imperial craft approaches! Trigo joined the scientific party that was to descend to the uncharted depths. The sphere was sealed. Commence the lowering of the sphere! Down—down—down!And then—deadly peril! Instants later, the controllers on the surface received the information. Emergency! Emergency! The sphere is under attack! In fact, the men in the sphere averted certain disaster by electrocuting the unknown monster! By this time, the news had been flashed to Trigan City, where Brag was anxiously waiting. I knew it! I knew it would happen! Contact the landing strip and tell them to have my private air craft ready and waiting for me! At once, Lord Brag! He took off in haste . . . What’s happening? I can’t get this confounded thing above half-power! . . . And crashed almost immediately! Brag’s premonition of disaster had come true!
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 563 on 28 October 1972.
