This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 695 on 10 May 1975.
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.
The Wish-Fulfiller (continued . . .)
In the control compartment of an underwater fightingboat of the Tharv Navy, the atmosphere was tense. Computer ready! Target within range! Fire the projectiles! Deadly shapes sped to their goal. The “Emperor Trigo”, flagship of the Trigan Fleet, was hit—and sank almost immediately. Tharv was a vassal state of the sprawling Trigan Empire. News of the sinking was greeted with wild joy by the populace of the Tharv capital. Down with the Trigans! Who needs those goodfor-nothings? Freedom for Tharv! At dawn the next day, Tharv armoured spearheads were moving towards Trigan City, and the cry was on every lip . . . We’ll throw off the chains of that ramshackle empire!With the frontier aflame, Janno’ s squadron was ordered to battle, He went to say farewell to his uncle, the Emperor. Come back safely, lad. When this nightmare’s over, the Empire’s going to need the likes of you! By the way, how is your father? I haven‘t seen him since the night of that disastrous council meeting. They say he’s been ill. Yes. He’s . . . not well, Uncle. Returning home, Janno sought out his father—and found him asleep. Ill? There’s nothing wrong with him at all! He sits around all day, eating and sleeping . . . He’s caught the malady that’s destroying the empire—he just wants to do nothing all day! At that moment, Janno’s squadron-mate Roffa was preparing to leave. There came a knock on his door. Who can that be? Roffa’s world dissolved in a sea of sudden pain! Uuuuugh . . . As he lay there, electrodes were connected to the head of the Air Fleet pilot. He smiles. Indeed he does. And with good reason. All the riches of Elekton would not induce him to fly a fighting craft any more!
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 543 on 10 June 1972.
