Janno climbed the tallest tree he could find. Far across the wilderness of greenery, he saw the distant glint of water. A river! That’s our way out of here! Then, with a blood-chilling screech and the beat of heavy wings—IT came! Oh, no! The tree shook under the impact of deadly talons. From down below, the assassin’s strange firearm spoke silent death! That’s the second time you’ve saved me with your splendid gun! I hope it doesn’t become a habit! Did you sight anything up there? Yes! There’s a river on the horizon! Then what are we waiting for? What about the others—the old man and the pilot? Let’s get this straight! I’m going to be in Trigan City tomorrow, or I might as well stay here and be devoured by the monsters! And I’m not burdening myself with passengers!Aaaaah! The old man’s coming to! Look! We’re stuck in the Daveli jungle and our only way out is to march to a river. Do you think you can manage a long walk? Yes. I’m stronger than I look, young fellow. Friend, may I rest my hand on your shoulder as we walk along? By all the stars! Do you have to? Yes. You see, I am blind. I must reach Trigan City tomorrow to save Vazli from execution! I’ve got to warn Uncle Trigo of the assassination attempt! Unless I destroy the Emperor Trigo as ordered, they’ll destroy me! Janno and Kittu rigged up a litter to carry the injured pilot. They struck out in the direction of the river—through the most hazardous country on all the planet Elekton! For three of them, at least, there was an urgent reason for haste. Three minds, each with a single, burning desire . . .
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 656 on 10 August 1974.
