The Curse of King Yutta (continued . . .)




Above the muzzle of the levelled weapon, Janno saw the eyes that he knew so well. So you’re the one behind it all! You, who were appointed my bodyguard, have been trying to destroy me all this time! A question sprang to Janno’s lips—and Sweya gave a contemptuous laugh. And what of King Yutta’s Mummy? The Mummy?—Hah! I am not alone in this, Janno. My orders are to kill you, which is a pity, since I quite like you. But there it is . . . goodbye, Janno. Bla-a-a-mm! At the precise moment that he saw Sweya’s finger tighten on the trigger, Janno threw himself sideways! And then . . . Aaaaaagh! . . . He leapt into action! Uuuuh . . . Looking down at the unconscious face beneath him, a chord of memory stirred in Janno’s mind. That voice! The voice I heard coming from the Mummy—now I know where I heard it before!
Moments later, he was rising skywards above the island. I’ve got to get back to uncle Trigo and warn him! By all the stars, I hope I’m not too late! Though it was contrary to his nature, the Emperor Trigo was taking special care for his personal safety. That night, he retired early in his locked bedchamber. I wonder how Janno is faring on his secret island? At least, if I’m destroyed, and poor Brag never recovers, there’ll be someone to be Emperor of the Trigans! The Emperor lay himself down. He’s a wild lad in many ways, but he’d settle down and make a good ruler . . . In the darkest hour of the night, a panel opened in the wall of the Imperial bedchamber . . . A strange figure flitted silently towards the sleeping form. . . . And dropped something from a box by Trigo’s head!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 566 on 18 November 1972.