The Stone of Vorg (continued . . .)

Trigo’s nephew, Janno, was enjoying a holiday at a remote part of the Great Ocean coast.

This is the life!

Then he received a message on his personal contact-set.

This is an urgent Imperial summons. Lord Janno will return to Trigan City at once and report to the palace.

Arriving in his uncle’s throne room, he found his family and the Imperial Council already assembled.

What’s the matter, Father?

Some fellow has smashed the Stone of Vorg with his bare fist and therefore can lay claim to the throne!

Trigo called for silence. Then he spoke gravely.

What shall be my course of action? Is it my duty to remain Emperor and serve my people as only I know best, or must I relinquish my crown to he who calls himself Z?

Give me your views.

Long live the Emperor Trigo!

To Daveli with Z!

Perish all pretenders!

We want no stranger ruling us!

I thank you for your loyal support. However, I must give the matter careful thought. I shall depart into the wilderness for a while and, when I return, I will make known my decision.

The two conspirators, Zacho and Serro, muttered to each other.

What now?

Before we take the next step, we must assure ourselves that our thickheaded friend is going to co-operate.

The stranger, Z, had been given an apartment in the guards’ barracks. Zacho and Serro visited him there.

Now see here, my friend, you are a fellow of no education. A simple soldier of fortune, by the look of you. You wouldn’t last half a day as Emperor of Trigan.

What my colleague is trying to say is—you’re going to need our support to get the crown, and you’re going to need our support to keep it!

I understand. You have me crowned Emperor, and you will be rewarded.

That night, in a seedy quarter of the city, money changed hands.

There must be no mistake.

When me and my fellows eliminate someone, he stays eliminated!

At dawn the following day, Trigo was far into the rolling wilderness of Vorg.

How shall I decide . . . how?

They were upon him before he had time to defend himself.

Yaaaaaaaaa!

Cut him down!

The Emperor of the Trigans was struck from his mount.