Guided by his questioner, Uruz told of all that he had heard and sensed during the periods of green fog. And you say these alien beings walk the streets? In their thousands. And all of them . . . working. Working at what, may I ask? Collecting the green fungus! Afterwards, the great scientist Peric gave his opinion to the Emperor. Uruz’s evidence tallies with the facts. I tell you that when the fungus has grown to maturity again, the green fog will come back and the fungus will be gathered once more. This green fungus has turned Elekton’s mightiest city into a shambles and reduced the empire to chaos! It can’t be allowed to continue! Who are these alien beings? To find out, Imperial Majesty, we must capture one of them! And, with your permission, I have a plan. . . Later, Uruz was summoned to Trigo’s study. I think you know Lord Janno? Of course. Doesn’t he drop a coin into my hat every time he passes my pitch in the Great Square? From now on, Uruz, you will not leave Janno’s side, day or night. Do you understand? Companion to a member of the Imperial Family! My, I have come up in the world—and me a poor blind beggar! In the lunar month that followed, Janno had a constant companion. Many’s the time I’ve heard you screeching past, and folks have said, “there goes Lord Janno trying to break his neck again”. But I never thought I’d be in here with you. Oh, shut up or belt up — one thing or the other!As Peric had predicted, the fungus multiplied until it had become almost a familiar sight. You certainly know how to enjoy life, Uruz. It’s bad enough being blind and poor, sir. There’s no point in being miserable as well. Mind you, this is a great improvement on begging for coins in the Great Square! One fateful morning—it came! The green fog! It’s here again, Uruz! Remember! Don’t stray from my side! Tell me everything you sense or hear. And let me know as soon as one of those alien beings comes within reach. You can rely on me, sir. Slowly, inexorably, the almost abandoned city, heart of the Trigan empire, was swallowed up. The long day crept slowly past. Janno waited, every nerve stretched to snapping point. And then—it happened! One of them’s close to you! Yes! I’ve got him! Aaaaaaaeehh! When the fog cleared away, Janno and Uruz stepped out of their hiding place, and Janno looked down at his victim. By all the stars!
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 735 on 14 February 1976.
