The Lost City

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Episode 16 of The Trigan Empire

The Lost City
aka De verboden stad (Dutch title)
The Forbidden City (Dutch title, translated)

Written by Mike Butterworth
Illustrated by Don Lawrence

The Lost City was originally published in 12 instalments in issues 371 (22 February 1969) to 382 (10 May 1969) of Look and Learn magazine.

It was reprinted in 1976 in 3 issues (3 January 1976—17 January 1976) of Vulcan comic.

It was reprinted in 12 instalments in issues 866 (19 August 1978) to 877 (4 November 1978) of Look and Learn magazine.

It is reprinted in Volume 5 of The Trigan Empire—The Collection (the Don Lawrence Collection).

It is reprinted in Volume 2 of The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire (Rebellion).

Plot summary

Zeno, a successful captain from the army of Trigan, is addicted to the gambling game Bangora. He has built up huge debts and is approached by a spy from Cato for information. Peric discovers in an old book the way to a hidden city where the streets are paved with Dorana, a precious yellow metal. Trigo secretly decides to mount an expedition to the city and takes Zeno with him. Zeno informs the rulers of Cato, who decide to follow the expedition.

Trigo sets out with a few men, including Janno and Keren, to the coast of the Forbidden Land. According to the book, they must travel through the jungle and cross the mountains, beyond which lies the Hidden City. In the jungle, they are attacked by terrifying monsters. They are on the verge of being destroyed, but are saved by soldiers from Cato. Vassa, the commander of Cato’s army, forces Trigo to lead them to the Hidden City. On the way, many from Cato’s army die, leaving only a few survivors.

When they reach the city, the Trigans manage to escape, but are captured by masked soldiers from the city. In the city’s main square, they are placed in a cage. They are given fruit by a young girl, Narina, who tells them that the High Priest will decide their fate. Just as they stand before the High Priest, the men from Cato attack the city. All the inhabitants flee into the mountains, and Cato’s army occupies the city.

Trigo attacks the Cato soldiers on his own, but is defeated. The city’s priests take him to the High Priest, who is a very old woman. With Trigo’s help, the people of the city manage to kill the men from Cato one by one. Vassa is the only one left. Trigo duels with him and is about to lose, but he is saved by Zeno, who, badly wounded, confesses his betrayal. Trigo forgives him, and Narina tends to Zeno. Narina succeeds the High Priestess, and Trigo’s men return together with Zeno.