Captured and taken to the city of Kheshatta, Conan of Cimmeria was forced to fight for survival in a gladiatorial arena before the city's cruel lords, including the infamous Thoth-Amon. After slaying the formidable Krum-Va the Carver, Conan - posing as Amra of Akbatana - earned his place as champion for the enchantress Athyr-Bast. For weeks, 'Amra' carved a bloody path through the arena, solidifying his name and elevating Athyr-Bast's status among the Stygian elite. Later, Conan was visited by the distraught Livia whom he vowed to set free - only to be forced the next day to slay his allies, the Bamulas. That night, when Athyr-Bast summoned Conan to her bedchambers, the Cimmerian seized the moment to strike at his captor, only to be overwhelmed by the woman's mind magic. As Conan raged against Athyr-Bast's power, a hooded figure intervened and knocked the sorceress unconscious, revealed to be Zula, shapeshifter of the Black Kingdoms...
