Conan and his companion, the thief Malak, are confronted by Queen Taramis. She tests their combat ability with several of her guards. Satisfied, she tells Conan that she has a quest for him. He refuses her, but when she promises to resurrect his lost love, Valeria, Conan agrees to the quest. He is to escort the Queen's niece, Jehnna, to a far away castle to retrieve the magic Horn of Dagoth