Conan Stories · Chapter
I: Paths of Intrigue explained
Conan, drawn by legends of the Teeth of Gwahlur treasure, arrives in the barbaric kingdom of Keshan.
What happens
Conan, drawn by legends of the Teeth of Gwahlur treasure, arrives in the barbaric kingdom of Keshan. He offers his services as a mercenary to gain time to locate the treasure, but his plans are complicated by the arrival of the Stygian adventurer Thutmekri, who proposes an alliance with Zembabwei and demands the treasure as a pledge. As the high priest Gorulga prepares to consult the oracle of Alkmeenon, Conan realizes Thutmekri has corrupted the priest and that he must find the treasure first. He explores the ancient palace, falls into a hidden pit, and later discovers a preserved body of a woman named Yelaya, but finds no jewels. He continues searching for a secret crypt near the oracle chamber.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Thutmekri's political maneuvering and suspected bribery of Gorulga illustrate how power is sought through corruption and deceit, with the treasure as the ultimate prize.
Survival and Individualism
Conan relies on his own wits and strength to navigate the treacherous politics of Keshan, acting alone to secure the treasure before his rivals can eliminate him.
Characters to notice
- Conan
The Cimmerian adventurer seeking the Teeth of Gwahlur; uses his reputation as a fighter to gain entry into Keshan, but is outmaneuvered by Thutmekri's political intrigue.
- Thutmekri
Stygian adventurer and rival of Conan; leads an embassy from Zembabwei, proposing an alliance that threatens Conan's plans and likely has corrupted High Priest Gorulga.
- Gorulga
High priest of Keshan; announces the need to consult the oracle of Alkmeenon before deciding on the alliance, but Conan suspects he has been bribed by Thutmekri.
- Zargheba
Shemitish partner of Thutmekri; mentioned as part of the intrigue against Conan.
- Yelaya
Princess Yelaya; the preserved body of an ancient woman found by Conan in the palace, wearing intact garments and a great crimson jewel.
Key passages
“Conan was basically a direct-actionist. Such subtlety as he possessed had been acquired through contact with the more devious races. When taken off guard by some unexpected occurrence, he reverted instinctively to type.”
Conan's natural instinct is to act directly and aggressively, though he has learned some cunning from other cultures; in a crisis, he falls back on his primal, straightforward approach.
Highlights Conan's character as a man of action rather than intrigue, setting up his conflict with the more scheming Thutmekri.
“He knew that if Thutmekri won his point, he would insist on the instant banishment of his rival. There was but one thing for Conan to do: find the jewels before the king of Keshan made up his mind and flee with them.”
Conan realizes that if Thutmekri succeeds in his proposal, Conan will be expelled, so his only option is to locate the treasure and escape before the king decides.
Establishes the central conflict and Conan's urgent goal in the chapter.