Conan Stories · Chapter
II explained
Conan encounters a pirate band on the island, challenges and kills their leader Sergius in single combat, but is then struck down by a sling stone from Aratus.
What happens
Conan encounters a pirate band on the island, challenges and kills their leader Sergius in single combat, but is then struck down by a sling stone from Aratus. Though stunned, he survives and is taken captive by the pirates. Olivia, left alone, grapples with despair and her reliance on Conan's protection.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Individualism
Conan's fight for survival against the pirates and Olivia's struggle to cope alone on the island highlight the theme of individual resilience.
Honor and Loyalty
The pirates debate the law of the Red Brotherhood regarding Conan's claim to captaincy, and Ivanos defends Conan out of opposition to Aratus, reflecting codes of honor and loyalty among outlaws.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Challenges and kills Sergius, then is struck down and taken captive by the pirates.
- Olivia
Watches from the cliffs, faints from despair after Conan is captured.
- Sergius
Pirate chief killed by Conan in single combat.
- Aratus
Brythunian pirate who strikes Conan with a sling stone and argues against his captaincy.
- Ivanos
Corinthian pirate who defends Conan and opposes Aratus.
Key passages
“Conan the Cimmerian!... One of the Free Companions. I mean to try my luck with the Red Brotherhood.”
Conan announces his identity and intention to join the pirate brotherhood.
Conan's declaration to the pirate band.
“I've sent your chief to hell. What says the law of the Red Brotherhood?”
Conan claims leadership by right of combat, invoking pirate law.
Conan asserts his claim to captaincy after killing Sergius.
“He was not of our band, but an outsider. He had not been admitted to fellowship. Slaying Sergius does not make him captain, as would have been the case had one of us killed him.”
Aratus argues that Conan cannot become captain because he was not yet a member of the band.
Aratus disputes Conan's right to lead.