Conan Stories · Chapter
III: The People of the Feud explained
Conan and Valeria are brought by Techotl into the Tecuhltli stronghold within the cursed city of Xuchotl.
What happens
Conan and Valeria are brought by Techotl into the Tecuhltli stronghold within the cursed city of Xuchotl. They meet Prince Olmec and the enigmatic princess Tascela, who seems fixated on Valeria. After a tense audience, the adventurers agree to fight for the Tecuhltli against their ancient enemies, the Xotalancas, in exchange for jewels. Techotl reveals that Tascela is a witch who has maintained her youth for decades, and that the feud between the clans began when Tecuhltli stole her from Xotalanc.
Themes in this chapter
Civilization vs. Barbarism
The Tecuhltli live in a decadent, isolated city with elaborate customs and a blood feud, contrasting with Conan's pragmatic barbarism.
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
Tascela is revealed to be a witch with the secret of perpetual youth, and the city is haunted by ancient horrors like the Crawler and the Burning Skull.
Honor and Loyalty
Techotl's fierce exultation in avenging his clan by driving red nails into the pillar of vengeance underscores the clan's code of honor and loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Arrives in Tecuhltli with Valeria, agrees to fight the Xotalancas for jewels.
- Valeria
Accompanies Conan; Tascela stares at her with burning intensity; she asks about destroying dragons.
- Techotl
Guides Conan and Valeria into Tecuhltli, recounts the killing of five Xotalancas, and reveals Tascela's secret.
- Tascela
Princess of Tecuhltli, fixated on Valeria; revealed to be a witch who has kept her youth for decades.
- Olmec
Prince of Tecuhltli, bearded giant, offers jewels in exchange for aid against the Xotalancas.
- Yasala
Sullen-faced maid who whispers with Tascela.
Key passages
““You can never reach the coast! There is no escape from Xuchotl! You will spend the rest of your lives in this city!””
Tascela declares that Conan and Valeria are trapped in Xuchotl forever.
Tascela's outburst reveals the city's inescapable nature.
““Aye! I swear it! She was a full-grown woman when the Tlazitlans journeyed from Lake Zuad. It was because the king of Stygia desired her for a concubine that Xotalanc and his brother rebelled and fled into the wilderness. She is a witch, who possesses the secret of perpetual youth.””
Techotl reveals that Tascela is an ancient witch who has maintained her youth for decades, and that the feud began when she was stolen from Xotalanc.
This explains Tascela's agelessness and the origin of the clan feud.