# IV: The Attack from the Air explained — Conan Stories

> Chapter companion for Conan Stories by Robert E. Howard.

## What happens

Conan, alone on a pyramid amid the ruins of the accursed city, waits for his unseen foes after the death of Bêlit. He is attacked by a pack of supernatural hyenas, which he fights off with his bow and sword. The pyramid collapses, pinning him, and a winged monster rushes at him. Bêlit's spirit appears to save him, and Conan slays the monster. He then cuts the galley adrift and watches over Bêlit's pyre on the Tigress.

## Themes in this chapter

### Supernatural and Ancient Evil

The winged monster and the supernatural hyenas embody ancient, diabolical forces that Conan must confront.

### Love and Sacrifice

Bêlit's spirit returns from death to shield Conan, demonstrating a love that transcends the grave.

### Survival and Individualism

Conan stands alone against overwhelming supernatural foes, relying on his own strength and will to survive.

## Character check-ins

### Conan

Sits on the pyramid awaiting attack, fights hyenas and the winged monster, and mourns Bêlit.

### Bêlit

Lies dead on a pyre aboard the Tigress; her spirit appears to save Conan from the winged monster.

### N'Gora

Mentioned as having fled in panic from the winged monster and fallen over a cliff.

## Key lines

> Were I still in death and you fighting for life I would come back from the abyss—

Even if I were dead, I would return from the underworld to help you in battle.

_Bêlit's passionate vow to Conan, fulfilled when her spirit intervenes._

> The oldest race in the world was extinct.

The ancient winged creature, the last of its kind, was killed by Conan.

_Conan's slaying of the winged monster ends a primordial lineage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/iv-the-attack-from-the-air
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters