# V: The Voice from the Crystal explained — Conan Stories

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

## What happens

A group of conspirators in Khauran, led by a man who has discovered the truth, plan to rescue Queen Taramis from the dungeons while Constantius and his mercenaries march out to battle Conan and the Zuagir nomads. Salome, the false queen, watches from a tower and sends a priest with a crystal globe to report the battle. The city's populace watches silently, uncertain of the outcome.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Salome's usurpation of the throne and her alliance with Constantius illustrate the corrupting influence of power, as she rules through deception and cruelty.

### Honor and Loyalty

The conspirators' plan to rescue Queen Taramis demonstrates loyalty to the rightful ruler and a sense of honor in opposing the false queen.

### Survival and Individualism

The city's populace faces a desperate choice between the tyranny of Constantius and the unknown threat of Conan's barbarian horde, highlighting the struggle for survival.

## Character check-ins

### Conan

Leads the Zuagir nomads against Khauran; his siege engines and tactics are discussed by the conspirators and Constantius.

### Taramis

The true queen, imprisoned in the lowest dungeon of Khauran; the conspirators plan to rescue her during the battle.

### Salome

The false queen ruling Khauran; she watches the battle preparations from a tower and sends a priest with a crystal globe to observe the fight.

### Constantius

Leader of the mercenaries in Khauran; he prepares to march out and give battle to Conan, boasting of victory and planning to flay captives.

### Khauran

The city itself is a character in the sense of its populace and political situation; the conspirators are Khauran loyalists.

## Key lines

> I knew that Conan spoke the truth when he said it was not Taramis!

The conspirator confirms that Conan was right about the queen being an impostor.

_This reveals the conspiracy's motivation and Conan's earlier insight._

> Before nightfall, you'll have some captives to feed to your temple-devil.

Constantius promises Salome prisoners for her sacrificial rituals.

_Highlights the cruelty and supernatural elements of Salome's rule._

> Take care you do not fall prey to a fiercer beast than Thaug.

Salome warns Constantius not to underestimate Conan.

_Foreshadows the danger Conan poses to the mercenary leader._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/v-the-voice-from-the-crystal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters