# VI: The Vulture’s Wings explained — Conan Stories

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

## What happens

Taramis is rescued from her dungeon by Valerius and his men, but Salome intervenes with sorcery, killing the rescuers and recapturing the queen. Valerius pursues Salome to the temple, where he kills the priest and wounds Salome, rescuing Taramis again. Meanwhile, Conan has defeated Constantius in battle and reclaimed Khauran, but he chooses to leave the city to lead the Zuagirs, leaving Valerius as captain. The chapter ends with Conan riding away, leaving Constantius crucified under the circling vultures.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Salome's tyrannical rule and use of sorcery to maintain power, contrasted with Conan's rejection of kingship.

### Honor and Loyalty

Valerius's loyalty to Taramis drives the rescue; Conan's loyalty to the Zuagirs leads him to leave Khauran.

### Survival and Individualism

Conan's barbaric stamina allows him to survive crucifixion, while Constantius, a civilized man, succumbs.

## Character check-ins

### Taramis

Queen of Khauran, rescued from dungeon by Valerius, recaptured by Salome, then rescued again after Salome is wounded.

### Valerius

Leads the rescue of Taramis, kills the skull-faced priest, wounds Salome, and is left as captain of Khauran.

### Salome

Witch who tormented Taramis; uses sorcery to kill Valerius's companions, recaptures Taramis, but is stabbed by Valerius and summons Thaug.

### Conan

Defeats Constantius in battle, reclaims Khauran, but chooses to leave as chief of the Zuagirs, crucifying Constantius.

### Constantius

Defeated by Conan, crucified and left to die under vultures.

### Ivga

Valerius's lover, follows him, alerts the people about Taramis's rescue.

## Key lines

> I broke Constantius, out there by the river. Most of his dogs never lived to reach the walls, for I gave orders that no prisoners be taken⁠—except Constantius.

Conan defeated Constantius in battle, sparing only Constantius himself.

_Conan recounts his victory to Taramis._

> I’m chief of the Zuagirs now, and must lead them to plunder the Turanians, as I promised. This lad, Valerius, will make you a better captain than I. I wasn’t made to dwell among marble walls, anyway.

Conan declines to stay in Khauran, preferring to lead the Zuagirs and leaving Valerius as captain.

_Conan explains his decision to leave the city._

> You are more fit to inflict torture than to endure it. ... You civilized men are soft; your lives are not nailed to your spines as are ours.

Conan tells Constantius that civilized men are weak at enduring pain, unlike barbarians.

_Conan taunts Constantius on the cross._

> With an awful shriek the witch sank down, writhing in convulsions, grasping at the naked blade as it was withdrawn, smoking and dripping.

Valerius stabs Salome, who falls but still clings to life unnaturally.

_Valerius wounds Salome in the temple._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters/vi-the-vulture-s-wings
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/conan_stories_se/chapters