Conan Stories · Chapter
VII: He Comes from the Dark explained
Conan confronts Olmec, who reveals that Tascela plans to sacrifice Valeria to renew her own youth.
What happens
Conan confronts Olmec, who reveals that Tascela plans to sacrifice Valeria to renew her own youth. Olmec leads Conan through a secret passage into Tecuhltli, but betrays him. Conan kills Olmec in the struggle and bursts into the throne room, where Tolkemec, a monstrous figure from the catacombs, appears and begins slaughtering the Tecuhltli with a magical wand.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
Tolkemec's emergence from the catacombs, his inhuman appearance, and the magical wand that kills with red fire beams embody ancient evil and the supernatural.
Survival and Individualism
Conan's relentless drive to rescue Valeria, his distrust of Olmec, and his brutal fight for survival highlight his individualistic and survivalist nature.
Power and Corruption
Tascela's manipulation of Olmec and her use of human sacrifice to maintain her youth and power exemplify the corrupting influence of absolute power.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Conan interrogates Olmec, follows him through a secret passage, kills him after a betrayal, and arrives in the throne room to witness Tolkemec's attack.
- Olivia
Olivia is not present in this chapter; the captive woman is Valeria, not Olivia.
- Valeria
Valeria is the intended sacrifice, lying naked on the black altar, held down by attendants.
- Tascela
Tascela lolls on the ivory throne, orchestrating the sacrifice and later reacting with horror at Tolkemec's appearance.
- Tolkemec
Tolkemec emerges from the catacombs as a monstrous figure, wielding a jade wand that shoots beams of red fire, killing Tecuhltli people.
- Olmec
Olmec is the captive prince who betrays Conan and is killed by Conan during their struggle on the stairs.
Key passages
““Well, I’m a Kushite!” Conan glared down at the man on the iron rack. “What the devil are you doing on that thing?””
Conan exclaims in surprise and demands to know why Olmec is strapped to the iron rack.
Conan's characteristic bluntness and dark humor are on display as he confronts the captive prince.
““Tascela is old—centuries old. She renews her life and her youth by the sacrifice of beautiful young women.””
Olmec reveals that Tascela is ancient and maintains her youth by sacrificing young women.
This exposition explains the supernatural threat to Valeria and the corrupt nature of Tascela's rule.
““You sought something hidden!” whispered Tascela, cringing back. “And you have found it! You remember the feud! After all these years of blackness, you remember!””
Tascela realizes that Tolkemec has discovered a hidden weapon and still harbors his vengeful hatred after years in the dark.
This moment underscores the ancient, personal vendetta driving Tolkemec's attack.