Conan Stories · Chapter
X: Yasmina and Conan explained
Conan and Yasmina escape the castle of the Black Seers and cross the gorge of horrors.
What happens
Conan and Yasmina escape the castle of the Black Seers and cross the gorge of horrors. After reuniting with the Afghulis, they face a joint attack by Turanian forces. Yasmina rallies the Vendhyan riders to ambush the Turanians, leading to a decisive battle. Conan and Yasmina part ways, with Conan asserting his intent to collect her ransom in Ayodhya.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Individualism
Conan's relentless fight for survival against the Turanians and his reliance on his own strength and cunning.
Honor and Loyalty
Yasmina keeps her word to return with her warriors, and the Afghulis accept Conan back as their chief after his valor in battle.
Supernatural and Ancient Evil
The lingering threat of the Black Seers and the magic girdle's role in Conan's escape from Yimsha.
Characters to notice
- Conan
Leads the Afghulis in battle, slays a vulture attacking Yasmina, and negotiates his ransom with her.
- Yasmina
Rallies the Vendhyan riders to ambush the Turanians, demonstrating her leadership and strategic acumen.
- Khemsa
Referenced as the source of the magic girdle that aided Conan against the Black Seers.
Key passages
“You kept your word, Devi!”
Conan acknowledges Yasmina's fulfillment of her promise to return with her warriors.
Highlights the theme of honor and loyalty between the two leaders.
“I will collect your ransom in my own way, at my own time. I will collect it in your palace at Ayodhya, and I will come with fifty thousand men to see that the scales are fair.”
Conan asserts his intention to claim the ransom from Yasmina in her own capital, with a show of force.
Demonstrates Conan's ambition and his view of their relationship as one of mutual respect and potential conflict.