In haste but here goes.
Conan commands a mercenary band that helps to guard a relief party sent to the garrison at a Stygian gold mine. On arrival, the slaves rebel. Does Conan direct his men - "men" including Valeria - to help the slaves? Well, no. They have to defend themselves against the rebels who nevertheless escape, probably to die in the desert. Conan has to lead a return march, leaving the mine unstaffed and undefended. He has plans for some of the gold but we must read on.
SM Stirling writes vile villains and the priest of Set who is in attendance is no exception. When Conan kills him, he is chanting:
"'Ry'lla, aie Setesh, aie Cthu -'" (p. 160)
What does that sound like? How was he about to complete that last word?
Got to go, folks. It is still good.
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Stirling created not only truly vile villains but also smart villains! His monstrous Draka were generally smarter than other villains like the Communists and Nazis, men who let their ideologies get in the way of making intelligent decisions.
Ad astra! Sean
Yup, about to invoke Cthulu. Howard and Lovecraft exchanged ideas!
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
Did they personally know each other or at least corresponded?
Ad astra! Sean
Sean: oh, they correspoded extensively
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
I'm glad they corresponded. You are getting me more interested in Howard's stories.
Ad astra! Sean
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