eBook by Robbie MacNiven
Cover by E. M. Gist
From Titan Books, Heroic Signatures & Conan Properties International LLC
Spoilers! Spoilers!
Conan of Cimmeria is aware that a former cabin boy of Captain Zaporavo (killed by Conan in The Pool of the Black One) of the Wastrel is aboard the Heir of Argus.
Conan is also aware that the cabin boy is actually runaway Princess Elyka (the youngest daughter of King Codrin Saldius of Nemedia who fled Belverus (capital city of the kingdom of Nemedia)).
Conan joins the Zingaran and Argossean crew of the Heir of Argus in Messantia (capital port city of Argos).
The captain of the Heir of Argus learns that Conan is wanted by Strom (who will die in The Black Stranger) of the Red Hand/King of the Barachans/Lord of the pirate city of Tortage.
Brought in chains to Tortage, Conan makes sure that everyone hears that his cabin boy buddy is Princess Elyka.
Captain Gavrali (of Corinthia) kidnaps Conan (to sell him on Sark's Isle) and the Princess (for the ransom).
During a storm, Conan and the Princess are moved from Gavrali's brig, in 10 seconds Conan kills 3 crewmen. Conan murders more raiders. Conan throws Gavrali overboard. Conan declares himself the new captain of the ship and offers each of the remaining pirates a share of the forthcoming ransom.
Conan brings the starving Princess a bowl of slop with the key to her cell concealed in her meal. The Princess escapes.
The Nemedian ship arrives with the ransom, Conan saves the Princess (who doesn't want to go home) from a Nemedian marine (who desires to take the Princess home) and flings her overboard. The Princess swims to the nearest island.
Conan seizes the Nemedian ship and the ransom for himself and his new crew.
What I did like:
Mitra mentioned.
The Southern Isles/Isles of Silver, Vanaheim, Vendhya, Kush, Shem, Zamora, Tybor River, Valetta Island and Isle of Siptah mentioned.
Dagon from "Dagon" and "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" both by H. P. Lovecraft mentioned.
Toragis from the Red Nails draft mentioned.
"The Zingaran royal squadron sank my last ship off Toragis. I burned the town of Valadelad, but they caught me before I could reach the Barachas."
What I did not like:
It's Argossean not Argosian.
I give it an 8/10. Even the drafts of Robert E. Howard are now Conan canon. A fun little follow-up to The Pool of the Black One with a promise from the Princess of more tales to come.
Oh, and TITAN BOOKS, don't forget, we still need a Heroic Legends Series version of Scott Oden's CONAN: THE DAY OF THE LION (with CONAN: UNCONQUERED as a free bonus)!