The Shaman's Gift

The penniless wizard of the burial mounds who heals Conan, arms him from the dead, and wields magic in the final battle.

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The Wizard of the Mounds

The Wizard of the Mounds A gaunt greybeard greets Conan from a hide lean-to among the burial mounds. The Boastful Mystic He claims to command demons and to sing to the sleeping kings. Conan tosses him a silver coin for board. The Secret Path The wizard knows the mountain's hidden gorge and distrusts the serpent worshippers, making him an unlikely ally.

The Rite of Healing

The Rite of Healing The shaman binds Conan's body in black sable and paints cryptic glyphs over his eyelids. The Spirits' Attempt Invisible hands tear at Conan's limbs, ripping a stake from the ground. Valeria throws herself on his body and Subotai slashes the air with his scimitar. The Price Paid The spirits flee, and at dawn Conan's wounds are miraculously healed. Valeria is told she will pay the gods for this gift.

The Gifts from the Dead

The Gifts from the Dead The old man emerges from his hut wearing ancient armour, carrying breastplates, helmets, and spears. The Borrowed Weapons The dead kings of the mounds have given their arms to the defenders. The shaman says the gods are pleased and will watch the battle. The Warrior's Panoply Conan dons a fine mesh hauberk, greaves, and a steel helmet, while Subotai piles up his favorite bow and newly sharpened blades.

The Returning Spear

The Returning Spear The shaman joins the fight and hurls his spear into a charging rider. The Invisible Hand Before the dead man's companions can move, the shaft rocks free and flies back into the wizard's palm. Terror scatters them. The Third Defense The spear kills again and again, turning the tide when the defenders seem overwhelmed.

The Secret of the Eye

The Secret of the Eye The shaman asks to examine the jewel Conan took from Valeria's body. The Eye of Set The gem is not merely treasure; it commands the beast-men of the Mountain. Whoever holds it before them cannot be disobeyed. The New Weapon Conan pockets the secret and rides toward the Mountain with the means of freezing Doom's monstrous army.

when Conan first rides into the necropolis

the night after Conan is carried from the Tree of Woe

the morning before the Battle of the Burial Mounds

during the Battle of the Burial Mounds

the dawn after the Battle of the Burial Mounds