CImmerian: Hour of the Dragon # 1
Hour of the Dragon is a fantasy novel written by Robert E. Howard and is also known as Conan the Conqueror. It is part of the Conan the Barbarian series and is considered to be one of the best Conan stories ever written.
The story follows the epic adventures of Conan, the Cimmerian barbarian and king of Aquilonia. It begins with Conan being overthrown from his throne and imprisoned by the evil sorcerer Xaltotun. However, with the help of an amulet, Conan manages to break free after months of captivity.
Conan sets out on a quest to reclaim his kingdom and stop Xaltotun’s plans of bringing back an ancient evil deity to conquer the world. Along the way, he encounters various enemies, including rival kings, monstrous creatures, and treacherous sorcerers.
The novel is filled with high-stakes action, intense battles, and Howard’s vivid and descriptive writing style. It explores themes of power, destiny, and the struggle of a barbarian king to maintain his rule in a civilized world.
Hour of the Dragon is praised for its intricate plot, dynamic characters, and the depth of emotions it evokes. It showcases Conan’s skills as a warrior and his determination to protect his people. The novel also delves into the darker aspects of Conan’s personality, showing his ruthlessness and willingness to do whatever it takes to reclaim his throne.
Overall, Hour of the Dragon is a must-read for fans of sword and sorcery, and for those who enjoy tales of epic heroism, adventure, and the timeless character of Conan the Barbarian.
Our story commences with a group of ambitious priests and lords, consumed by their hunger for power, as they venture into an ancient tomb. Their nefarious objective: to resurrect an ancient and malevolent sorcerer named Xoltutan. In exchange for their loyalty, Xoltutan promises to grant them the strength needed to vanquish their adversaries and expand their kingdoms. Through dark rituals and forbidden rites, their unholy mission succeeds.
Before long, the combined forces of the trio confront the army commanded by their most despised foe, Conan of Cimmeria. Clash after clash, Conan’s warriors valiantly repel the invaders, forcing them to retreat towards a treacherous mountain pass. Though it appears that the invasion is faltering, the true extent of Xoltutan’s plot for domination has only just begun.
As the issue progresses, we witness the triumph of magic over sheer brawn, leading to Conan’s final stand against the encroaching threat. Unbeknownst to the power-hungry trio, the resurrected sorcerer reveals his plans to be far more sinister than the mere greed of his followers.
Please note that this is a condensed rewrite, capturing the key plot points while maintaining the essence of the original description.
