Conan the Cimmerian and his companion Natala sought respite within the mysterious city of Xuthal, but it soon became clear that there's no respite to be had. Among abandoned feasts and lounges are mysterious, slithering shadows and a few incapacitated or panicked men. Finally, they encounter Thalis, a beautiful Stygian woman who seems content to tell them of Xuthal's history and fate.