The story in one page
Conan and the pirate Valeria retreat from a forest-dwelling dragon into the sealed city of Xuchotl, only to find a civilization in its final death throes. The remaining inhabitants are split into two warring factions, the Tecuhltli and the Xotalancas, who live in separate wings of the jade palace. They have fought for decades until they are nearly extinct, recording every kill with a red copper nail driven into a black ebony pillar. Drawn into the feud, Conan and Valeria help the Tecuhltli wipe out their rivals, only to discover their new allies are just as degenerate and murderous as the enemies they just decapitated.
Who's who
- Conan
A Cimmerian barbarian seeking loot and survival in the desert.
- Valeria
An Aquilonian pirate who matches Conan in combat and cynicism.
- Olmec
The prince of Tecuhltli who seeks the total extermination of his rivals.
- Tascela
An ancient, magically preserved princess who desires Valeria's vitality.
- Tolkemec
A mutilated survivor who uses a forgotten science to kill indiscriminately.
What it's really about
- Degeneration
- Civilizations that seal themselves off eventually rot from within.
- Obsessive Vengeance
- Hate becomes a more vital sustainer than food or hope.
Why it's memorable
- The black ebony pillar scarred with hundreds of scarlet-headed copper nails.
- A warrior wearing a glowing ancient wizard's skull to terrify his enemies.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Valeria stabs Tascela through the heart with a dagger, and the city’s last few inhabitants perish in a final frenzy of traps and betrayal. Conan and Valeria leave the haunted jewels behind and walk out into the dawn to return to the sea.
For your book club
- The role of the 'red nails' as a literal ledger for a dying race's hate.
- How the roofed city functions as a tomb for people who are already culturally dead.