As the gigantic form of the black god Tolometh slowly regains mobility in the far-off Vilayet Sea, the remaining Seekers and Conan fight a group of creatures blocking their passage in the Citadel of Yondo. Ixtastophanis is felled, but the four others fight back their demonic assailants. Unfortunately, they soon discover their way blocked by Andamo, who reveals his alliance with the Patriarch. Andamo and Moru resume their bitter rivalry, killing each other, as Welyn and Shimata-Kawa attack the grotesque Patriarch and his shadow-puppet companion, who seems to be immune to metal, but not wood. The Patriarch's magic sword cuts off Shimata-Kawa's head and Little Shadow nearly chokes the life out of Welyn using her own robes. Only Conan remains as the gigantic, dark god Tomoleth rises from the s