Conan is traveling to Cella to meet his old companion Gharn when he gets involved in a tavern brawl and makes friends with Palla Jhet. Pella tells him about the games about to start at Cella, with the prize a jewel encrusted sword. Palla takes his leave and Conan greets his friend, now hobbled, who wants Conan to stand in for him in the competition so he may sell the sword to earn enough to marry his love, Mira. At the competition, the first event involves crossing a rope over a bear cage. Although the hulking Jhara-An tries to shake Conan off the rope, the nimble Cimmerian makes it to other side. Jhara-An himself is not so lucky, and falls into the bear den, but with his great strength slays the bear. That night, Conan meets Mira, and she manages to drink Conan under the table, much to hi