Several Cimmerian tribes savagely attack the Aquilonian fortress of Venarium. Among the barbarians is young Conan, who recalls walking through the streets of Venarium weeks before and encountering a group of Gundermen, led by a brute named Dalmus, spoiling for a fight. Conan is helped by his friend Rion and ultimately rescued by Metrius, commander of Venarium, who tells his men to back off the fight. Some time later, the Cimmerian tribs meet and Rion, with Conan's help, convinces his men to bring down the fortress to stop the intrusion of other peoples into Cimmerian territory. At the battle, Conan kills Dalmus and sees Rion killed by Metrius. Conan, in a fury, butchers Metrius. As the battle ends in the Cimmerian's favor the tribes begin fighting amongst themselves and Conan places his fr