Conan rides through the swamps to return to Harakht and Belit, when he comes across a lone woman looking for help. Instinctively knowing it's a trap, Conan still gives into his curiosity and follows her. He is ambushed by three dark skinned Kushites. He kills two, though one and the girl get away. Annoyed, he continues his journey, but encounters a Stygian patrol led by Neth-At, who tells Conan that the fragile peace between the Stygians and Kushites has recently been shattered by Kushite attacks, apparently under the new leadership of a man named Toroa and his follower Sabia (the woman Conan encountered). When they arrive at the Stygian camp, Neth-At prepares to torture and interrogate a Kushite prisoner. Conan simply whispers the name "Amra" in his ear, and the terrified man tells all. T