The Hour of the Dragon

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

42243

Title

The Hour of the Dragon

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In a world where ancient empires have fallen, Conan the Cimmerian, now King of Aquilonia, seeks the legendary Heart of Ahriman to defeat the sorcerer Xaltotun. Blending high fantasy, sorcery, and sword-and-sorcery action, this tale explores themes of resurrection, power, and the clash between barbarian strength and arcane knowledge.

Summary up to 500 words

In Robert E. Howard's *The Hour of the Dragon*, the narrative begins in a dark chamber where the sorcerer Orastes and his allies utilize the Heart of Ahriman to resurrect Xaltotun, a powerful wizard from the fallen empire of Acheron. Xaltotun agrees to assist them in placing Tarascus on the throne of Nemedia and Valerius on the throne of Aquilonia, though his true ambition is to reclaim the Heart and restore his lost empire. Meanwhile, Conan, having survived a magical resurrection and the catastrophic fall of his army, travels with Countess Albiona to Poitain. There, hailed as a hero, he decides to seek the Heart alone to prevent Xaltotun from using it to destroy the world. Conan rides to Kordava, disguised as a mercenary, to confront the wizard. Xaltotun attempts to summon a flood to trap Conan, but Hadrathus, a priest of Asura, counters the magic. Xaltotun reveals he possesses the Heart, but Hadrathus seizes it, turning the artifact against the wizard. The Heart instantly mummifies Xaltotun and sends him back to Acheron. With the wizard neutralized, the Aquilonian knights, led by Conan, charge down the slopes to crush the Nemedian forces. Tarascus surrenders, offering Zenobia as ransom. Conan accepts, promising to make her queen. The conflict concludes with the defeat of the Nemedian host. The Aquilonian knights, including the house-troops of Tarascus, are overwhelmed by the sheer momentum of Conan's charge. Tarascus is captured and forced to surrender all holdings in Aquilonia, return slaves, and pay an indemnity. Conan spares Tarascus's life, demanding only the release of his men and the return of the territory. The battle ends with the death of the color-bearer Amalric and the flight of the remaining Nemedians. The hour of the dragon has passed, and Aquilonia is saved. Conan returns to his capital as a triumphant king, while Hadrathus departs for Tarantia to complete his duties at the temple of Mitra. The story concludes with Conan securing the ransom of Zenobia, promising to make her queen of Aquilonia, thus restoring order and unity to the realm.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fantasy