Conan, recently arrived in Arenjun, is manipulated by the merchant Lorando into attempting to rob the merchant Cracius, a job that will be Conan's first as a thief. The treasure, however, is guarded by a giant, magical glass snake, which Conan manages to defeat. His escape is hindered, however, by guards under the command of Palus, who imprison Conan. Conan is visited in his cell by Siddhara, who reveals the whole exercise was a test, and Conan was the first to survive. After seducing the young barbarian, she reveals that she wants Conan to steal the Red Stones of Ramtha Karn, legendary objects of healing power ripped from the gullet of a giant lizard-beast and in possession of Ramtha Karn. Siddhara already has one, and uses it to cure her maladies. Palus and a handful of men accompany Con