Conan, Zula, and Belit flee through the castle's underground passages. Some of their pursuers are called off by a mysterious stranger with a serpent ring. Having shaken the soldiers, Conan and Zula prepare to head for Kheshatta, but Zula changes his mind when he hears that Belit's usurping uncle employs the wizard Ptor-Nubis, who sold Zula into slavery originally. The three of them make plans for Shem so Belit may have her vengeance. Meanwhile in the palace, the newly crowned Ctesphon III is surprised by the doors bursting open at the command of the serpent ring-wielding stranger, the sorcerer Thoth-Amon, who offers his services as adviser. Underground, the three companions rest, but Belit, in a hypnotic trance, sleepwalks towards the jaws of a serpent creature with the face of a woman, si