Conan and Hobb enter Zahmann, requesting an audience with Queen Yaila and Lord Godrik, despite Hobb's previous "little jest" played on Conan and the royal couple which led to them almost killing each other. Hobb is woken elsewhere by Kothian rebels, led by Imojen, looking for their prince who was brought to Zahmann by Kulan Gath for opposing King Strabonus. They saw Hobb "fight his way out" of the palace and propose to mount a joint rescue of Conan and the prince.