Conan sails with Khitans under Captain Kuchum. Thulsa Doom's skull has convinced Kuchum that he can lead them to vast treasure. They encounter Black Corsairs and a giant shark on the voyage, but eventually reach the island promised by Doom. The landing party is greeted by Phan-Ku, who claims to be the grandson of a ship-wrecked Khitan, but is actually a priest of Set serving Doom. He attempts to sacrifice Li-Zya, but Conan saves her and kills the priest. Revealed as serpent-men, the hosts overcome Conan and the Khitans through overwhelming numbers.; More than a decade ago, Ram-os rescued two orphaned infant twins. Ba-Dar would have had both murdered because of a prophecy, but Ram-os reared Iraina in secret and Kull was carried off by tigers. Since Kull returned to the tribe, the shaman has cared for both, though the tribe does not know of Iraina's existence. She and Kull know nothing of each other until one day Kull saves her from a tiger.; After surviving another duel, Sonja tries to refresh herself in a stream. Women and children approach the stream and the boys are playing at pretend battles while Sonja reflects sadly. Her thoughts are interrupted when she is greeted by a young girl. When Gerta's mother sees Sonja's sword, they flee in fear.