Conan returns to the wealthy land of Ophir; there a coup d'état has just taken place. Balthis, the commander of the elite guard known as the Black Cloaks, has protected his position by deposing Queen Varia. Shahela, the commander of the queen's elite guard the Iron Maidens, now rules side-by-side with Balthis. However, both plot to reign alone. Conan is torn between the camps until he decides to side with the noble queen. Conan poses as Thanus, Ophir's founder, and leads the people in a rebellion.