Conan ends up in jail in the city of Shadizar but escapes with the help of petty criminal Pharak. They flee to the mountains where they find an ancient city and slay a dragon to save two maidens. The city is ruled with an iron hand by the ruthless Darkon, who has subjugated the people with the threat from his domesticated dragons. Conan refuses to join him and is hunted through the jungle. Pharak dies. Darkon and his men die in a battle against Conan in the hills.