The Desert Prophet Natohk's army has reached Shamla Pass earlier than Conan anticipated, and his host dwarfs the Khorajan force under his command. But he commands a superior, sheltered position, as Natohk's horde must charge uphill through a narrow pass to reach him.
In a desperate gamble, Conan sends Amalric with the mercenary cavalry along a secret side-pass, hoping to take the enemy from behind. But Natohk is determined to take Yasmela, Princess of Khoraja, for his queen... even though it may cost him the battle.
