Conan the Barbarian King-Size Annual
#4:
The Return of the Conqueror
Several months after defeating Tarascus of
Nemedia, King Conan returns to the conquered land with Pallantides, his Black Dragons and and a small portion of the Black
Legion. Conan's intent is fulfill his promise to secure the freedom of Zenobia, the slave-girl who assisted him in escaping
from Tarascus' dungeons.
Tarascus requests that they enter Nemedia's capitol Belverus with
only a few Black Dragons as escort to minimize civil unrest. Pallantides does not like this plan but chooses his best
men, including his son Phaidon, to accompany the monarchs into the city.
King Conan is feted, then brought to Zenobia, who has not been harmed
in the intervening months. As they prepare to leave Belverus, they are overpowered by soldiers still loyal to the treacherous Tarascus.
The Nemedian king has tied Zenobia to a post in the center
of a maze. Roaming the maze is the bloodthirsty Manotaur, a horned creature akin to a centaur, but with the body of a bull
below its twisted human torso.
As entertainment for Tarascus' court Conan must free Zenobia
before the Manotaur finds and devours her.
Weaponless but not defenseless, Conan manages to defeat the monster
and free the slave girl. As a Cimmerian youth he slew a mighty bull with his bare hands as part of a Manhood Ritual and he
had dispatched many other bulls and bull-like creatures during the course of his wanderings.
Conan's triumph turns to fury when the slain Manotaur
transforms into Pallantides' son Phaidon. Carrying Zenobia he retraces his steps, exits the maze and flings himself at
Tarascus' soldiers.
All free from the crazed Conan save Karthanix, who puts up a great fight
until he is killed by Conan. Tarascus is injured by a crossbow bolt fired by Zenobia.
Conan then fires a flaming arrow into the night sky, summoning Pallantides
and his Black Dragons. The Aquilonian king's Honor Guard quickly crushes the remnants of Tarascus' army and claim Nemedia's
capitol.
On Conan's signal Pallantides had left to gather and lead the Black Legion,
camped a day away, but their intervention was not needed. Conan dreads telling his friend of his son's fate.
Zenobia, who dared dream only of serving in Conan's harem, discovers
that he intends to make her his queen.
Conan and Zenobia arrive in Aquilonia during 'Anvil
of Crom Chapter IV: The Serpent's Lair'
