Shevatas, a Zamoran thief, awakens an ancient wizard named Thugra Khotan from his 3,000 year slumber. Thugra remembers his dream of world domination. He assumes the name Natohk (The "Veiled One"), assembles an army, and begins his strategy of conquering the Hyborian nations. But the tiny kingdom of Khoraja stands in his way. Khoraja is ruled by the beautiful Yasmela, sister of the king, who is now a prisoner in neighboring Ophir. Fearing Natohk's invasion, Yasmela seeks advice from the god of her ancestors, Mitra. Yasmela is told to travel into the streets and offer her kingdom's defenses to the first man she meets.  The first man she encounters is Conan the Cimmerian. Conan already has a position in Yasmela's army. Now, he's given full command over Khoraja's royal military, much to the confusion of his more cultured comrades. The arrogant officers now under Conan's command ridicule their new commander. But they fall victim to Natohk's magic. Meanwhile, Natohk has made it clear conquering the world isn't the only goal on his agenda; he also desires Queen Yasmela for himself.