Savage Sword of Conan 79

=Demons of the Firelight! Part II=

Creators

 * Writer: Michael Fleisher
 * Penciller: John Buscema
 * Inker: Ernie Chan
 * Letterer: Joe Rosen

Major Characters

 * Conan (Previous appearance in first story of Savage Sword of Conan #78; next chronological appearance in first story of Savage Sword of Conan #91).

Minor Characters

 * King Maklos (Previous appearance in first story of Savage Sword of Conan #78; dies in this issue.
 * Gabrelle Pok (Previous appearance in first story of Savage Sword of Conan #78; dies in this issue.
 * Unnamed girl (Previous appearance in first story of Savage Sword of Conan #78. No further appearances to date.

Location

 * Corinthia
 * City-State of Turbin-D'Qhat

Timeframe

 * One day

Synopsis
King Maklos sends his army out to destroy Conan's ragtag band, knowing most of his army has deserted the barbarian, but he is startled when more mercenaries than he expected burst from their cover in the east and west and easily overwhelm the army and enter the city. Maklos blames his alchemist, Gabrelle Pok, believing he has deceived him about winnowing Conan's troops, and orders his guards to slay the alchemist. Pok attempts to flee but is slain, but not before he is able to release the undead monster he has been working on. Conan's men burst into the palace and Conan hunts for Maklos, who, unfortunately for him, has run into the creature and been killed. Conan comes across Maklos's body and is barely has time to react when the creature attacks. Conan is unable to stop it; even cutting of its arm has no effect. The two battle throughout the castle, ending up in the alchemist's chamber and ultimately pitching it into a vat of acidic liquid. The girl who spied on Conan for Pok timidly approaches and tells him the truth, but he replies he knew all along and the entire fallout between him and his troops was a ruse. He is not angry at the girl, however, and intends to show her his appreciation for her help...