Conan the Rogue (Tor)

'Conan the Rogue'' is a Conan novel by John Maddox Roberts.

Synopsis
After quelling a revolt in Nemedia, Conan loses everything except for his sword while gambling at a tavern. A man follows Conan out of the tavern, before hiring him to obtain a mysterious and valuable relic. Outfitting himself with the initial payment, Conan travels to the city of Sicas in Aquilonia. Once renowned for its silver mines but now a den of iniquity, more travelers are said to leave Sicas "by the river, floating" than through the gates. Along the way, he rescues a woman searching for her missing sister, said to have gone into the same place.

Sicas turns out to be in the midst of a conflict between numerous contenders for control, most notably the king's corrupt servants, five different gangs, and a religious cult. Conan feels right at home, and plunges into the struggle. Various intrigues and betrayals follow in rapid succession, centering on the object he has been commissioned to recover, which is revealed to be a potent magical artifact. The rising tension in Sicas results in an all out major brawl near the middle of town between local gangs and various power players. In contrast to most of the players, Conan emerges from Sicas ahead of the game, passing by royal forces en route to restore order in the city. When questioned as to how he did it, he responds: "That was a town of rogues, my friend, and I am the greatest rogue of all."

At the end, with some new comrades, Conan travels into Tarantia as he hears news of a civil war brewing in Aquilonia.

Characters

 * Conan

Publication history

 * Conan the Rogue (novel) &bull; John Maddox Roberts &bull; Tor November 1991