Savage Sword of Conan 8

=The Forever Phial=

Creators
Writer: Roy Thomas

Artist: Tim Conrad

Major Characters

 * Conan (Previous chronological appearance in The Horn of Azoth Graphic Novel; next chronological appearance in CB-7).

Minor Characters

 * Ranephi (First appearance; dies in this issue). Zamorian sorcerer, cursed with immortality.
 * Hannibal (First and only appearance to date). Hunchbacked and dwarven Zamorian.

Location

 * Corinthia, on the Road of Kings.

Time Frame

 * One evening.

Synopsis
Conan slays a large white wolf one evening, unaware that the wolf's master, the immortal sorcerer Ranephi, has been watching the barbarian for some time. At a nearby village, Conan heads straight for the local tavern to boast about the wolf, and the townspeople warn him that Ranephi's vengeance will soon come. Meanwhile, the wizard releases his other animals and burns all of his scrolls and books. Conan, anxious to flee before the sorcere's alleged might, is given a horse by a helpful dwarf, Hannibal, unaware that the misshapen man works for Ranephi. The wizard then magically redirects Conan to his castle. Once there, Conan fends off an attack by a fire-elemental, and flees into the keep itself. He is herded, unkowingly, to Sanephi himself, and, when he spies the sorcerer, lets lose a fatal blow with his axe. It seems that Ranephi was not blessed with immortality, but rather cursed, and needed someone else to end his life. And he had chosen Conan, who was happy to oblige.

Reprinted

 * Conan Saga #30