Conan the Cimmerian 9-A

"Black Colossus, Part 2 of 6: The Mercenary"
Conan has fought hard under the command of Amalric the Lion, part of his mercenary army in the hire of Koth. Conan has done well enough to be promoted to the rank of Captain, irking his counterpart Aratus. Amalric'a army routes the Corinthians, and goes to collect their pay but find the coffers of Koth bare, so his army loots the city to take their wages. Aratus makes a fool of Conan after the fighting is over, and Conan makes it plain that he will gut Aratus when the opportunity presents. Aratus and his comrade Ivanos flee for their safety. Amalric has heard of a need for his army in the South, where the hordes of Natohk ride North, crushing all in their path. Amalric encounters Count Thespides of Khoraja and the remains of his troops. The Count tells of Khoraja's betrayal, and the plight of Princess Yasmela. Natohk has taken Shem, and little but the battered Khoraja stands between him and Koth, but Amalic's forces now joins the fray.