Book excerpt: The ancient hierarchs of the desert city of Qjara fear the one called Conan. They do not want to let the strange northlander, who does not worship the One True Goddess, within their walls. But in the ding city of Sark, a soulless high priest wields the legendary Sword of Onothimantos and schemes for the return of the ancient gods. His schemes include sacrificing the city of Qjara to the Tree of Mouths--and only the dreaded Conan can save them.