Shadows in Zamboula

"Shadows in Zamboula" by Robert E. Howard is a thrilling fantasy short story that falls within the sword and sorcery genre, likely penned in the early 20th century. This tale centers around Conan the Cimmerian, a well-known character in Howard's works, and his adventures in the exotic, treacherous city of Zamboula, where danger lurks behind every corner. The story dives into themes of survival, the battle against evil, and the clash of cultures within a rich, imaginative setting. The plot follows Conan as he arrives in Zamboula, where he is warned of the sinister happenings at the tavern owned by the mysterious Aram Baksh. After a series of chilling encounters and discovering the harrowing fate of previous guests, Conan attempts to uncover the mystery behind the tavern's dark secrets. Throughout the story, he faces off against cannibalistic enemies, a treacherous priest named Totrasmek, and ultimately engages in thrilling fights to rescue a young woman caught in a web of deception. The narrative combines action, suspense, and fantasy elements, culminating in a gripping climax that highlights Conan's strength and cunning as he navigates a perilous night in Zamboula. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Ervin Howard was an American writer who wrote pulp fiction in a diverse range of genres. He created the character Conan the Barbarian and is regarded as the father of the sword and sorcery subgenre.