Shadows in Zamboula by Robert E. Howard

by Robert E. Howard

Overview

"Shadows in Zamboula" is a thrilling short story by Robert E. Howard, featuring his famous character Conan the Barbarian. The story was first published in the November 1935 issue of "Weird Tales" magazine.

The story is set in the city of Zamboula, located in the deserts of eastern Khitai. Conan, after wandering aimlessly through the desert, finds himself in the city and decides to spend the night in a cheap inn. However, he soon learns that the city is plagued by a series of brutal murders, with the victims being left with their throats slit and their hearts ripped out. The people of Zamboula believe that the murders are the work of a demon named Gwahlur, who they believe has been summoned by a sorcerer.

Conan meets a beautiful woman named Zenobia, who is also staying at the inn. She tells Conan that she is a dancer and is being pursued by a wealthy merchant named Khemsa. Khemsa, who is also a sorcerer, wants Zenobia to be his lover and will stop at nothing to possess her. Zenobia tells Conan that she has seen Khemsa perform strange rituals and that she suspects he is behind the murders.

Conan agrees to help Zenobia and decides to investigate Khemsa. He sneaks into Khemsa's mansion and witnesses him summoning Gwahlur, the demon that the people of Zamboula believe is responsible for the murders. Conan realizes that Khemsa is using the demon to carry out his nefarious plans.

Conan confronts Khemsa and a fierce battle ensues. Khemsa, who is revealed to be a powerful sorcerer, manages to summon several demons to attack Conan. However, Conan, with his brute strength and cunning, manages to defeat the demons and kill Khemsa.

The story ends with Conan and Zenobia leaving Zamboula together, with Conan carrying Khemsa's wealth and Zenobia's gratitude.

"Shadows in Zamboula" is a classic example of Robert E. Howard's storytelling prowess. The story is full of action, suspense, and intrigue, and features a memorable villain in the form of Khemsa. Howard's vivid descriptions of Zamboula and its inhabitants, as well as his portrayal of Conan as a fierce and intelligent warrior, make this story a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure fiction.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161152867
Publisher:	Paul Calamusa
Publication date:	04/16/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	116 KB

About the Author

Robert E. Howard (1906-1936) was an American author who is considered to be one of the founding fathers of the sword and sorcery genre of fantasy fiction. Born and raised in rural Texas, Howard was an avid reader and began writing at a young age. He was particularly drawn to the pulp magazines of the time, such as "Weird Tales", which featured stories of adventure, horror, and the supernatural.

Howard's most famous creation is Conan the Barbarian, a warrior hero from a fictional prehistoric era. Conan first appeared in the story "The Phoenix on the Sword" in 1932 and quickly became a popular character in pulp fiction. Howard wrote numerous Conan stories, as well as other tales of adventure and horror, before his untimely death by suicide at the age of 30.

Howard's writing style is characterized by his vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and a love for history and mythology. He was an expert in the history of the Old West and used this knowledge to create believable and engaging characters. He was also known for his love of boxing, which he often incorporated into his stories.

Despite his short career, Howard left a lasting impact on the world of fantasy and horror fiction. His work has been adapted into numerous films, comic books, and video games, and he is remembered as one of the most influential writers of the pulp era.