Even the wealth of the ages is no good to a dead man, but Conan of Cimmeria is not daunted when a beautiful noblewoman hires him to lead a dangerous expedition from the ports of Shem to the fierce wilds of the Black Coast. Nor does he fear to board a ship captained by Wufrede of Vanaheim, a bloody enemy of any Cimmerian.

Yet greater hazards lie ahead, for the lovely Malia's secret goal is the fabled wealth of Python. To survive, Conan must put his trust in his own wits and sword, for anyone may be willing to kill for the treasures of Python.