Part 15 (1/2)

Kleg called for the curses of ten thousand Gods to fall upon the lizardto see if the iht to hide, that surely a single selkie would be iven the unknown tracking abilities of the lizards, he decided not to chance it No, speed would be his best ally One selkie could certainly iven that the lizards sought only booty, while the selkie ran for his skin

Kleg wove his way through the thick forest as the day wore down to night, and while he saved his breath for his physical efforts, his ainst his chasers

Conan arose from the queen's bed, not a little tired hi since worn off, but the queen finally slept

He found his sword under a cushi+on that had been thrown across the roouards posted without, but obviously they had been instructed not to enter the chamber unless specifically called upon to do so; had nal, they would have burst in on Conan and the queen half a dozen tirinned He could not say that his visit with the lizard woman had been unpleasant; indeed, he found it iven her actions thus far

Conan stuck his head through the chauards, one on either side of the door Softly, the Cie” His voice was little uards looked at each other, then back at Conan

Conan waved therinned, doubtless thinking themselves men of the world, and leaned toward Conan

The Ciuard by the neck and slaourd dropped on stone When he released the guards, they fell like pole-axed oxen

Conan hurried down the hallway to fetch Hok

When Thayla awoke, she did so sht?

Where was he?

She sat up abruptly Conan was gone! How had he gotten out?

”Guards! Tohappened Thayla leaped up and ran to the doorway

The two guards lay sprawled on the cavern floor unconscious

By the Great Dragon!

”To arms!” Thayla screamed She had to find hi around who ht speak of his actions with the Queen of the Pili, especially when such speechears

Her husband's ears

”To arms! ”

Conan ran across the desert to the east, the boy Hok next to him

”But how did you escape?” Hok asked ”Did you smite the queen with your sword?”

”Save your breath for running, boy”

”It takes no breath to listen”