When Conan of Cimmeria was a prisoner of war on the verge of death, he made a promise to a fellow prisoner, Baht Tann. Conan would grant a favor, wherever and whenever Tann called it in, in return for Tann's meagre water ration. The men escaped, parted ways and the rest is history. After a life filled with violence and tumult, Conan met his destiny and became King of Aquilonia.

Married with a child and presiding over a period of peace and stability, the legendary barbarian's sword has been sheathed for too long. When Baht Tann arrives in Aquilonia, he is wounded, his wife has been murdered and his two children kidnapped. He asks Conan to save his children and avenge his wife. It will be a perilous journey, chasing men with no honour. Conan leaves without hesitation.

Disguised as a scruffy wanderer and armed with a broadsword, Conan ventures into hostile lands in pursuit of Tann's assailants. He is soon beset by assassins and learns there is a price on his head. Unknown to Conan, for reasons of honour, revenge and glory, powerful warriors want him dead. Violence and vengeance ensue as Conan takes on his mysterious foes and attempts to fulfil his promise.