A lone wanderer traverses a wild and menacing landscape, drawn by the scent of smoke and the cries of a dying girl. She reveals that a bandit named Le Loup and his men have ravaged her village, prompting the wanderer, Solomon Kane, to seek vengeance. After discovering her lifeless body, Kane's resolve hardens; he vows to hunt down the bandits responsible for her death. In a hidden lair, Le Loup and his remaining men discuss the mysterious deaths of their comrades, all linked to Kane. They express fear of the Englishman, whom they believe to be a demon. As they plot their next move, a wounded bandit stumbles in, confirming the deaths of their companions at Kane's hands. Le Loup, dismissing the superstitions of his men, decides to flee with the remaining treasure. Kane, meanwhile, embarks on a perilous journey to a nearby village, where he hopes to confront Le Loup. He navigates the treacherous jungle, ultimately falling into a trap set by the villagers. Bound and at the mercy of a ju-ju man named N'Longa, Kane learns of a powerful magic that can control life and death. N'Longa, seeking revenge against Songa, the village chief, uses his dark arts to animate a corpse, which then kills Songa. As chaos erupts, Kane seizes the opportunity to escape and pursue Le Loup. He tracks the bandit to a glade, where they engage in a fierce duel. The fight is intense, with both men displaying remarkable skill. Ultimately, Kane prevails, but not without sustaining injuries. In the aftermath, Kane faces Gulka, a fearsome gorilla-slayer who seeks to avenge his fallen comrades. However, the encounter takes an unexpected turn when a massive gorilla appears, attacking Gulka and leaving Kane to reflect on the primal forces at play in the jungle. With the battle concluded, Kane retrieves his sword and prepares to leave the dark land behind, haunted by the events that transpired and the lingering presence of the jungle's ancient, bloodthirsty gods. He sets his sights on the coast, determined to continue his quest for justice against those who prey on the weak.
By Robert E. Howard · First published 1931 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Sword and Sorcery · 5 chapters