Conan goes to the great, empty city of Alkmeenon. He wants to steal the Jewels of Gwahlur – but so does his enemy, Zargeba. In the city, Conan meets Muriela, who is clever and good at acting. With her help, Conan thinks he will win. But there are things happening in Alkmeenon that Conan does not understand – strange, terrible things. Will Conan get the jewels, or will Zargeba? And what is the secret of Alkmeenon?