A Witch Shall Be Born

A Witch Shall Be Born is a novella by American writer Robert E. Howard, first published in 1934, and part of the Conan the Barbarian series.

Queen Taramis of Khauran faces betrayal and usurpation when her identical twin sister, Salome - abandoned at birth for her witch-like crescent-shaped birthmark - returns, wielding dark sorcery.

Raised by a magician and fueled by vengeance, Salome allies with the ruthless Constantius to overthrow Taramis, imprisoning her in the palace dungeon. Assuming Taramis’ identity, Salome plunges Khauran into chaos, disbanding the loyal army, oppressing the citizens, and summoning a monstrous demon to rule the desecrated temple of Ishtar. Conan the Cimmerian, once captain of the queen’s guard, defies Salome and Constantius, facing crucifixion for his rebellion. Rescued by desert raiders, Conan rises as a leader of the Zuagirs and rallies an army, including Khaurani exiles, to reclaim the city.