[1] The evil wizard Dimma the Mist Mage suffers from a curse that has rendered his body insubstantial.

As a mystical "Seed" held by the Tree Folk might restore him, he directs his enslaved selkies to steal it for him.

A race of lizard people also desires the Seed, as its power of fertility is key to enabling them to establish a new home.

Meanwhile, the young Conan, en route to Shadizar, had fallen in with the Tree Folk after rescuing their medicine woman, Cheen.

He helps them fend off the selkies' attack, but not before one of them makes off with the Seed and takes Cheen's brother Hok hostage.