The Return of the Sorcerer

Introduction

“The Return of the Sorcerer” is an unfinished narrative by Robert E. Howard that delves into themes of betrayal, mysticism, and perilous quests. Set against the exotic backdrop of the Gobi desert and the enigmatic Black Lamasery, the story recounts the harrowing experiences of a Western adventurer entangled in the dangerous intrigues of Eastern mystics.

This unfinished story layers adventure with supernatural elements, exploring themes of greed, cultural collision, and the relentless pursuit of power across the mysterious landscapes of the East.

Summary

The story begins with the unnamed narrator recounting his dire circumstances as a prisoner in a dark, subterranean dungeon. He reflects on the events that led him and his companion, John Ladeau, into this predicament. Their journey began in Nanking, fueled by rumors of hidden treasures in a mysterious black lamasery located in the Gobi desert. Despite their extensive experience in the East, they were ambushed by local tribesmen and eventually captured.

After surviving a perilous trek through the desert, the duo reached the lamasery only to find it deserted. They stumbled upon a treasure room filled with a vast assortment of coins from various civilizations and periods. While absorbed in their discovery, they were trapped and fell through a false floor into a dark cell, where they were beaten and chained.

Confronted by the head lama, the narrator is offered a chance at freedom if he agrees to undertake a mission to England to retrieve a sacred relic known as the Twig of the Tree of Dreams, which is in the possession of Professor James Dornley. The relic is described as a twig of black jade with crimson jewels, a unique artifact of significant spiritual value.

The lama reveals their extensive spy network and explains that Dornley is heavily guarded and suspicious, making the mission challenging. The narrator is skeptical but agrees to the terms for both his and Ladeau’s release. He is given a signet ring, the Seal of Mihiragula, which is crucial for gaining Dornley’s trust.

Before departing, the narrator briefly sees Ladeau, who appears content and unharmed. The lama outlines the conditions: return the Twig within a year, or Ladeau will be killed. The narrator sets out on his journey, escorted by a Tibetan named Bugra, to reach the Great Wall and then travel to England.

Characters

  • Narrator (Abner Brill): The main protagonist, who recounts his capture and the subsequent deal he strikes with the Black Lama to regain his freedom by retrieving a sacred relic.
  • John Ladeau: The narrator’s companion and fellow adventurer, who is used as leverage to ensure the narrator completes his mission.
  • Black Lama: The enigmatic leader of the lamasery, who orchestrates the capture and negotiation with the narrator, using his authority and resources to manipulate events from behind the scenes.
  • Bugra: A Tibetan who escorts the narrator part of the way on his journey to fulfill the mission assigned by the Black Lama.
  • Professor James Dornley: The holder of the Twig of the Tree of Dreams in England, described as eccentric and guarded, whom the narrator must deceive to complete his mission.

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