Lord of the Dead

Introduction

“Lord of the Dead” by Robert E. Howard, set in the gritty and shadowy world of the 1930s, blends elements of detective fiction with supernatural and cultural intrigue. Steve Harrison, the central figure, is a hard-boiled detective who unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a conflict that transcends the ordinary criminal underworld, touching on mysticism and ancient vendettas.

Cross Plains Library has an original draft of this story.

The story weaves together multiple threads, including the clash between modernity and ancient traditions, the concept of fate versus free will, and the exploration of loyalty and honor across different cultures. Howard’s narrative is rich in atmospheric detail, from the dark alleys of the city to the opulent yet sinister chambers of Erlik Khan’s lair, creating a vivid backdrop for the action.

The supernatural elements, particularly the beliefs in reincarnation and mystical powers, serve to elevate the stakes of Harrison’s journey, challenging him to confront not only physical threats but also the mysteries of the unknown.

Rejections:

The Kline agencies kept a record for LORD OF THE DEAD.

Date

Information

07 August 1933

Received, est. at 12.000 words

08 August 1933

Submitted to TEN DETECTIVE ACES

14 November 1933

Rejected

14 November 1933

Submitted to Daigh - STRANGE DETECTIVE

01 December 1933

Sold for 1 cent a word

13 March 1934

Returned according to suspension of publication

13 March 1934

Submitted to Frank Armer - SUPER DETECTIVE

06 April 1934

Rejected

17 May 1934

J. E. Miller

18 June 1938

Sun Pub.

24 August 1938

Returned

J. E. Miller was Jessica Miller, Kline’s sub-agent in New York; Kline was still in Chicago. No miller records are known to exist.

The story

The narrative begins with Harrison ambushed in a dark alley by a ferocious attacker, leading to a desperate struggle for survival. This assailant, later revealed to be Amir Amin Izzedin, accuses Harrison of a past betrayal, setting the stage for a story steeped in vengeance and dark secrets.

As the plot unfolds, Harrison seeks medical aid from his friend Richard Brent, while simultaneously being hunted by the enigmatic and deadly figure from the alley. This chase leads Harrison into the heart of a sinister conspiracy orchestrated by Erlik Khan, a figure who aims to unite the secret societies of the East under his rule from the shadows of River Street.

Intrigue deepens with the involvement of Joan La Tour and the Druse warrior Ali ibn Suleyman, whose life is entwined with Harrison’s through a complex web of fate and reincarnation. As Harrison navigates this dangerous maze, he confronts not only physical threats but also the challenge of discerning friend from foe in a world where allegiances shift like shadows.

The climax of the story is a fiery confrontation in Erlik Khan’s lair, where Harrison and Joan face the culmination of the Khan’s wrath. The narrative concludes with a battle that is both literal and symbolic, pitting the forces of loyalty, honor, and revenge against the backdrop of a society struggling between ancient traditions and the encroaching modern world.

Characters

  • Steve Harrison: A tough and resourceful detective, the protagonist who finds himself ensnared in a web of mysticism, betrayal, and criminal intrigue.
  • Amir Amin Izzedin: Harrison’s initial attacker, driven by a vendetta rooted in a complex past.
  • Richard Brent: Harrison’s friend who provides medical assistance and a momentary refuge.
  • Erlik Khan (Lord of the Dead): The primary antagonist, a manipulative and powerful figure seeking to dominate the underworld through ancient magic and ruthless strategy.
  • Joan La Tour: A pivotal character whose actions and decisions have significant repercussions for Harrison and the narrative’s unfolding.
  • Ali ibn Suleyman: A Druse warrior caught in a cycle of reincarnation and revenge, whose fate is intricately linked with Harrison’s.
  • Fang Yim: A hatchet-man working for Erlik Khan, instrumental in the climactic battle.
  • Ak Bogha: A Turk who participates in the final confrontation, underlining the diverse and international nature of Erlik Khan’s followers.

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