People of the Dark (draft 1)

Introduction

The first draft of People of the Dark offers an early glimpse into the development of a story that would later undergo significant revisions before publication. Completed in October 1931, the story was initially sent to Strange Tales of Mystery and Terror, a competitor to Weird Tales. Editor Harry Bates found merit in the tale but requested revisions, which Robert E. Howard provided. Ultimately, Bates accepted the revised version alongside The Cairn on the Headland.

This draft, however, remains incomplete, missing its opening seven pages and abruptly ending at page 14. The narrative introduces a remembrance/reincarnation theme, with the protagonist reliving events from a past life as “Conan of the Reavers,” a black-haired Gael who swears by the Celtic deity Crom. While some have speculated that this Conan may serve as a prototype for Howard’s later, more famous character, their narrative roles and contexts differ significantly.

In November 2024, John Bullard prepared a publication for the REH Foundation’s Legacy Circle members, presenting the first two drafts of People of the Dark for the first time, offering deeper insights into Howard’s creative process.

This draft, while fragmented, captures the raw intensity and atmospheric dread that define the tale, providing a unique perspective on its evolution.

Also see these

DRAFT 2, People of the Dark (published version)

Here is a comparison of both drafts and the final published story as a downloadable pdf-file:

Evolution and Redemption: Analyzing Robert E. Howard's People of the Dark

 

The story

The story begins with the unnamed protagonist—a Gael—venturing into a dark, labyrinthine cavern driven by his love for a yellow-haired girl, Tamera, and a dangerous curiosity about the mysterious “Children of the Night.” The Britons had told tales of these inhuman creatures, warning of their grotesque attributes and malevolent tendencies. Armed with a blade, the Gael cautiously navigates the oppressive darkness.

His journey turns deadly as an unseen foe strikes at him, but he swiftly retaliates, killing it. The creature’s hissing, inhuman voice and use of a blade suggest a horrifyingly distorted humanity. Soon, he hears more ominous sounds: slithering and hissing indicative of others approaching. Seeking refuge, he descends a narrow staircase into a cavern dimly illuminated by a glowing black altar, coated with phosphorus and flanked by grinning skulls. Upon the altar lie two captives—Tamera and Vertorix, a Briton warrior—bound and bloodied.

The protagonist also observes one of the “Children of the Night.” The creature’s mottled, serpent-like skin, grotesque features, and primitive weaponry mark it as a horrifying evolutionary aberration. Recognizing the hopelessness of their predicament, the Gael frees Vertorix and Tamera. Setting aside their enmity, the Gael and Vertorix form an alliance to escape the nightmarish lair.

Their flight through the tunnels is harrowing. Pursued by hordes of the Children, they face numerous obstacles, including a dead-end illuminated by unreachable daylight and narrow passages swarming with their monstrous foes. The Gael repeatedly risks his life to hold off the horde, allowing his companions to gain ground.

Eventually, they find a stairway leading to daylight. The trio battles their way upward, but the relentless Children anticipate their movements, pursuing them through alternate routes. At a fork in the tunnel, the Gael takes the left path, hoping to divert the horde from Tamera and Vertorix. His self-sacrifice slows the creatures momentarily, but his wounds and fatigue mount as he continues alone.

Emerging from the darkness onto a cliff ledge above a roaring river, the Gael glimpses Tamera and Vertorix across the gorge on a similar ledge. Their path to freedom is blocked by the pursuing horde, while the cliff walls above them are insurmountable. With grim resolve, Vertorix casts his axe into the river and embraces Tamera. Together, they leap into the raging waters below, choosing death over recapture.

The Gael watches helplessly as the river sweeps them away, their sacrifice serving as a poignant testament to their love and defiance against the horrors of the Children of the Night.

Characters

  • Protagonist (Unnamed Gael) A warrior driven by love for Tamera and a desire to uncover the truth about the Children of the Night. He is resourceful, brave, and willing to sacrifice himself for others.
  • Tamera A yellow-haired Briton girl and the object of the Gael’s affection. She is captured by the Children of the Night and ultimately chooses to face death with Vertorix rather than risk recapture.
  • Vertorix A Briton warrior and Tamera’s lover. Despite his enmity with the Gael, he joins forces with him to escape the cavern. Vertorix’s loyalty to Tamera is unwavering, and his final act is one of profound courage. 
  • The Children of the Night
    A race of deformed, reptilian humanoids described as grotesque and inhuman. They inhabit the caverns and worship the Black Stone, engaging in human sacrifices. Their physical deformities and malevolent nature evoke both horror and revulsion.

Published in: