People of the Dark (draft 2)

Introduction

The second draft of People of the Dark presents a more structured and detailed version of the story compared to the incomplete first draft. It features 20 pages of rich narrative that bridges elements from the earlier fragment and the final published version. This draft continues to explore themes of love, jealousy, and remembrance, combining supernatural horror with a reincarnation motif. The protagonist, John O’Brien, is drawn to Dagon’s Cave by a mix of love for Eleanor Bland and hatred for his rival, Richard Brent. The tale delves into a remembered past life as “Conan of the Reavers,” framing the narrative within a cycle of reincarnation, love, and sacrifice.

This draft solidifies the reincarnation theme and offers greater insight into the characters’ motivations, while deepening the supernatural and horror elements that permeate the story.

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 1, 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

Present-Day Plotline

John O’Brien arrives at Dagon’s Cave intending to kill his romantic rival, Richard Brent. His obsession with Eleanor Bland—whose affections are torn between the two men—drives him to contemplate murder. As he enters the cavern, O’Brien is struck by a powerful sense of déjà vu, as if he has been there before. This familiarity pulls him deeper into the dark tunnels, where he experiences a vivid and immersive recollection of a past life.

Recollection of a Past Life

In his memory, O’Brien is transformed into Conan of the Reavers, a black-haired Gael from ancient times. As Conan, he recalls a raid on a Briton village, where he becomes infatuated with Tamera, a golden-haired Briton woman. Pursuing her into the forest, Conan confronts her lover, Vertorix, and engages in a fierce battle. Tamera convinces Vertorix to flee into the dreaded Cavern of the Children, a place feared by all.

Inside the cavern, Conan follows them, encountering grotesque etchings on the walls that depict monstrous, reptilian beings. His pursuit leads him into deeper chambers, where he discovers the horrifying “Children of the Night,” a degenerate race of serpent-like humanoids who worship the Black Stone.

Conan and Vertorix, forced into an uneasy alliance, fight to survive as the Children swarm around them. Despite Conan’s initial desire to claim Tamera for himself, his humanity emerges as he joins Vertorix in protecting her. Together, they hack their way through the tunnels, spilling blood in a desperate attempt to escape.

At one point, the trio reaches a fork in the corridor. Conan takes the left path and becomes separated from the others. After a grueling journey through dark, damp tunnels beneath a roaring river, he emerges onto a ledge overlooking a gorge. Across the river, he sees Vertorix and Tamera on a similar ledge. Trapped by the pursuing Children, the lovers embrace one last time and leap into the raging river below, choosing death over recapture.

Return to the Present

O’Brien awakens from his vision at the base of a staircase in Dagon’s Cave. Determined to confirm the reality of his memory, he retraces Conan’s journey. He finds remnants of the ancient scenes he had envisioned, including the Black Stone altar and blood-streaked chambers. Emerging from the tunnels onto the same ledge he had seen in his vision, he looks across the gorge to see Richard Brent and Eleanor Bland standing together. Eleanor expresses an eerie familiarity with the place, recalling fragments of the past life she and Richard shared as Tamera and Vertorix.

Accepting that Eleanor and Richard are destined to be together, O’Brien abandons his vengeful intentions. He leaves the cave, his soul at peace, having found closure for both his past and present selves.

Characters

  • John O’Brien
    A modern-day man tormented by jealousy and love for Eleanor Bland. Through a vision, he recalls his past life as Conan of the Reavers, experiencing themes of redemption and acceptance.
  • Conan of the Reavers
    O’Brien’s past incarnation, a fierce Gael warrior. Conan’s love for Tamera and rivalry with Vertorix drive the ancient narrative, culminating in his reluctant alliance with Vertorix against the Children of the Night.
  • Eleanor Bland
    A modern woman torn between O’Brien and Brent. In her past life, she was Tamera, a Briton woman pursued by Conan and loved by Vertorix.
  • Richard Brent
    O’Brien’s rival in the present day. He is Eleanor’s true love and the reincarnation of Vertorix.
  • Vertorix
    A Briton warrior and Tamera’s lover in the ancient timeline. Vertorix is noble and self-sacrificing, fighting alongside Conan to protect Tamera before ultimately choosing death with her.
  • Tamera
    A Briton woman with golden hair and mystic gray eyes. Desired by Conan but in love with Vertorix, her tragic end reflects themes of love and sacrifice.
  • The Children of the Night
    A degenerate race of reptilian humanoids who dwell in the caverns. They are worshipers of the Black Stone and serve as the primary antagonists in both timelines.

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