The Valley of the Lost (1)

Introduction

Glenn Lord had erroneously titled this story “The Valley of the Lost,” as he thought it was the story that had been announced for the last issue of STRANGE TALES that never got published; as it turns out, he was wrong, and when the proper story showed up, Glenn Lord titled it “The Secret of Lost Valley.”

Since this initial mistake, everyone has gone back to the proper titles. A titled version is included in a list of REH stories that Otis Adelbert Kline possessed, titled “King of the Forgotten People.”
Otis Adelbert Kline and later agents retained the original typescript and it was eventually donated to Cross Plains Library. The story starts with “Jim Brill licked his parched lips . . .”

Summary

The story begins with Jim Brill struggling through a desert storm, thankful for the storm’s cover that helped him escape a deadly raid. After a grueling journey, he arrives at a mountainous region where he faces numerous dangers including an enormous spider-like creature that attacks his pursuers.

Brill finds himself at the gates of a hidden city called Khor, ruled by Richard Barlow, who has transformed from an explorer to a sorcerer-like figure commanding the city’s inhabitants. Barlow, dressed in extravagant robes and possessing an aura of power, reveals that he has no intention of returning to civilization, having found a new purpose in ruling Khor and studying mystical sciences.

The narrative intensifies as Barlow unveils his ambition to absorb the essence of Genghis Khan from the psychic impressions left in the walls of his chamber. He believes this will grant him supernatural powers to conquer and rule beyond Khor. As Brill confronts Barlow about his inhuman experiments and tyrannical rule, tensions escalate, leading to a violent conflict where Barlow meets his demise.

Brill, now seen as a potential leader by the people of Khor, rejects their offers of kingship. Instead, he seeks to escape the entanglements of the city and return to his life, signifying his disinterest in power or conquest, contrasting sharply with Barlow’s megalomaniac ambitions.

Characters

  • Jim Brill – The protagonist, a rugged individual seeking Richard Barlow for personal reasons, embodies resilience and moral integrity.
  • Richard Barlow – Antagonist, a scientist turned ruler of Khor, whose obsession with power and mystical sciences leads to his downfall.
  • Lala Tzu – A secondary character, a dancing girl who plays a pivotal role in the climax by saving Brill and showing loyalty to her feelings over Barlow’s authority.
  • Tonkinese Servants – Serve Barlow and enforce his rule in Khor, contributing to the oppressive environment.
  • Mongol Bandits – Initial antagonists who drive the plot by chasing Brill into the dangerous terrains leading to Khor.

Alternate title:

KING OF THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE.

Published in:

Source and links: