A Witch Shall Be Born

A Witch Shall Be Born is a sword and sorcery novella by Robert E. Howard, written in 1934 and first published in Weird Tales later that year. The story follows the conflict between twin sisters Taramis, the rightful queen of Khauran, and Salome, a vengeful witch who seeks to usurp her throne. Themes of identity, betrayal, and the supernatural are central to the narrative, which features Conan the Cimmerian as he aids Taramis in her struggle against Salome's dark magic. The novella is noted for its memorable scenes, particularly Conan's crucifixion, and explores the duality of good versus evil within the context of Howard's broader Conan series.