The Merchant Publio

Former associate of Conan (and of most the pirates of the Argossean Sea), Publio is a wealthy merchant with shady connections, that plays a role in the novel The Hour of the Dragon and in the first scenario of the Conan campaign book, in which Conan and his allies must free him from the city watch of Messantia.

Quote

Publio sat at a carved teakwood desk writing on rich parchment with a golden quill. He was a short man, with a massive head and quick dark eyes. His blue robe was of the finest watered silk, trimmed with cloth-of-gold, and from his thick white throat hung a heavy gold chain.

As the Cimmerian entered, the merchant looked up with a gesture of annoyance. He froze in the midst of his gesture. his mouth opened; he stared as at a ghost out of the past. Unbelief and fear glimmered in his wide eyes.

« Well, said Conan, have you no word of greeting, Publio? »

Publio moistened his lips.

« Conan! » he whispered incredulously. « Mitra! Conan! Amra! »

Robert E. Howard, The Hour of the Dragon