Without further planning, Conan ventures into Yara's garden to steal the jewel, but immediately encounters another intruder, Taurus of Nemedia, the "Prince of Thieves". The cunning Taurus, who is fat but amazingly agile, is impressed by Conan's daring and they agree to work together, with the master thief assuming a patronizing role to the inexperienced young barbarian. After battling lions in the tower gardens, the thieves ascend Yara's spire by grappling hook and rope. On the roof, Taurus enters a treasure chamber, but is ambushed by a lurking giant spider, and killed by three bites in the neck. After a desperate battle, Conan crushes the spider with a chest of gems, then descends in search of his prize, the Heart.