life than Conan. Kane also has none of Conan's dislike of sorcery. His creator described Kane as "not a sword and sorcery hero; he is a gothic hero-villain from the tradition of the Gothic novels of the 18th and early 19th centuries" and as a character "who could master any situation intellectually, or rip heads off if push came to shove". Some commentators argue that the fantasy protagonist that Kane has most in common with is Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné, but Wagner was also inspired by novels such as Melmoth the Wanderer (1820) and The Worm Ouroboros (1922). Works Novels Bloodstone (1975): In the treasure captured during a savage raid, Kane discovers a powerful relic. Dark Crusade (1976): Kane encounters an ancient cult of evil, and its power-hungry leader. Darkness Weaves (1978) (editorially altered abridgement published in 1970 as "Darkness Weaves With Many Shades"): The mad sorceress Efrel seeks war and revenge upon her erstwhile husband, king Netisten Maril, and enlists Kane as her general in command of an army of mercenaries and monsters. Story collections Death Angel's Shadow (1973) "Reflections for the Winter of My Soul": Kane encounters a shapeshifting enemy who knows him (sequel to Dark Crusade). "Cold Light": A knight forms a band of crusaders and mercenaries, in a quest to find and kill Kane. "Mirage": Kane meets another immortal and discovers that death isn't the answer to his problems. Night Winds (1978) "Undertow": A mistress of Kane seeks to escape from him with the aid of a young barbarian. "Two Suns Setting": In a stony desert, Kane encounters the last of an elder race. "The Dark Muse": Kane's poet friend takes inspiration from a journey into chaos. "Raven's Eyrie": A previous victim of Kane plans to send his soul to hell. "Lynortis Reprise": The survivors of a bloody siege meet a betrayer. "Sing a Last Song of Valdese": A mutilated wizard takes his revenge. The Book of Kane (1985) "Reflections for the Winter of My Soul" "Sing a Last Song of Valdese" "Raven's Eyrie" "Misericorde": Kane enters the keep of the cruel Vareishei clan. "The Other One": The gods are sometimes merciful, while Kane is less so. Other tales Kane also appears in "Lacunae", collected in Why Not You and I? (1987), and in "At First Just Ghostly", "Deep in the Depths of the Acme Warehouse", and "The Gothic Touch" (which features Michael Moorcock's Elric