The Hour of the Dragon features an elemental struggle against evil. The title itself refers to an Hyborian belief that their own age will be followed by one of darkness and destruction, which they refer to as the Hour of the Dragon. The symbol on the invading Nemedians' flags is a scarlet dragon, which suggests that they may be the people who bring the Hour of the Dragon to Aquilonia. In the novel, the world is nearly overcome by utter evil, and only the wits and courage of fallible mortals stand against it. Central to this struggle is the theme of deception, deceit, and disguises. From the beginning of the novel, characters pretend to be what they are not. Amalric seeks to rule Nemedia and Aquilonia through puppets, hiding himself behind two kings that he props up in power. Xaltotun throughout the novel thinks himself to be a...