The tenth century raised Oleg Sukhov to a considerable height. He became a Master, a close associate of the very Byzantine emperor… And then Fate flings him into the future—three hundred years ahead, into the terrifying year 1237, right under the hooves of Batu’s cavalry. Again, he has to survive—again, climb out of being mere common soldiers… He will rise—no question. But if only he knew which side to stand on… Whether to support Russian princes—brother-killers and destroyers of their own people? Or to back the Mongol khans—spreading a new order with fire and sword?