Princess Olga. The Witch's Stones

The 940s. Ancient Rus’. The failure of the first campaign against the Byzantines put Ingvár of Kyiv’s power at risk across all the lands under his rule. In winter, after the campaign, arriving in Holmgar’d to ask for help, he learns that Eirik, ruling in Meryamaa, refused to pay tribute.

But forcing him by force isn’t the time yet. Searching for a way to influence Eirik, Ingvár focuses on the young Helga—nicknamed Stone Helga—Eirik’s niece, who is staying as a guest with his mother, Queen Svanchayde.

The young leader of the Varangian mercenaries, Eskil the Shadow, takes on a task not suited to him: to win the girl’s heart and persuade her to run away with him to Kyiv. But it isn’t so easy—winning love from a girl used to valuing herself highly and having defenders among the people of Asgard.

In the novel you’ll find:
1. Story: the conclusion of the 944 treaty between Kyiv prince Igor and the Roman emperor Roman.
2. Politics: a struggle of part of the lands for independence, a rebellion of Varangian mercenaries.
3. Love: first, Eskil tried to seduce Helga, but failed; then Helga needed to seduce Eskil—and guess whether she succeeded?
4. Magic: a light elf in the form of a white wolf serving Odin; “witch stones” — keepers of luck; shapeshifting.
5. An engaging plot, human dramas, wise thoughts, a real history of Ancient Rus’ colored by creative fantasy.