Since ancient times, Cossacks stood on guard to protect the borders of the Fatherland. Border stanitsas took part in clashes with militant mountain tribes: they repelled assaults and themselves rode into the marshlands. In constant struggle, the Cossack brotherhood was forged. Here everyone was for one another, and each was sure of a comrade’s shoulder—knowing they wouldn’t be left behind, even if they shared the same “same-smaller-soul” fate.