Ruslan Arturovich Normashov never dreamed of a career as a commander—let alone an all-powerful ruler. Yet, completely unexpectedly, he was recognized as the prince of the Karelian lands. Personal courage, resourcefulness, and kindness allowed him to create a large retinue by the standards of the fourteenth century. His first timid attempt to test his strength and military skills ended successfully with a campaign to the Volga region. The jigsaw puzzle of intrigues laid around him forced him to go to war against Lithuania—and again luck smiled on the hero. Two loud victories among Russian princes caused a negative resonance, because in both cases Normann touched ancient family ties…