He survived not only a terrifying plane crash, but also the “dark Middle Ages,” into which a time talisman cast a Russian officer. He fought against Attila’s Huns in the legions of the Byzantine Empire, rising from a common hoplite to a tribune (a commander). He joined the Third Crusade, becoming a knight in the army of Richard the Lionheart. With faith and truth he serves Vladimir Monomakh, defending the Russian Land from Polovtsian raids.