Volume Eight of the “Rendezvous with the Varangians” series. In the war for the Straits, the first steps have been taken, and the first bloodless victory has been achieved—by diplomats and agents of the GU G B. By replacing the ruler of Bulgaria, Ferdinand, with the young Boris the Third, the Russian Empire of Tsar Mikhail has come very close to Constantinople—only a hand’s reach away and all you have to do is take it. But it isn’t that simple. Even though the Ottoman Empire is extremely decrepit, when you destroy it, you must follow safety procedures. First, you need to create conditions so that half of Europe doesn’t get pulled into the slaughter for the Straits—then you can make the first shot in the war.