Fury. Winter of 1237–38

Under the crushing onslaught of the Mongol hordes, the Principality of Ryazan fell. Its capital, Ryazan, lies in blackened ruins from fires.

The invaders pressed on deeper into the Russian lands. The next target becomes the Great Principality of Vladimir. But in the rear of the Mongols, Ryazan’s major commander, Yevpaty Kolovrat, rises: during the days when his native land perished, he was in Chernihiv, and upon his return he managed to gather a small detachment and, driven by fury and a thirst for vengeance, went after the enemy. His sudden blows prove so painful that the steppe warriors have to allocate large forces against the avengers. One after another, they suffer failures and retreat in panic, convinced that the Ryazanians they killed have risen from the graves.

Meanwhile, the Vladimir prince Yury sends his son Vsevolod with a squadron to meet the invaders. Near Kolomna, a two-day battle begins, ending in the defeat of the Russians—soon afterward the Mongols take Moscow and lay it under a tight siege. Kolovrat decides to come to the city’s aid—and enters his final battle.