Early 9th century. Russian "era of barbarian kingdoms". The territory of (future) Rus' is divided into many small principalities-lands, sometimes warring, sometimes friendly with each other. The main population is people, free eternals, living “each with his own kind.” The ethnos is young, full of strength, does not tolerate anyone’s dictates over it, and is gradually beginning to realize its own unity. Sandwiched between Rostov, Novgorod and the Vessky lands is the tiny Principality of Belozersk. When creating the cover I used a painting by Igor Ozhiganov.