Peter Aleshkovsky is a prose writer, historian, author of the novels “Biography of a Ferret,” “Harlequin,” “Vladimir Chigrintsev,” and “Fish.” After graduating from the Department of Archeology at Moscow State University, for several years he was involved in the restoration of monuments of the Russian North. The main character of his new novel “Fortress” is archaeologist Ivan Maltsov, a fan of his work, honest and principled to the point of recklessness. He conducts excavations in an ancient Russian town, writes a book about the history of the Golden Horde and himself - like the Mongol warrior from his dreams and visions - rushes to save the ancient Fortress, which is threatened with destruction at the hands of local nouveau riche and capital officials. Medieval legends get a new interpretation, the action develops rapidly to end with a sharp and unexpected ending.