Olga Larionova is the author of the stunning “Leopard from the Top of Kilimanjaro”, the poetic and prosaic “Tales of Kings” and “Sonata of the Sea” - and many other novels, novellas and short stories that have long been classics of Russian fantastic prose. Before you is the first book of Larionova’s magnificent trilogy “The Crowned Crag”. A trilogy that was supposed to be just a parody of “space operas” - but instead became, perhaps, the most poetic and beautiful saga in the entire history of Russian science fiction... This is the legend of the strange and beautiful planet Jasper. About a planet of proud lords fighting with swords - and sending spaceships to the distant worlds of alien stars. About a planet where the future is read in magical cards, and robots are called servs. About a planet where laser disruptors fight in royal tournaments, knightly detachments are assembled for space travel - and the ancient Treaty with the wise birds, the Kregs, is sacredly observed. For without the vision of a krag, every person on this planet is blind. For the inhabitants of Jasper see the world around them only through the eyes of the Craigs. But what do they see?..