The fourth and final novel of the Meshchera cycle. The action takes place partly in Meshchera, where the paths of Gascon sailors and Arab spies suddenly converged; partly in the swamps of the Kerzhensky region, where evil spirits flock; partly in Constantinople, where politicians from many lands gather in order to install their metropolitan in Rus' through intrigue and gold. All roads lead to Rome, the saying goes, and the Rome of that era was Constantinople. It has already entered the stage of decline. However, few understand this.