The leader of the nomadic Sakas, the ancient inhabitants of Turan, died while hunting. The Sakas elect the wife of the deceased leader - the proud and wise Tomruz - as their leader. The Persian king Kurush (Cyrus), who has long dreamed of conquering Central Asia, invites Tomruz to marry him. The Sakas unravel the cunning plan of the Persian king - according to the ancient Eastern custom, a foreign king, having married a local ruler, becomes the master of the country. Tomruz refuses to marry Kurush. Then the angry king marches at the head of a strong army to the Amu Darya. The Sakas retreat to Kyzylkum and carry away the warriors of the self-confident Kurush. The Persians are surrounded. A fierce, bloody battle begins. She must decide the fate of the Saka tribes and the fate of Kurush himself. This book is about war and peace, about friendship and enmity, about love and fidelity.