In the first book of the historical novel by Vladimir Afinogenov, awarded the International Literary Prize named after V.S. in 1993. Pikul, tells about the emergence of Khazaria in the neighborhood of Kievan Rus and about the campaign in 860 against Byzantium of the Kyivans under the leadership of the archons (princes) Askold and Dir. In the second book, the action moves to Asia Minor, Germany, Great Moravia, the Bulgarian Kingdom, gives a wide panorama of life and beliefs of the Slavs and describes the siege of Kyiv by the Khazar Kaganate. The adventures of the heroes give the novel an action-packed edge, and their free pagan love gives it a special emotionality.