Who said that in the Viking era life was unsophisticated and simple?.. It turns out that it was possible, having gone overseas on an embassy, not to recognize your own country upon return. And having received a warship and a squad of proven brave men at your disposal, you suddenly discover that you have become a pawn in a game where the parties have long forgotten about honor... Who will the desperate warrior choose? Who will win the heart of the wandering witch? And what drives the mysterious young Varangian across the world, hiding half his face under a leather bandage?