The Battle of Itil destroyed the centuries-old trade route from Rus' to Khazaria, forcing them to look for other opportunities. Arriving in the land of Mary for tribute, Sveneld conveys to the residents King Olav’s proposal to organize a campaign along the Volga to Bulgar in the spring in order to establish new connections. But when the old order collapses, not everyone agrees on what should replace it. Realizing the value that Mary's land is acquiring, its elders are trying to get out of dependence on the rulers of Holmgard. At the center of events is the family of Dag, the most respected person from the Rus of Meryamaa: the eldest son Arnor goes into the forests in the east on “reconnaissance in force,” which leads to unexpected and dangerous results; daughter Arnade becomes a very profitable bride, in the struggle for which people face who would never have met without these events. Sveneld, wanting to establish peace in Merjamaa, is forced to take up arms, and Arneid, ready to sacrifice herself to prevent strife, finds herself in a very threatening position...