Alternative history on the theme of Ancient Rus'. Svyatoslav, the Grand Duke of Kiev, forced the Byzantine emperor John Tzimiskes to retreat in a fierce battle near Dorostol. Impressed by the courage of the Russian warriors, the Greek basileus offers the prince a compromise: the division of Bulgaria and a joint campaign of the Romans and Rus against the Saracens, where the pagans will get rich booty and great glory, and the Christians will get the holy city of Jerusalem. On the advice of his prophetic wife, Svyatoslav agrees and, returning to Kyiv, begins preparations for the great campaign to the south. From the cold northern fjords to the Pecheneg steppes, the best warriors are flocking to Rus', who will be led into battle by the ARCHON VARANGI!