1210… The year of the decisive battle of the indigenous peoples of the Baltic Sea against the German order of sword-bearers for Riga.
The massacre of the German ship trapped by the sword-bearers was merciless and bloody, and the loot was rich. The elder of the coastal pirates, Hugo, while tearing a jewel-encrusted cross from the chest of a noble traveler, could not have imagined what role this expensive trinket would play in the future fate of Livonia. To strengthen the alliance of the Livs against the invading crusaders, who demand not only taxes but also renunciation of their gods, the elder must marry the beautiful Lea - sister of the chief of the Livs. But at home, Hugo is already expected by his bride, and the best archer and inventor among the Livs, Ivo, is in love with Lea. At the same time, intrigues are brewing among the Germans around the founder of Riga, Bishop Albert…
The author has remarkably managed to combine a captivating narrative, embellished with legends, ancient customs, rituals, conspiracies, and intense passions of the characters, with profound artistic insight into real historical events. Based on meticulously gathered facts, the unique exploration of these events makes the novel interesting not only for history enthusiasts but also for professionals.