Vladimir Pashkaev

By the middle of the 12th century, the borders of the Mongolian Empire stretched from the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas in the west to the southern lands of China in the east. The Mongolian army, under Khan Batu’s command, was known for its invisibility, destroying anyone who dared to challenge them. Yet, even within their central territories, some areas refused to bow to the Genghisids. Kozelsk was one of them. The Mongolian armies bypassed the high walls of this small town, considering that "the skin of the wolf was not worth the risk of encountering its teeth".However, one of the Khan’s commanders harbored a grudge against the town's citizens. Now, the people of Kozelsk must face a battle against the strongest army in the world, with no hope of victory. This is a story about people facing their death. Some try to escape, others are willing to do anything to survive, but most are prepared to protect their city from the relentless storms of the Mongolian hordes.

Kesha, twenty-seven, comes back home to find his father and younger brother, Tima, waiting for him. He dreams of work, saving money, and planning his future. Tima, seventeen, hopes to go to college and excels in school. Everything seems to go according to plan — until Kesha is wronged by local prospectors. Stripped of his job and prospects, he decides to steal gold and go on the run, dragging his younger brother along. The story explores loyalty, desperation, and the dark pull of revenge.