It is the end of the 14th century. In Lithuania, for almost three decades, Grand Duke Olgierd, son of Gediminas, has ruled from the High Castle on Vilnius Mountain. He is supported in this by his brother, Kiejstut, prince and lord of Trakai, also called the Lord of the Lake, because he recently built a defensive fortress in the middle of the Galvė waters. Rumors spread among the people that the castle was built using magic.

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From time immemorial, there has been a rule, reinforced by Grand Duke Gediminas, that the rightful ruler of Lithuania should honor and respect the Old Gods.

 

For this reason, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania is struggling with persistent and fierce invasions of the Hospitaller Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as the White Coats or the Teutonic Knights.

 

 

The last winter clash with the Order, at the Rudawa castle, turns out to be a devastating defeat for Olgierd's army. Even his nephew, the young Prince Witold, flees in panic from the battlefield.

 

As if that were not enough, the death of the Polish king, Casimir, deprives the Duchy of a Western ally in this pseudo-religious struggle.

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The family of Grand Duchess Julianna, the Rurykowicz family from Russia, lends a helping hand. They promise to extend their complete protection to Lithuania against the intrusive Order if the stubborn and steadfast ruler finally accepts his wife's faith - Orthodox Christianity. However, the pretense of baptism also conceals the incorporation of Lithuania into the Grand Duchy of Ruthenia.

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And Lithuanians, above all, want to remain free...

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It is on this ground that the young Prince Skirgiełło grows up, anointed by his father, Olgierd, as his future successor from the moment of his birth. The barber prince, as his subjects say, although talented and well-liked, faces constant paternal pressure in striving for perfection and the expectations of his surroundings.

 

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However, due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, just before his death, the Grand Duke changes his mind and places his diadem in the hands of another son; sixteen-year-old Jagiełło.

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This decision causes shock and disbelief and begins years of fratricidal civil war, not only between the sons of Kiejstut and Olgierd, but also between the Olgierdowicz family themselves.

 

The coronation of Jagiełło as the king of Poland neighboring Lithuania adds fuel to the fire.

 

 

The era of spilling brotherly blood, betrayals and weaving a spider's web of intrigue begins, and previously untamed creatures awaken in the darkness of the Lithuanian forests.

 

For some, magic and religion are opposing forces in the name of which wars are fought, for others, they are two sides of the same coin.

 

 

In the labyrinth of political lies that can deceive even the heart, Prince Skirgaila seems to be the last, most loyal and devoted to his young brother - the king.

 

Are you sure?

 

In whose hands is Lithuania really? The brave Jagiełło, or perhaps the diplomat Skirgiełło, from the coronation of his brother called by the Lithuanian people Šešuolių - the shadow king.

 

Will Jagiełło's policy arouse the anger of the Old Gods?

 

And is there still a chance for true love in a world shrouded in the darkness of lies and rivers of blood?

 

If so, you have to pay a very high price for it...