Based on the novel of the same name by Viktor Veretennikov.

The story unfolds across two time periods – modern-day Ukraine and the historical reality of the second half of the 17th century. The two main characters are the legendary Cossack chieftain Ivan Sirko and his modern-day successor, Krutoyar. In each of their lives, the woman they love plays a huge role. Ivan Sirko discovers love thanks to Yaryna. He rescues her from Tatar captivity, where she was held along with her young son Oleksa. Sirko knew her son well, as he had been his Cossack apprentice: the chieftain taught him everything he knew and could do. But fate decreed that, whilst rescuing Yaryna, Sirko would discover that Oleksa, who had been like a son to him, had become one of the finest Janissaries and was beheading his Ukrainian brothers and sisters. On every campaign, in every battle, the old ataman awaits a meeting with Oleksa, but does not know how it might end for him…