The year is 1580. Carniola, Croatia and a large part of western Bosnia resemble a kind of "Wild West" on the Balkan Peninsula. For decades, bloody conflict has raged between the Ottoman and Christian worlds, with the Ottoman Empire approaching dangerously close to the heart of Europe. Despite a relatively stable frontier between these two worlds, which runs through what is now Slovenia and Croatia, and the establishment of the so-called Military Frontier, Turkish raiding parties frequently penetrate deep into the west, burning and pillaging, killing and enslaving the local population. Starting in the summer of 1579, by order of Austrian Archduke Charles, the Karlovac fortress has been under construction in an effort to halt the advancing Ottoman threat.

The population of the region is a melting pot of different peoples, all exhausted by the constant skirmishes and conflicts. Some are refugees from conquered lands, others are soldiers and mercenaries, while the rest are local people worn down by raids and attacks. Skilfully navigating between these two worlds is a "healer" of Montenegrin origin, known by the simple nickname "Poturica", who is somehow accepted and liked by both sides, as everyone needs his services. Forcibly converted to Islam in his youth and later released from active military service among the Janissaries after many battles, he eventually returned to the Christian side, where, after further military service, he finally dedicated himself to healing. Some are quick to accuse him of being a double agent, though no one has any real proof of this.

When Poturica encounters and recognises the kidnapped daughter of his old friend, a commander of the fortress under construction, in the occupied territory near Kamengrad, he sets out on a journey to deliver this news. The old captain with the backing of his daughter's fiancé, resolves to launch a rescue mission. Comprising the young lieutenant guardsman Nikola, the renowned warrior Ivan and Poturica himself, the small and brave band will embark on a perilous journey through the frozen and dangerous frontier and occupied Croatian lands, employing various tricks and strategies and, of course, all their combat skills, to free the captain's daughter from the clutches of the Turks.

This gripping tale of hard and dangerous times, loyalty, honour, courage and selflessness will transport you to a not-so-distant past, offering insight into the rich history of Karlovac and the Military Frontier, introducing a host of fascinating historical and fictional characters and leading you on a journey full of suspense, tension and unexpected twists.

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