The action of the book takes place in Macedonia under Ottoman rule in the early 20th century, during the Macedonian Struggle. Lake Giannitsa is the center of conflicts between Bulgarian and Greek armed forces vying for control of the region. The author utilizes historical material based on her research in archives and personal testimonies, which she combines with fictional elements. The main characters are Apostolis and young Yovan, guides for the Greek guerrillas in the labyrinthine paths of Valtos. Surrounding them are historical figures such as Captain Agras and Captain Nikiforos, as well as fictional heroes who participate in the struggle and face the harshness of war.
The novel was published in 1937 and is a sequel to "Mangas".