In the second half of the 13th century, the kingdom of Bohemia is among the most powerful in Europe. Rightfully, but with a hint of envy, our contemporaries call the Czech king Přemysl II Otakar, "the iron and golden king." The mines of Kutná Hora are yielding immense quantities of silver. The fearsome Czech armies annihilate numerous enemies in bloody battles. The Czech king claims the title of Roman Caesar from the Habsburgs.
However, behind the gilded glory, cracks begin to show. In his homeland, the kingdom of Bohemia, Přemysl II Otakar fights against the domestic aristocracy that resists. The feudal lords have grown accustomed, since the times of his predecessors, to weak governance, and now they are disturbed by strong rule. They care only to seize as much land and power for themselves as possible. It is a dangerous and restless time.
To strengthen his power, the ruler builds new royal towns and castles. One of these is Bezděz in northern Bohemia. Responsible for the construction and supervision of the castle, as well as military commander, is the young royal procurator, Oldřich of Hlohov. He replaces the ruler, commands the royal military body, collects taxes, ensures safety on the roads, and upholds the law of the land.
He is primarily distinguished for his exceptional skills in solving crimes against life, presides over trials, and makes difficult decisions. In the book "The Stiletto & the Snake," Oldřich is called upon to find the culprits behind two gruesome murders. One autumn morning, lord Jindřich of Donín was found lying in his bed with a stiletto embedded in his heart. The day before, he had participated in a hunt organized to entertain a group of nobles from the surroundings...
