With the aid of his magnificent horse, Burushka, Russian hero Ilya Muromets overcomes Nightingale the Bandit's building-leveling whistle and casts him into prison. Shortly afterward, Ilya is dismissed from the Prince of Kiev's service after a dispute over ownership of his beloved stallion. When Nightingale escapes from prison, stealing all of the prince's gold and Ilya's horse to boot, Ilya reluctant agrees to pursue and capture the bandit. His efforts are hindered by the Prince who insists on joining Ilya on his quest and a plucky female writer who tags along to chronicle their adventures.—David Bassler