Between 1714-1716 Moldavian Prince Dimitrie Cantemir,living in Constantinople, writes his History of the Rise and Fall of the Ottoman Empire,outlining the eventual causes of the fall of the Empire.The valuable manuscript is stolen by thieves interested in selling it.The manuscript is important to both the Ottomans and their enemies.The Ottomans wish to keep secret the knowledge contained in the manuscript while their enemies want to gain insight into the weaknesses of the Ottoman Empire.Many European powers of the day are possible suspects in manuscript's disappearance.Prince Cantemir's loyal officer, Colonel Mihut Galateanu, traveling incognito under the name of Captain Miguel Sao Miguel,is protecting the Prince while searching for the stolen manuscript.