The 11th century. King Giorgi the First has to fight on the two fronts at the same time – disgruntled feudal barons within the country and the Byzantine army without. The king, thoughtful, rich and strong, falls in love with Shorena, daughter of the restive feudal Kolonkelidze. The King orders to poison Shorena’s groom Chiaber Eristavi thereby getting rid of the strong political rival. He orders architect Arsakidze to construct the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral The Catholikos anathematizes the King and sends Shorena to the monastery.