As the Macedonian Struggle intensifies in 1906, two Greek military officers arrive at the swamp at Lake Giannitsa to lead the Greek rebels. Captain Agras--"the ideal hero"--radiates energy and spirit; Captain Nikiphoros, in contrast, is more deliberate and reflective. Both are courageous and fearless--"united in their aims and dedication." A child and an adolescent dominate a plot resembling that of a spy story: Jovan, the "little Bulgarian," and Apostolis, "the best Greek guide west of the Axios River." Other key figures include the brave teacher Miss Electra, the mysterious giant Gregos, revenge-seeking Vasilis, and young Pericles, volunteer from Crete. Rival Greek and Bulgarian fighters strive desperately to drive each other from the swamp, in order to secure it for themselves as a base from which to control the surrounding villages. And all the while they face a common enemy, the occupying Turkish power whose army pursues them both relentlessly. With mounting tension and a startling turn of events, Secrets of the Swamp re-creates the fierce war "on land and water" at Lake Giannitsa--one of the most dramatic and little-known chapters of Modern Greek history.