Returning from Trieste to Greece, Mando Mavrogenous is initiated by her uncle in the Filiki Eteria. After the commencement of the Greek Revolution in the early-1820s, she sells her dowry--despite her mother's objections--and equips her own ship in aid of the war effort, slowly gaining the reputation of a fearless woman and a successful commander. However, her intense relationship with Prince Demetrios Ypsilantis will raise eyebrows in the ranks of the political leaders, and especially, Ioannis Kolettis, who strongly believes that the two fervent lovers intend to appoint themselves the first rulers of the newly established nation.
—Nick Riganas