May 1940. Higher riding school in an ancient town in France. The cadets - scions of the most distinguished families - dream of fame, horse riding and balls. But the war shatters their romantic dreams. The enemy has come close to the city, there will be no arena, no steeplechase. With the impatience of their youth, the cadets await the start of hostilities. And they receive an order: to organize the defense of the city. The battles continued for several hours against a real enemy, who brought down the full power of artillery on them. Under exploding shells and bombs, overcoming fear and self-doubt, yesterday's students desperately defend their city and beloved school. Their dedication shocked even the enemy...For the first time in Russian, a novel by a magnificent French classic!