The main character of the novel, Charlotte, leaves with the Red Cross to work in Africa, believing that a six-month separation will bring Brian to reason, who, after an accident in the mountains, lost the ability to move independently, became embittered at the whole world and turned Charlotte's life into hell. Finding herself in the midst of hostilities, Charlotte miraculously survived, but was taken hostage by... English mercenaries. That's what it seemed to her, anyway. However, the English mercenaries, especially one of them, Mort, actually saved her life. And Charlotte's hostility towards Mort gave way to gratitude. Moreover, Charlotte seems to have fallen in love with the stern soldier of fortune...