The main character of the story, university master Jan Var, although he comes from a people conquered by enemies, tries to stay away from the ongoing conflict between conquerors and conquered, and composes a scientific work “The Question of a Culture Implanted by Force.” But a duel with a guards officer puts him outside the law, forces him to flee the capital and learn up close how he lives, what he strives for, and what his native people are ready to fight for.