Bulgaria in the late 18th century. During a hunt, the falcon of the peasant Kosan injures a falcon belonging to Nadzhi Emin, one of the Tartar sultans. He learn that Kosan is in love with the beautiful Ranka and visits the girl's home. Emin's men soon abduct Ranka. Kosan becomes a rebel. Dragota also is secretly in love with Ranka. He becomes a monk. The abbot of the monastery grooms Dragota as his successor. Dragota has a plan to free Ranka. He sends Ranka's little brother to Emin's harem to forewarn his sister of the rescue attempt. A posse pursues the fugitives. Kosan's men ambush it. Shooting starts. Dragota and Ranka take shelter in the monastery. Kosan arrives too. The two rivals begin to fight. The monk runs away. He gives to the posse Ranka and Kosan's hiding place. The posse discovers them. Hadzhi Emin draws his sword but a radiant vision in the shape of a cross rises between him and his victims. Chased everywhere by the cross, he expires in the field, tearing at his clothes....