When the Ottoman turks become displeased with Prince Vlad the Impaler's rule in Wallachia they start plotting to overthrow and replace him with a puppet ruler, Prince Radu the Handsome. The year is 1462 and Wallachia is a vassal of the Ottoman Porte to which it pays annual tribute in gold, grain and slaves. Prince Vlad the Impaler often refuses to pay the tribute and conducts terrible wars against the Ottomans. However, the Ottomans militarily support the more obedient Wallachian Prince Radu the Handsome to gain the throne. Captain Ion, an officer in Prince Vlad's guard, uncovers a major plot to kill Prince Vlad. He also falls for Ilinca, the daughter of court advisor Flor. Unfortunatelly, Ilinca is engaged to Andrei, a noble sympathetic to the Ottomans and to Prince Radu the Handsome's bid for the throne of Wallachia.