The film is based on the story by L. Andreev "The Life of Vasily of Thebes" about the fate of the village priest Vasily, who, after going through a great many misfortunes, renounces God in order to regain his true faith through even greater grief.

The film is set in the summer of 1944. The Home Army branch operating in the Sądecki region is decimated by the Germans during an attempt to take over the drop of weapons and ammunition from England. About 20 soldiers break out of the encirclement, including the commander - Major "Dziadek" - and his deputy - Captain Stańczyk. Partisans are trying to get to the ruins of a nearby castle, where the last ammo crate is supposed to have landed.