During the reign of Catherine II, a young aristocratic officer Pierre Griniov begins his military career in the distant fortress of Bielogorsk. There he falls in love with Maria Ivanovna, the fortress captain’s daughter. Meanwhile, the peasants are in revolt, lead by their Cossack chief, Pougatchov, who passes himself off for Tsar Pierre III, threatening the empire’s eastern steppes. Thrown into the heart of the battle and separated from the woman he loves, the young man will risk everything – including his life and honor – to save her.