North Caucasus, XIX century. Abrek-Ossetian Jigo learns that only two men remain in his family — he and his nephew Akhsar. The highlander decides to take revenge on the Dudarov’s family, whose representative killed his brother. However, the difficult financial situation forces Jigo to go to Mozdok, where he is going to exchange cheese for grain with his kunak, the Terek Cossack Stepan. He loads the cart and, together with his nephew, goes to the Russian fortress.

A group of university students goes on an archaeological expedition into the mountains, where they find a rare gold mask.

The film tells about man's love for nature and the importance of preserving the environment.

Screen adaption of Alim Keshokov's novel of the same name. The film takes place before and during the civil war.