In 18th century Slovenia ruled by the Habsburg dynasty, a troop of soldiers are ordered to prevent the Shrovetide carnival by force and two youngsters are killed in the fight that ensue.

Temnikar's family prepares for Christmas, but to him, it's the time of dark premonitions and anxiety. In the mountain cave, hidden by snow, the wounded partisans are hiding, and Temnikar suspects the treason. Once the White Guard patrol shows up at Temnikar's doorstep, he finds out about their plan to go and finish off the wounded partisans.