The story takes place during the reign of the Joseon dynasty in the year 1636. A bloody political battle unfolds on the land, with half of the country's inhabitants becoming slaves. The slaves want to join the enemy's army because the new ruler promises them equality. One day, one of the slaves, who belongs to the family of the young nobleman Lee Dae-gil, sets fire to the owner's house and escapes with his younger sister, Kim He-won. All members of the family, except for Dae-gil himself, perish.