A plague that has ravaged the land brings the mystery of Getter, an orphaned maiden on Clemet's farm, and the Swedes' lost old letters of praise to the boyish danger. Getter's love and the responsibility for the fate of his tribesmen that falls on his shoulders lead Clemet to the thorny path of a freedom fighter.

While staying overnight on a small island with a sealing boat, Clemet encounters a charcoal Walborg. That night, Walborg becomes pregnant, and although Clemet had hoped to marry Getter, he must now marry another woman. His heart, however, is still with Getter. Clemet is overwhelmed by the sudden change in his life, and when the opportunity presents itself, he escapes to discover the world as a sailor.

Clemet has become a ship's captain, respected by the village community as an educated man who has seen the world and is the father of a large family.As the manor tries to impose ever-increasing burdens on the peasantry, the free peasants defend their rights.Clemet and Reverend Kroll stand up for them before Baron von Ungern-Sternberg, who then decides to get the coastal Swedes' letters of privity at any cost.Threats and attempts to buy him off end with the death of Jacob, a servant of Skallus, at the hands of the landowner. This forces the coastguards to take the hard way to justice.

The misrule of the free Swedes by the landlords of Hiiumaa has been appealed to higher authorities, even to the emperor, but there is still no decision. Baron von Ungern-Sternberg loses patience and gives Clemet the choice of prius or family. Walborg is sent to the neighbouring village from which he fled years ago, the children threatened by the Baron to be sold off one by one.Clemet, however, thinks of the previous generations who have held freedom for him, and of the next whose freedom is now in his hands.The price is high and must be paid by himself and those dearest to him.