In a small community around 400 years ago, Esben (Juraj Hrcka) has to flee when his mother is tried and burnt as a witch as a result of the cruel hysteria of the townsfolk. Finding shelter with the hermit Hans (Peter Staník), a friendship grows between the two, as Hans teaches Esben how to survive secluded from the rest of mankind, and introduces him to the secrets of medicine. But when Hans himself is taken, Esben is forced to flee again...