In 1918, when Estonia gained independence, the initiative for the new-born state came from the schoolboys. The film follows four months in the life of a group of classmates in the middle of one of the most decisive events in the history of Estonia. Henn Ahas is one of these young men. He comes from a poor family, and must struggle to pay his tuition. He is slow to make up his mind when it comes to choosing sides during these turbulent times. He would prefer to stick to his quiet school routine and keep dreaming of Marta, an attractive young woman from a wealthy family. When Tartu, Ahas′ hometown, is taken over by the Russian army, his patriotism is finally kindled. Ahas helps Marta escape and joins his classmates in the Estonian Defense League where they defend their youthful dreams and prove themselves as men.