It is the end of the First Schleswig War and we follow the lives of two young boys living in a rural part of Denmark. Their dad along with the baron's son, Didrich returns home as veterans. The dad sustained a leg wound and Didrich possibly got PTSD. In a modern story arch, a young girl Claudia is sent to help an old Baron.

Laust, Peter and Inge grow up and with that comes a desire to travel, helped along by visiting gypsies' stories of the world outside Denmark. The politician Monrad, speaking with newfound eloquence, stirs up the already rather superior feeling members of Parliament and the euphoria spreads through the people of Denmark. Schleswig is to be incorporated into the Danish Kingdom, even though it may lead to war. Laust and Peter are in love with Inge and she loves them both. But now they must part, as Laust and Peter report for duty in the Danish Army.

Monrad forces a new constitution through Parliament that incorporates Schleswig into the Danish kingdom, and, as expected, triggers a declaration of war from Prussia. Laust and Peter meet their young comrades in arms, as well as the experienced and mysterious Johan, and get a taste of how real the horrors of war can be. The brothers exchange letters with Inge, but Laust also sends her secret letters.

Denmark is in a state of shock. The army has been destroyed and the country now lies open to the Prussians. The rug is pulled out from under Monrad when his former supporters turn their backs on him. Back at the estate, Inge has to give in to the predetermined fate she tried so hard to break free of. Johan seeks out the families of the fallen and must watch as their hopes are extinguished. But for some there is hope yet for the future. A new Denmark can be rebuilt.