The story opens with Murat and two of his followers fleeing from Shamil, the commander of the Caucasian separatists, who is at war with the Russians. They find refuge at the house of Sado, a loyal supporter of Murat. The local people learn of his presence and chase him out of the village.
The narrative begins with Murat and his followers escaping Shamil, a leader of Caucasian separatists at war with Russia. They seek refuge in Sado's house, a loyal supporter of Murat. The local people discover their presence and force them out of the village.