1812. Napoleon's army leaves Moscow, leaving it in flames and devastation. The first Russian hussars return to a city ravaged and devastated by war. Patrolling unfamiliar streets, Captain Murin and his comrade meet a dilapidated mansion on their way. Suddenly, a piercing female scream comes from the building, begging for help in French. Without thinking twice, Murin rushes inside. Events unfold instantly: an explosion shakes the house, acrid smoke covers everything around.