This book takes place in the past, in a small mountain village and farm community whose local government has been overthrown with military force, lead by a power-hungry commandant. Villagers have lost their homes and livelihoods, and many forced into hiding while they attempt to resist the occupation and invasion of their homeland. During the round-up of potential resistors, several children are captured and imprisoned in an old convent run by a drunken and selfish caretaker and an equally depraved guard. Conditions become dire at the convent and the children plot a daring escape and eventually play a key role in ending the tyranny and returning their village to its former peace.
