Two friends, Dolgat and Ismail, work in a sawmill in the Karachay Mountains. They are soon to become parents, as Dolgat is in love with Ismail's sister. During a traditional festival and horse race, Ismail accidentally kills his friend's brother. The strict customs of the mountain people demand that the murderer be killed (that his blood be shed). Dolgat tries to protest against this outdated tradition of bloody revenge. However, the members of the community, influenced by Moussa and other wealthy residents of the region, decide otherwise: the two friends must become sworn enemies.
