In Skoda's factories, where in 1914 they feverishly arm themselves, the foreman Kalina, the father of Pavel and Jan, works. Pavel is a supporter of the monarchy, Jan, on the other hand, defends the idea of national independence. Just before mobilization, Jan flees to Russia, where he joins the group of volunteer legionnaires "Czech Company" fighting against the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Pavel enlists in the Austrian army. The brothers did not meet again until July 1917 in the battle of Zborov in Ukraine, which marked the successful breakthrough of the Austro-Hungarian front.