Limburg, 1760. The empress of Austria reigns the land and force heavy taxes on the peasants. Many people normally working the land see no other choice but to work in the dangerous mines. The 14 year old Martien Kremers, a peasants son, tries to save his family from ruin and comes up with a plan. After the execution of the plan he needs to do everything to keep it secret. He gets involved with the government, gypsies and a mysterious gang called the Bokkenrijders.