South Africa, a region of the Free State, an isolated stronghold of white ethnic minority culture. In this conservative farming region, where strength and courage are most valued, Janno is different, secretive, and emotionally fragile. One day his very religious mother brings home Pieter, a hardened street orphan whom she wants to save, and asks Janno to consider this stranger as his brother. The two boys begin a battle for power, inheritance, and parental love.