During the violent Battle of the Ebro, Paul Brians, a young member of the International Brigades and son of a Catalan father and an American mother, is the first to cross the river in the Republican offensive and the last to swim back over it as his side withdraws after their defeat. Paul's zeal and bravery in combat, borne out of indisputable ideals, turn into disappointment and senseless violence during his long return home. Only unbridled sensuality and his affection for horses can keep his hopes alive.