Mozambique, 1895. The last days of the so-called Gaza Empire. After an attack on his quarters, defeated sergeant Germano de Melo is taken by his bright, young love Imani to the only hospital within reach an arduous river journey. Meanwhile, war rages all around: Emperor Ngugunyane''s warriors fight the Portuguese occupiers with swords and spears, until the arrival of the machine gun ensures European domination.