In 1812, Young Baron, Ernst Christopher Ludwig von Rosenberg, at the early age of twelve left home, school, and country to experience Napoleon's invasion of Russia as a drummer. He meets Yakov, a young Gypsy and Polar Bear, an old Russian Sergeant. He is at the battle of Borodino and watches the burning of Moscow.When he and Yak return to East Prussia, they are forced to deal with Ernst's father, THE BARON, and Military School. In 1813, they are sent to fight Napoleon at Leipzig and in 1815, battle him at Waterloo under the great Prussian General Blucher. Returning from those victories, they have time for more schooling and social life, including romance.In 1820, disillusioned by war and politics, they set out for America in hopes of establishing a colony where there is no war, Freedom for all. In New Orleans, they meet Dr. James Long, an American, who is trying to establish a colony in Texas at Goliad. They defeat the Mexican army and try to form a new way of life, but are soon defeated and taken as prisoners, first to Monterrey and later to Mexico City.They soon become involved with Iturbide, a Mexican revolutionary who is soon to be crowned the first Emperor of Mexico. He is impressed with their experiences in the Prussian military and appoints them as officers in his army. Iturbide's government falls. He is exiled and later shot by a firing squad. Before Ernst can escape Mexico he is captured and faces a firing squad, thus ending his restless search for a perfect world.