Hedeby is a sleepy village in the rich, agricultural province of Sörmland. On the face of it, not much has changed during the centuries. The count lives outside the village in his large manor, employing some of them. As always, the annual feudal tradition of electing three men to clean up the stream is upcoming. Who among the young men will be elected to follow the elder men, Erik or Pärsy? And are the rumors true, that the count is facing bankruptcy. And will young Märta ever notice that Erik has fallen in love with her?