In 1917 a village which lies directly on the front line at Marasesti is evacuated. One of the few who decide to stay is an old man together with his 12 year old granddaughter named Mariuca. The girl befriends a Romanian radio operator who had set up an artillery observation post in their yard.
The girl Mariuka goes in search of her brother Grigorash - he was carried away by the evil sorceress Kloantsa. On the way, the girl helps the Walnut Bush and the Giant. The bush gives her a magic tree twig...
