"During the First World War, just behind the eastern front, there was a forest where Austrians and Hungarians used to hang deserters. To this place came Apostol Bologa, a young Romanian officer eager to serve in the Austro-Hungarian Army. After condemning a fellow officer to death for desertion and attempting to pass information to the enemy, he watches the execution with satisfaction until witnessing a fellow soldier's grief and pity for the dead man, At this point, his world shifts. Growing self-doubt leads him to question his once firm-held beliefs, and the struggle between his military duties and his internal conflict will have momentous consequences."--Page [4] of cover.