It is the war year of 1658, and the winter in February is so harsh that the belts are frozen. The Swedish King Charles X Gustav, who has arrived in Germany, is now staying in Jutland. He and his army can cross the straits and continue on toward Copenhagen. Svend Gønge is given a particularly difficult task by Frederick III: 50,000 rigsdaler belonging to the king must be brought from Vordingborg Church to Copenhagen.