Spain, 1936, eleven year old Eduardo didn't do well at school and failed the exams. Instead of having vacation with his mother in the north, he goes with his father to the family farm near Sevilia. He is supposed to study hard, and when his father is statisfied with his progress, he will be allowed to join his mother.
At the farm lives an old mare, Gaviota (this name means 'Seagull'). She belonged to his aunt. After his aunt died, no one did ever ride her again. Then the Spanish Civil War breaks out and his dad and many others are killed. Eduardo escapes with Gaviota, who becomes his most steady companion in this frightning time. ( )