L'Aquila, Italy. 1889.
Giosuè Gallucci is only twelve years old when he is welcomed into Senator Aquileni's large estate. There he meets the senator's son, Pietro, who is only two years younger. The two boys quickly become inseparable. Despite the affection that binds them, they find themselves divided by their different social classes. While Pietro is proud of his family's noble eagle crest, everyone treats Giosuè like a barnyard rooster, easy to kick around.
As the boys grow older and realize that they are in love with each other, they begin to dream of a home like the lark's nest, where there is no more divide between eagles and roosters. It seems that nothing can separate them, except the growing ambition of Giosuè, who becomes more and more determined to be part of his friend's affluent world. And he's willing to do anything to get there, even marry the unattractive Carolina, the daughter of Admiral Mirabelli.
Pietro: Is this what you're doing? Saying goodbye?
Giosuè Don't you see? There's no place in this world for the two of us. Marrying her is the only way we can stay together.
The marriage, instead of bringing them closer, will separate them for many years, and the wealth that seemed to promise Giosuè the life he dreamed of will instead condemn him to ruin. When Giosuè is accused of murdering Admiral Mirabelli, the two friends find themselves face to face again, and Pietro is forced to make a final choice: protect his marriage or save his childhood friend.