Theobald, a Roman senator lives in Clermont with his niece Maxence who became a Christian. Sartorek, chief of the Barbarians, touched by Maxence's charm, orders the end of the pillaging and asks Theobald for her hand in marriage. Betrothed to Michel Brabance, she seeks refuge with him at the Christian colony of Vadum. From there, Michel asks for Clodion's protection. During his absence, Sartorek and his men attack Vadum and condemn Maxence to be decapitated for not renouncing her faith.