Fearing the power-hungry Napoleon, the kings and queens of Europe pressure him to step down as the emperor of France. He bids a touching farewell to his soldiers before departing for exile in Elba. That exile doesn't last long, however, and soon Louis XVIII and his court learn that Napoleon has fled the small island and is already gathering some of his loyal men in an attempt to take control once more. The troops arrive in Paris and occupy the city without a shot being fired or a sword wielded. Napoleon again becomes emperor, prompting much political maneuvering by the leaders of Russia, England, Austria, and Prussia, who unite to put an end to his ambitions once and for all.