Sharpe captures a French officer who appears to be a captain but who is in fact Colonel Leroux, sent to the area to hunt down Spanish spymaster El Mirador. When the South Essex reach their destination the Frenchman escapes to a nearby French fort. The South Essex now plan to storm the fort.—grantss
Sharpe is tasked to protect the most important spy in Lord Wellington's network, but domestic issues, a traumatized young girl, and possible French spies all threaten his success.