Wellesley promotes Sharpe to Captain.
He and the Chosen Men are becoming attached to the "South Essex" Regiment. Their task? Making sure, that the inexperienced regiment unter the command of the likewise inexperienced Colonel Simmerson is properly carrying out the blowing-up of a bridge.
Because of the incompetence of Simmerson the catastrophy happens. Simmerson is losing a number of men and - the "Kings Colours". To exculpate himself, he blames Sharpe for it. The Captain must fear to be degraded.
Only an extraordinary deed can save him. At the Battle of Talavera Sharpe risks everything, to capture a French standard - one of the famous Imperial Eagles.With the help of the faithful Sergeant Harper and the Chosen Men, he finally succeeds...