Somewhere in the Portuguesan-Spanish border area English, Portuguesan, Spanish and French deserters have joined their forces and settled down in the village of Adrados. They are commanded by a Frenchman with the nickname "Maréchal Pot au Feu" - and our old aquaintance Sergeant Hakeswill.
They have captured Sarah Dupreton and Lady Isabella Farthingdale and ask for a ransom. Sharpe and his men are ordered to escort the English aristocrat Lord Farthingdale, who wants to redeem his wife, on his dangerous journey. Also Commandante Teresa becomes a member of the party.
On their way, they run into the French Major Dupreton. Together, they succeed in rescueing the women. Hakeswill can flee and comes across Teresa...