Sharpe is ordered by Wellington to protect the master spy "El Mirador", head of an international spy network, from an imminent assault by the French.
But: neither the identity of El Mirador nor of his French counterpart is known to him.
When at night attack on an enemy fort in the border country is betrayed to the French, Sharpe loses first his sword and then nearly his life.
And only due to the stubborness of Sergeant Harper and "Lass" he can be brought back to life.
Harper forges a new sword, and Sharpe will finally meet his French opponent...