Winter 1913 - Wellington is informed by the debonair Comte de Maquerre that Bordeaux is ready to rise in rebellion against Napolean. Wellington's spy master, Ross, is suspicious and tests Maquerre by suggesting that they use Maquerre's own castle as a base. Maquerre reluctantly agrees, but informs them the castle is in Napolean's hands. Wellington appoints Col Bampfylde to lead the attack on the castle with Sharpe in support. Sharpe, newly married to Jane Gibbons, is outraged that he has lost his command to Bampfylde, however he is soon distracted when there is an outbreak of yellow fever and Jane falls ill. Her chances of recovery are poor as there is not enough quinine in camp to cope with the outbreak. With a heavy heart, Sharpe leaves to go on his mission, realising that he may never see Jane alive again.Bampfylde, intent on glory, sends Sharpe on a scouting mission and tries to capture the castle on his own. He fails and casualties are heavy. Sharpe, seeing the carnage, has Harris an

France 1813 - The war is entering its final stages and the French formulate a desperate plan to capture Wellington's spy master, Major General Ross. Sharpe is ordered by Wellington to accompany Colonel Brand, who is intent on destroying the French's main powder supply in the caves of Rocha. Wellington and Ross are both suspicious of Brand's loyalty, but they do not reveal this to Sharpe. The suspicions are well-founded as Brand secretly meets with the French and makes plans for capturing Ross. On the home front, Sharpe's wife is showing signs of being bored with army life and enjoys the attentions of a young poet.