In 1809, during the sweeping advance of Napoleon's army across Spain, Lieutenant Richard Sharpe finds himself newly in command of the demoralized and distrustful men of the 95th Rifles. Stranded in Spain as the British army retreats, distrusted by his men, and surrounded by the enemy, Sharpe must navigate a treacherous path to safety.

His only viable escape is a perilous journey through the enemy-infested mountains of Spain. As he struggles to lead his men to safety, Sharpe finds an unexpected ally in Spanish cavalryman Blas Vivar, who possesses crucial information that could potentially change the course of the war.

This gripping tale of bravery and strategy is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, where the stakes are high, and the line between victory and defeat is razor-thin.