To drive the French out of Spain, Wellington needs every able-bodied British soldier. Some men have deserted and escaped to the hills, only to be captured, tortured or killed by the terrifying Partisan leader, El Casco. Wellington is approached by El Casco, who offers to trade deserters for fifty Baker rifles. Sharpe is ordered to make the exchange. Complicating his mission is the arrival of Wellington's cousin, Bess, who with her daughter, Ellie, has arrived in Spain searching for her missing husband. Battling fear and rumours of Aztec gold and human sacrifices in the hills, Charpe and his Chosen Men again take on a dangerous and chilling mission.