Richard Sharpe, bold, professional and ruthless, goes to war. The danger is as great from the French as from enemies on his own side, namely Sir Henry Simmerson, commanding officer of the South Essex Battalion, his Nephew Lieutenant Gibbons, and Gibbon's friend Lieutenant Berry.

Colonel Simmerson is an incompetent officer who makes a rash attack on the French, seeking glory, whilst the South Essex, along with Sharpe and The Chosen men of the Rifles are working under orders to blow up a strategic bridge at Valdelacasa. Simmerson panics, blowing up the bridge and cutting off the retreat of the Light Company, under the command of Major Lennox, and a rescue party led by Sharpe.

Major Lennox is fatally wounded, the colours lost. His dying request is for Sharpe to get him an Eagle. During the battle at Talavera Sharpe keeps the promise made to Major Lennox, of an Imperial Eagle touched by Napoleon's hand.