1796. Lieutenant John Pearce is hiding in the smugglers' hub of
Gravelines with his mysterious companion, known only to him as Oliphant,
trapped in French territory with no way out. Although they find a crew
willing to take them to England, they discover on the journey that
Pearce's old enemies, the Tolland brothers, are still active on the
route and danger may be lurking close to shore.
While being on his homeland brings Pearce closer to Emily Barclay and
their young son, Adam, the constant need for discretion is an additional
strain on their already fragile relationship. Then, just as things may
be looking up, it seems Henry Dundas has another role for him and
Oliphant: a mission to north-east Spain.