It is a cold mid-September in 1803 when Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho finds himself the new master of the Argonaute - a French flagship taken in battle. With the Peace of Amiens in ruins, he must leave the safety of Falmouth and take his place in the harder war that follows.
What lies ahead is the grim reality of war at close quarters - where Bolitho will be called upon to anticipate the overall intention of the French fleet. But the battle has also become a personal vendetta between himself and teh French admiral who formerly sailed the Argonaute.
So Bolitho and his men are driven to a final rendezvous where no quarter is asked or given.