It was during the year 1813, in Portugal that a faction of military deserters kidnapped two women. One of the unfortunate ladies that they are holding capture is the spouse of a high-ranking English officer. Sharpe’s (Sean Bean) former adversary, Obadiah Hakeswill (Pete Postlethwaite), is one of the deserters along with the kidnappers. While they pass the time waiting for ransom money, Sharpe has been given a task. Sharpe’s mission is to free the hostages. Facing his old enemy may not be Sharpe’s nastiest predicament given that now he’s facing a newer threat from the French Major Duclos (Féodor Atkine).