May 1793 The Austrian Netherlands Having executed their King, Revolutionary France declared war on Britain and her allies, threatening now to destroy their Royal Households. Recently widowed Andrew Jardine, leaves his infant daughter behind and enrolls in the army as a surgeon's mate. He experiences harsh army life, encounters bloody and brutal surgery and treats the rampant diseases with only blood-letting and herbs. The young Prince Frederick, Duke of York has been sent by his father, King George III, to command his troops. Despite his inexperience he initially meets with success, but circumstances combine ultimately to result in a devastating failure.