1795: The Bucephalas lies trapped under the Spanish guns of New Orleans, and Harry Ludlow must win freedom for his ship in a deadly game played out in the dark woods of the American hinterland.
The discovery of an abandoned Spanish merchant ship off the coast of America plunges Harrv Ludlow into a far-reaching conspiracv fuelled by jealousy, ambition and nationalistic fervour.
Suspicious of Harry's part in the affair, the Spanish escort Bucephalas to New Orleans. Forced to berth under the gaping muzzles of the 32-pounders of the harbour fort while the Merchantman's cargo is investigated, they soon discover that the colony's rulers are not interested in the bales of cotton and barrels of sugar found aboard the mysterious vessel. Something far more valuable is missing - and, because of that, Harry and his entire crew are in dreadful danger.
It quickly becomes clear that the corridors of the governor's residence are just as busy with treachery, double-dealing and murder as the back alleys of the sweltering city outside.