The regime of James II is under threat. An intelligence corps, formed under the leadership of Lord John Churchill, is designed to gather information on the Monmouth Rebellion and quash the rebels. Created as a two-man unit, it is commanded by enigmatic veteran Colm McFeeley, a double-agent used to mistrust from both sides. Given the perilous missions selected for him, McFeeley is accepting of the fact he is unlikely to survive the rebellion and that in the merciless aftermath of war the atrocities will continue. If he remains alive it will be difficult to adjust to civilized living. Killing always becomes addictive.