A battle-weary Captain Alatriste sails home from the ongoing war in Flanders. But the Spain he returns to is rotten to the core. Gold from the Americas floods into the port of Seville, brought by the country's infamous treasure fleet. The booty brings with it corruption and theft, depriving the royal treasury of its lifeblood, and soon finds its way into the hands of rebel provinces. As a smuggling operation is uncovered, the King and his trusted advisor, Count-Duke Olivares, call upon Captain Alatriste's blade to teach the perpetrator a lesson - a dangerous adventure that will bring the captain face to face with his nemesis, and with a ruthless man who has designs on the throne...