In 17th Century Spain, the French government, represented by its ambassador, is plotting with Catalan separatists to inflict a crushing blow on the country's unity by backing --- violently --- the separatists bid for independence. Don Cesare di Bazan, a hero of the Spanish forces which suppressed Flemish separatists fight for independence, finds himself drawn into this conflict thanks to the discovery of a plot against Spain's king by Bazan's servant. But will the talents of this skilled swordsman make any difference to the outcome?