Pyrennees, September 1813. Sharpe is given the task of preparing the glamorous Royal Irish Company, led by Lord Kiely, for their first encounter with the enemy. Previously only used for ceremonial duties, the Company finds Sharpe a hard taskmaster. Trouble arises amongst the Irish soldiers when false reports are circulated of a massacre in Ireland perpetrated by the English. When Lord Kiely begins a passionate affair with Juanita, the Spanish partisan leader, the distressed Lady Kiely looks to Sharpe for comfort. Then Sharpe is led into a French trap and he and the Royal Irish Company find themselves up against the vicious Brigadier Loup and seemingly impossible odds.

Sean Bean
as Major Richard Sharpe

Daragh O'Malley
as Sergeant Patrick Harper

Hugh Fraser
as Field Marshal The Most Honorable Arthur Wellesley, The Marquess of Wellington

Hugh Ross
as Major Mungo Munro

John Tams
as Rifleman Daniel Hagman

Jason Salkey
as Rifleman Harris

Lyndon Davies
as Rifleman Ben Perkins

Jason Durr
as Lord Benedict Kiely

Allie Byrne
as Lady Lucy Kiely

Ian McNeice
as Wagonmaster-General Colonel Runciman