While on patrol, Sharpe (Sean Bean) and his men rout some French soldiers who have raped and murdered the inhabitants of a Spanish village.
Wellington does not trust them, not least because of reports in American newspapers that the British are committing atrocities against the Irish people.
He assigns Sharpe to train them and puts him under the command of former Wagonmaster-General Colonel Runciman (Ian McNeice).
In the meantime, Sharpe has enough time to train the men and strengthen the fort's defences, so that when Loup finally attacks, he is repulsed.
Afterwards, Sharpe proposes a quick surprise assault on Loup's headquarters, which is approved by Kiely, Runciman and Juanita.
Now a widow, Lady Kiely leaves the country and the surviving Chosen Men bury Perkins next to his lover Miranda, who Juanita had previously murdered.