Amid the burning sands of the desert, the French Foreign Legion is constructing a new fort at Vateau - deep in the territory of El Dowla, ruthless leader of the Bormones, in constant struggle with France for control of the region. He aims to strike hard at the half-built stronghold before it is finished. Meanwhile, among the legionnaires sent out to protect Vateau is an American named Dice Regan - who has a very personal score to settle with El Dowla...