In 1652 politicians secretly plan to disband the army. Its commander Oliver Cromwell sends Luke to foil these plotters, and find the murderers of three excise officers who stumbled across illegal ammunition that could be used against the army and its supporters. Luke uncovers a combination of corrupt politicians, powerful criminals, a bevy of would-be beautiful assassins, foreign agents and an unhinged religious leader whose various interests endanger Luke's life, and threaten the army's existence.