By 1781, the American Revolution had been going on for six years. The British are unable to decisively defeat the Continental Army and end the rebellion. Even though the British Navy now controls the port city of Charleston, South Carolina, local militia are proving very effective at disrupting British overland supply lines and avenging predations.

Royal Navy captain Darren Smythe is in love with Melody Winters, a rebel living in British-occupied Charleston. His doubts about the wisdom of the war conflict with his determination to do his duty. Escorting convoys interferes with his courtship, except when he can dock in Charleston.

Jaco Jacinto, captain of the Continental Navy frigate Scorpion, continues to be a thorn in the side of the Royal Navy by raiding British ports in the Caribbean and capturing prizes. Until the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress sends the solitary Scorpion on an impossible mission: to prevent a naval convoy from reaching Cornwallis.

Jaco's fiancée, Reyna Laredo, is leading a double life: accompanying her brother's militia unit to fight at the battle of Dorchester, and acting as physician to soldiers of both armies, much to the consternation of General Cornwallis's officers. Until a foolhardy officer captures Reyna and her traveling companions, and threatens to execute them all as traitors.

And as the war wears on, British soldiers and hired mercenaries continue to ask themselves: would they rather fight to protect the status of kings, or chose liberty for themselves?