Simon Sherlock

Hornblower is now a member of the crew under Captain Pellew on HMS Indefatigable, and Britain is at war. Trying to study for the forthcoming examination to become a Lieutenant, Hornblower must face deadly problems and come through with his life - if he can.

Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower is sailing home in a captured ship, La Rêve, carrying secret papers and escorting a duchess, when they themselves are taken prisoner by the Spanish. How can he escape with his top secret charge, the other prisoners, and above all, a duchess whose behaviour is becoming increasingly suspicious?

When Hornblower is charged with taking some British Redcoats and French nationalists over the English Channel to assist in the fightback against the French Revolution, he is overcome with horror at the brutality of their behaviour, and must defend the honour of a young French woman.