The year is 1700 and going into partnership with a sea merchant is a potentially profitable - and dangerous - proposition. Will Lascelles had become little more than a vagrant in the West Indies. Well educated, the third son of the High Sheriff of Yorkshire, yet no apparent opportunities awaited him until the day he met John Farmer. Unfortunately, Mr. Farmer made an ill-advised business deal with the Lowes brothers - very dangerous men - leading to his early demise. Now, a young man accustomed to little responsibility and still a mere apprentice to John in Will's own eyes, Will Lascelles has to figure out how to protect and care for John's widow, act as master of his ship and crew, repay an egregious debt, and most importantly, avenge his dear friend John's death.