It is 1779 and the war is going badly for England. Donland and the crew of the Hornet must outwit and out sail pirates, the French and the Spanish to rescue the crown prince of Portugal.a prince. He is to deliver a king's ransom in gold to pirates holding the prince. Donland is warned, " The man who requested you has placed you in a difficult position. You are to deliver the gold and provide assistance to him. It is the latter than should concern you, for if his mission fails you will bear the brunt of that failure."