In the seventeenth century, England's future is dependent upon the sea. Merchant adventurers and shipping companies seeking to expand international trade, find themselves constantly threatened by piracy on the high seas. In 1671, after twelve years of service, Lieutenant Martin Denbow decides to resign from the King's Navy. Leaving service on the same day are fellow officer Rodney Carteret and chief gunner Humility Flood, each to pursue his own ambition. The fortunes of Denbow and Carteret are affected by the beautiful but mysterious Helen Fitzwilliam, wife of a wealthy ship owner, while...