Action begins in Khartoum, Sudan where Russell Stonechild faces the complexities of service to Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. The year 1940. Following a failed mission into the emperor's homeland (Stonechild, Emperor's Messenger) Russell receives new orders from the Emperor. Orders to train a special bodyguard for the Emperor. Orders to return into Ethiopia with a very small force for the purpose of spreading rumours of the Emperor's return. In addition he is to harass the Italian occupiers in every way possible.