A Novel of the Zulu Wars - Ensign Sebastian Early is a young soldier sent to South Africa with his regiment, the 24th Foot. The death of his friend results in Seb taking over the job of Provost-Marshal, the policeman for Lieutenant-General Lord Chelmsford's army, just as the attack on Zululand begins. Seb has taken the post out of regard for his dead friend, but would really prefer to be soldiering with his regiment on the front line. Instead, he finds himself investigating the bizarre murder of a captain . . . and the theft of a major's gold watch.