In 1587, Protestant England was on the brink of disaster; it was financially bankrupt and under threat of invasion from Spain. King Philip of Spain was determined to add England to his empire, and restore it to Catholicism. The greatest legacy Henry VIII left his heirs was a modern and strong navy. Elizabeth Tudor, armed with this weapon prayed that she could thwart Philip's ambitions. In particular, she relied on a band of sea captains that she nicknamed her 'Sea Dogs'. Thomas Sladdin was one of those captains; a privateer and adventurer, fiercely loyal to Elizabeth and the English cause, and he was prepared to put his life on the line to safeguard his country and Queen. However, there were a number of surprises waiting for Thomas; he had not anticipated becoming part of Sir Francis Walsingham's spy network, or meeting the beautiful Princes Sabina of Portugal.