Jaime Astarloa is a master-fencer of the old school, priding himself on the precision, dignity and honour of his ancient art. It is 1868; Spain teeters on the brink of revolution, his friends spend their days in cafe's discussing plots at court, but Jaime's obsession is to perfect the irresistible sword thrust. Then, Adela de Otero, violet-eyed and enigmatic, appears at his door. When Jaime takes her on as a pupil, he finds himself embroiled in dark political intrigues against which his old-fashioned values are no protection.