Ever since Napoleon Bonaparte became their commander, the French armies had become more powerful. The cavalry in particular, Alain Lausard and his regiment of dragoons among them, are the most feared in Europe. Their full capabilities are to be tested as 1807 brings fresh conflict with Russia. Anxious to cement his growing power in Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte leads his victorious army against the forces of Tsar Alexander in Poland. The horrific Battle of Eylau is fought in blinding snow and temperatures of minus thirty degrees and the French are only saved by the greatest cavalry charge in military history as Lausard and ten thousand French horsemen turn the tide of the conflict. But for the first time ever, the Grande Armee faces defeat. While Bonaparte courts Marie Walewska and pursues a political settlement, Lausard and his men face death from all manner of enemies - from Russian troops, partisans, starvation and cold. As summer approaches, they gather themselves for the next phase of the campaign which has already claimed so many lives. At a place called Friedland they face a battle that could decide their fate forever.