“In Africa, there are no trees…” – Captain AW McGonagle

As Albert and Jack finally come to embrace their affection for one another, they face the realities of love in war, sharing stolen moments together as they attempt to avoid discovery.

Settling into their place in Fort Penfold, the Royal Engineers must cope on their own separated from the main body, and as the tensions of the Anglo-Zulu war begin to plague the sappers, the relationships between the troops come under strain.

Balancing his familial connection to Captain McGonagle, his platonic camaraderie with lieutenants Knight and Penfold, and the displeasure of bitter Lieutenant Simonides, Albert Bond must tread delicately so as not to exacerbate growing unrest within the combined forces, whilst Jack battles to blend into the company as an enlisted soldier, and avoid animosity due to his increasing closeness with Lieutenant Bond.

Will their forbidden love withstand the trials and tribulations of war, anger, and grief?