Baird Avery, an assistant surgeon in the service of the East India Company, travels toward Delhi to meet his betrothed, but his faithful servant Luchman warns him that a violent uprising among the sepoys is about to begin. Inside Delhi, hostility erupts into murder and pursuit as the restoration of the Mogul Empire is proclaimed, forcing Avery to rely upon Luchman and Ali Khan while attempting to protect his companions and escape through the Cashmere Gate. Amid disguise, betrayal, and uncertain loyalties, Avery becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding a precious treasure known as the Star of India and learns that smiling friendliness may conceal deadly intentions. After escaping the city, the party moves toward Kurnal and the Burra Bagh, but the arrival of George Harkins and the schemes of their enemies separate the fugitives and carry them farther north into greater danger.