Chapter 11 Summary

In the chapel, Vivar tells Sharpe to open the strongbox. Sharpe opens the box and, inside, he finds another leather box. Sharpe opens this box and finds a banner, which Vivar calls a gonfalon. While Sharpe opens the boxes and examines the banner, Vivar explains that there is a legend surrounding the banner. The legend states that if ever Spain is threatened and the banner is unfurled in Santiago de Compostela, the fighter Matamoros will rise again and save Spain. Another legend states that if the banner is ever captured, Spain will be destroyed.

Sharpe asks why Vivar's brother wants to give the banner to France. Vivar explains that his brother is a traitor with little respect for older ideas. Sharpe also asks how his riflemen fit into Vivar's plans and Vivar explains that they must take the town of Santiago de Compostela...