The Lincoln County War is on the verge of kicking off in a big way; Billy has joined Englishman John Tunstall in his commercial battle with Major Murphy and the House, but even bigger players lurk in the background and the stakes are high.

The war has started, but John Tunstall is hospitalised due to a smallpox outbreak.

Billy and the Regulators hear news that John Tunstall's ranch is going to be raided.

The Regulators have been on the defensive since the start of war, but Billy draws up a plan which could bring the war to an end.