Crooks

It was a bright sunny day but Crooks' outlook was grim. He didn't like these orders much more than the previous ones he'd been given. His orders were to lure the army out of the fort and then kill them and seize the fort. The first move in Bartholomew's most recent move to conquer the known world.

The other general had come out with his army to try and reach a settlement between the two.

"You must be General Crooks," The other posed. "Your name is legend among the great generals of this world. It is sad indeed that you sided with Bartholomew those many years ago."

Crooks chuckled, "He would have won, with or without me. I must apologize, however."

"Why is that?"

"I don't know your name," Crooks held out his hand. The other took it and began to speak as Crooks stabbed a dagger in his shoulder. Crooks whispered, "Feign death and I won't have to kill you."

The other general did not hesitate and fell to the ground as if dead. The enemy army roared in anger and charged. Crooks' gave the signal and his army fell upon them and they surrendered. This was proceeding nicely.

That night Charles came to see him.

"Ah Colonel," Crooks was pleased. "Remember our preparations?"

Charles nodded, "It will be done tonight and we shall be as ghosts come morning."

"Bartholomew will not be happy that an two of his regiments are dead," Crooks responded calmly.

"Yes," Charles replied. "He will likely act in haste and miss a step."

"That is the plan."