Sharpes Skirmish

by Bernard Cornwell

This short story occurs after Sharpe's Sword and before Sharpe’s Enemy in the summer of 1812 and Sharpe must guard a commissary officer posted to an obscure Spanish fort where there are some captured French muskets. Unbeknownst to the British, the French are planning a lightning raid on the fort across the river Tormes, and they reckon the Spanish fort which guards an ancient bridge across the river will be lightly guarded.