Chapter 1 Summary

Sharpe's Prey tells the story of Richard Sharpe, a newly promoted British army officer that has spent many years of service in the enlisted ranks. The story begins while Sharpe is stationed in England and growing dissatisfied with army life and grieving the loss of a woman and child. Just as Sharpe is contemplating leaving the army and venturing into a life of crime, he is tasked with going to Denmark on a secret mission.

Captain Henry Willsen fences a taller man. Willsen seems to be losing at first, but he regains his posture and defeats his opponent. The two men have been practicing in a club where the wealthy can learn fencing and pistol shooting. Willsen has the reputation as the finest swordsman in the country. He cannot support his family on his army pay alone, so he also teaches fencing and...