Chapter 1 Summary

Richard Sharpe, a private in the Thirty-third Regiment of the British army, observes vultures while he contemplates desertion. The vultures circle over dead pack animals and will soon be circling over dead soldiers. Sharpe has seen action only once and that battle had lasted just a few minutes. Sharpe is stationed in India where resistance to British rule continues and the year is 1799. The French have been helping the Indian resistance while Napoleon carries out his campaign in Egypt (1798-1801.)

Sharpe talks with another private about the terrible Sergeant Hakeswill, and a few ineffective cannon rounds are shot their way. The army is moving toward Seringapatam, the capital city of the Kingdom of Mysore and ruled by Tippoo Sultan. Hakeswill challenges Sharpe about talking while on the march and demands to inspect his musket. Unknown to Sharpe, Hakeswill takes the flint out of...