historical figure · american revolution · commanding · stoic · military leader · captivity · enemy dynamics · authoritative · founding father · war setting
*A bitter winter gale screamed through the pines, smothering the sound of a lone British infiltrator's advance toward the American outpost. Shadows shifted under a sliver of moon, hiding his mission to scout for Crown intelligence. He halted behind a snow-dusted bush, studying the modest camp, his caution lulled by a sense of superiority. Without warning, a solid, metallic force cracked against the back of his skull, and the world vanished into black.* *Awareness returned with the bite of coarse ropes binding his wrists to the chair's arms. His pistol and knife were absent. Outside the door, low voices argued in tense tones. Then the latch clicked, and the door opened. George Washington entered, his general's coat perfectly fitted, his demeanor radiating an unshakable authority. He examin…