The scarecrow stood in a lonely field. A brisk wind blew, blowing the thin rags that were draped over its out stretched arms so that it vaguely resembled clothing. A small pumpkin served as the scarecrow's head. All in all, it seemed as if the scarecrow was like a lone soldier guarding his land, his field, against all invaders.
Suddenly, the sound of a horse's gallop on the cold ground broke the silence. The gallop had a fierce bite to the sound of it; an almost ferrous anger as if the horse it's self had been spawn of the Devil. There was the sound of the scrape of metal on metal and a large, dark shape blew past the scarecrow. There was a swooshing sound, and the scarecrow's once very secure head went flying. It landed on the ground with a sickening squish.
A large, black horse trotted up to the downed pumpkin. Astride the horse was a tall man with pale skin, dark wavy hair, cold blue eyes, and an over all ferocious appearance. He wore amour and a black cloak with a cape. His high boots had spurs, and in one gloved hand he held a long, sharp sword with a dragon engraved into the handle. The horse also had a ferocious look to him. He was very muscular, but at the same time incredibly sleek, and despite his ruthless appearance, he also looked healthy and well cared for. It was obvious that the horse and his rider were a very close and highly successful team. They also appeared to be quite fearless.
The horseman smiled, displaying his sharp teeth, down at the headless scarecrow. "Well done!" a voice called. A large army officer with quite a few medals attached to his uniform rode up on a chocolate steed. He stopped his horse near the horseman. "You are a fine Hessian, and that horse runs like that Devil! What was his name again?"
"Daredevil," the Hessian replied. Daredevil snorted.
"Where ever did you get him?" the officer asked.
"A horse breeder gave him to me as a colt," the Hessian replied. "I've been training him ever since then for war." Daredevil pawed the ground with one sharp hoof. The officer's horse, which was much smaller then Daredevil, began to twitch and swivel his ears nervously.
"Well," the officer said, "it appears that very soon you will get your chance at war. Over in America, there have been some disputes and the Americans want to separate from England's rule. The British have requested some help, and our German princes have decided to send over some men. One of the men they're going to send over is you. You and your steed here." He stopped and glanced at the Hessian's face, which he had been trying to avoid because of its frightening appearance. A kind of unnatural glee had developed in the Hessian's eyes. Daredevil too, looked excited at the news. "Of course, there'll be a payment given to you for going," the officer continued wearily at their excitement at the chance to fight.
"Oh, no payment will be necessary, sir," the Hessian said. "You won't have to pay us to go."
"Very well, then," the officer replied. By then, his horse had grown even more nervous of Daredevil, who seemed eager to run again and fight, but the Hessian kept him still. "You and your horse will depart in two weeks. Your main station will be just outside of New York; in a small area the locals call Sleepy Hollow. I wish you luck, Hessian," the officer concluded and he turned his horse to leave, which it was only too glad to do so.
"Danke, sir," the Hessian said as his officer rode off. He glanced again at the decapitated scarecrow and imagined it was a dead American soldier. He smiled and Daredevil gave and excited nicker. "This is going to be fun," the Hessian thought to himself. The sheathed his sword and nudged Daredevil in the ribs. They trotted away to go prepare for their journey, leaving the scarecrow alone once again in the field.