After concluding their agreement with the Gutiérrez de Piñeres family of Mompox, Krugger entered the city under cover of night. By dawn, his forces had already engaged the Spanish garrison.
The fighting proved harsher than expected. These were not common troops but disciplined soldiers of the Crown. Yet, without the protection of the walls and forced into equal ground, the German formation held its advantage. Step by step, with cold precision, they pressed inward until resistance collapsed within the town hall itself.
Carlos entered with his men shortly after.
At the far end of the chamber stood the man who claimed command of the city.
Krugger frowned.
"You are not Juan de Torralva."
The officer let out a short, contemptuous chuckle—one that carried the weight of rank and habit.
"Torralva? That fool?" he replied. "No, he would never be entrusted with the defense of a place such as this."
He straightened, adjusting the metal at his throat.
