That evening there is a council of war to go over assignments, but little discussion of the wisdom of the plan. Kutozov falls asleep during the meeting.
On skirmishing duty at night, Nicholas and others hear cheering French troops in the near distance. Yet, a mistaken belief persists on the Russian staff that Napoleon is six miles away.
Napoleon watches as the Russians implement their misbegotten battle plan, quite unaware Napoleon is so nearby. Napoleon awaits the perfect moment to attack.
On the day of the battle, Kutúzov leads his men cautiously towards the French, whose proximity is still unknown. The Emperor orders Kutúzov to move forward more quickly. Kutúzov obeys.
The unsuspecting Russians walk right into a column of advancing French troops. The men panic and run. Andrew is shot trying to lead a counterattack.
To stall for time, Bagratión sends Nicolai on a fool’s errand to deliver a message to the commander in chief. Bagratión does this only to avert responsibility from himself, even though it could easily cost Rostóv’s life.
Rostóv reaches the village of Pratzen. He finds only disorganized crowds of troops jostling about and still being fired upon. Nicholas continues searching, once spotting the Emperor but not approaching to help him. The battle is lost.
Andrew lays on the battlefield until evening, bleeding, in pain, and often unconscious. Napoleon notices a slight movement and has him sent to hospital. Andrew once admired Napoleon, but now he sees him for the petty tyrant he is.
Nicholas and Denísov obtain a leave and visit the Rostóvs. Nicholas is told he shouldn’t feel bound to Sónya by his juvenile promise.
Count Rostóv plans a large banquet to honor Bagratión. Nicholas lives the life of a young gentleman. Hélène and Dólokhov are rumored to be lovers.