Tolstoy now shows how the events of 1812 violate all the"rules" of history historians write about. Nations are considered conquered, he writes, when the invaders win more battles than the defenders and occupy the enemy capital. The French, for example, who have repeatedly won battles, especially that of Borodino, who then occupy and raze Moscow, lose an army of 600,000 men without fighting in any major engagement after the retreat. Victories alone do not signify conquest, Tolstoy concludes. The force deciding the fate of millions of people resides not in leadership, battles, or armies; it lies in the spirit behind the army. The spirit of the Russians makes them fight desperately to overcome the foe, and they use all means to rout the invaders. This is the part of history when Russian soldiers become guerillas and harry the French constantly. Again rules of warfare are reversed, writes Tolstoy. Usual battle patterns involve a massed front of attackers, with scattered groups retreating. The French, however, retreat in a compact mass, and the self-confident Russian attackers advance in small numbers.
Denisov and Dolohov each lead a group among the many troops of"irregulars" which destroy the Grande Armée piecemeal. They plan to combine their bands for an attack on a French transport. A courier comes to Denisov's camp with a message from a general. The soldier is none other than Petya Rostov, now an officer, and he is so excited at the coming attack he begs Denisov to allow him to remain. Petya has an intense desire to be a hero and his foolhardy behavior during a previous battle nearly caused his death. More excited than ever when Dolohov arrives, Petya longs to fight at the side of this hero whose courage and cruelty are famous.
