The latter part of this chapter has Nicholas Rostov continuing his parley with Boris and Berg. I broke it into two episodes because the latter section deals with the first interaction between Andrei and Nichols, who surprisingly are not familiar with one another.

After Rostov alludes to his award, Boris retrieves the money and letter from Rostov’s family. Upon reading a few lines, Rostov hid his face, ashamed he frightened his family over his trivial injury. Berg then makes the mistake of commenting on Rostov’s bounty; as Rostov was given an excuse to turn his frustration at Berg. Berg is asked to temporarily leave and Rostov is free to lament. Also in the correspondence was a letter of recommendation for a position with General Bagration. However, Rostov throws it away. He does not want to be anyone’s adjutant, which he views as a servant’s job. Boris picks it up and confesses how much he would prefer such a position.

When the wine arrived, Berg was invited back. Over the bottle, the conversation became animated with the friends relaying their adventures, one from the vantage point of a hussar and the others from service close to the Imperial family.

Attention soon focuses on how Rostov was hurt. Without any intention of dishonesty, he gave an exaggerated account and conformed his story to expectations of what a cavalry attack would be. Notably, Rostov couldn’t have told the Truth: that he fell off his horse and ran into the woods. Tolstoy is implying that young men who face battle are prone to spin such tales. Rostov goes on to describe the battle at Schöngrabern as a collective memory, incorporating the bravery of those around him.

Rostov fervently relayed how he was aflame with excitement, flying like a hurricane at the French and cutting them down with his saber. He was carried away with lies. Just as he was saying: “You cannot imagine the frenzy,” Prince Andrei, entered the room, looking for Boris, as he had received a letter from Pierre requesting he help the young lad advance in his career. Andrei took notice of the young braggart. Already disillusioned by war, Andrei could not stand such boasting. He composed himself and gave Boris a pleasant greeting but frowned at Rostov, who noticed the affront. Boris then inquired of the battle plans. “We shall probably advance,” was Andrei’s reply.

Andrei turned to Rostóv and asked him if he was at Schöngrabern. When Rostov replied he was, Andrei calmly noted: “Yes, there are many stories now told about that affair.” Rostov took the bait, saying “Yes, stories!, But ours are those of men who have been under fire! Our have some weight, not like the stories of those on the staff who get rewards for doing nothing”

“Of whom you imagine me to be one?” retorted Andrei, with an amiable smile. Rostov was irate but recognized his adversary’s self-possession. He mustered, “I don’t know you and, frankly, I don’t want to. I am speaking of the staff in general.” Andrei calmly continues “I see you wish to insult me, and it would be very easy to do so if you lack sufficient self-respect, but admit that the time and place are badly chosen as in a day or two we shall all have to take part in a greater duel.” He added, “you know my name and where to find me, but don’t forget that I do not regard either myself or you as having been insulted, and as a man older than you, my advice is to let the matter drop.”

Andrei takes his exit after telling Boris they will speak further after the review. Rostov soon leaves for his own camp on horseback and dwells on the interaction. He replayed the events, thinking what he ought to have said. He imagines challenging Andrei to a duel and covering him with a pistol. While he wanted to see that small proud man cower, at the same time he realized there was no one else he had come across that he would so much like to have as a friend.