Chapters 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 Summary

The French begin to march on Ciudad Rodrigo and Wellington realizes he must take Badajoz immediately—a prolonged siege is out of the question. Wellington calls a council of war and makes detailed plans. Sharpe has been working under Hogan as a scout, and he is summoned to pass judgment on the existing breaches. Sharpe declares the breaches sufficient for assault by storming. Sharpe then asks for permission to lead the forlorn hope, but Wellington refuses him. In chapter 22, Word of the imminent attack spreads through the army. Hakeswill spends his extensive free time fantasizing about raping Teresa, murdering Sharpe, and stealing whatever he can get his hands on. He begins to habitually stare into his shako, and then starts to speak to it, crooning in a quiet voice. The men of the company believe he has gone insane.

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