Part 14, Chapters 1-6 Summary

Victory does not always bring the desired results. Hunger ensues because of the reckless burning of hay, and pillaging and war lead to death and despair. The French army is so dispirited that they huddle together in crowds, leaving their former regiments abolished. Denisov leads a band of irregulars, bands of marauding and foraging parties of soldiers. Without communicating with higher authorities, Denisov attacks a transport with his small band. Denisov comes across Petya Rostov. Petya begs Denisov to let him stay with him. He consents, and they ride off toward the edge of the woods. Tihon Shcherbaty, a peasant, is one of Denisov's men. He is the bravest and most useful man in their band. Tihon has captured a French soldier. He wanted the man's shoes, but they turn out to be no good. So he goes to...