Chapter 4 and 5 Summary

Chapter 4

The French ambush comes from high ground. Sharpe commands the riflemen to follow him. Sharpe directs the riflemen to fire on and advance at the ambushing French troops. Sharpe knows that marching directly into the French is risky, but he also knows he has no other option. He expects to die in the assault. Sharpe is the first to reach the French position and he immediately kills two French soldiers. The other riflemen rush past Sharpe to engage the French. Once in place, the riflemen fire to assist Vivar's forces attacking the rest of the French.

Vivar requests that the riflemen provide covering fire so his Cazadores can charge the French. Sharpe recommends against a frontal assault on the French, but Vivar insists. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Vivar's assault is successful.

After the battle, Sharpe and Vivar realize that approaching...