Chapter 16 Summary

Sharpe is hurt, but he knows he had been foolish to think Louisa would choose a life of poverty and wandering by being married to a low ranking officer. He finds a tavern and takes wine to a table where he is joined by a prostitute. Suddenly Vivar appears and begins discussing preparations for the town's defense in case de l'Eclin returns. Sharpe pays more attention to the woman than Vivar. Sharpe even tries to provoke Vivar, but Vivar remains calm. Vivar says Sharpe can choose to be great or to be a drunkard. He takes Sharpe's wine and pours it on the floor.

Sharpe and Harper look to the south and west of the town trying to predict de l'Eclin's approach. Sharpe points to the southwest and says that is the most likely approach. Then, Sharpe is seized by a thought and...