Bk. 1, Pt. 2, Ch. 9b-10: Andrei reaches Brünn, the Austrian Seat of Power
The focus shifts to Prince Andrei. He was said to be serving with the late Gen. Schmidtt, who was killed at Dürenstein. Andrei is sent to convey a battlefield report to the Austrian court, which has moved from Vienna to Brünn (now in the Czech Republic – ‘Brno’).
Traveling by carriage, Andrei is stirred with the exhilaration that comes from facing fire. In the fray, Andrei’s hand was grazed by a bullet and his horse was shot. He replayed the details of the battle and reflected on his own courage. When asleep, he dreamed of being killed and Russia defeated.
When Andrei encountered a convoy of wounded comrades, he eagerly asked for updated information and distributed gold pieces. He reached Brünn at night, taking in the aesthetics of ancient city. The lofty buildings and quant shops were far from the realities of military camp life. He envisioned being graciously welcomed by the Austrian court but the reality was that he was made to wait by a stream of bureaucrats and finally got an audience with the Minister of War, a bookish old man who barely acknowledged him. Tolstoy is making the point that those who condemn countless souls to death avoid having to embrace the realities of war. The Minister already knows much of what Andrei was there to convey, laments the death of Schmidtt, and informs Andrei the Emperor will see him the following day.
Andrei retires to the quarters of Bilibin, a Russian diplomat who Andrei was familiar with. Both aristocrats have high prospects because of their lineage. Bilibin is 35 and unmarried. He has a thin and worn face. He is an expert at turning out reports and memos. He is both a wit and wordsmith, with a ready remark for all occasions. While sitting beside a fire and conversing in French, Bilibin quickly informs Andrei, “with all proper respect for the Russian Orthodox Army, your victory, was not particularly victorious.” He reveals the poor position the allies are in and that Vienna has been taken. The capital was abandoned and Napolean feasts at the Baroque palace, Schonbrunn. There have been reports a key series of bridges on the Danube (the Tabor) not being properly defended and Marshals Murat and Lannes taking advantage.
Andrei’s mind is blown. He wonders how this had happened, and if this means the campaign is over. Bilibin believes it is – expect for the question of whether the King of Prussia, Frederik Wilhem III, will join the Czar. With such an alliance, the fight may go on. If not, capitulation and treaties await. Austria would sue for peace at terms detrimental to the Czar. Bilibin notes Austria has been rendered a fool and will wish to preserve her honor. It hits Andrei that nobody will care much for what he has come to report.
Andrei is enamored with Napolean. He contemplates the luck the man has. It also dawns on him how Austrian will quickly dismiss Russia as an ally. He then retires, where his thoughts were occupied with the potential of the moment -- possible alliances, Austria’s likely treachery, Bonaparte’s triumphs, his upcoming meeting with King Francis. Once asleep, his dreams thrust him back into the battle, where bullets whipped by him and the recently deceased Gen Schmidtt. It gave him the most extreme appreciation and joy of living!
