The battle has been joined. On this first day, Massena desperately holds onto Aspern, the French cavalry charges again and again, but the Emperor cannot seem to break the Austrians. Louis-Francois, stuck on the wrong side of the only available bridge, impatiently waits for repairs to conclude.

Not only are his official messages delayed, but he's also dying to send news to Miss Krauss in Vienna. However, his friend Stendhal, who's remained with the beautiful Austrian lady, makes some upsetting discoveries...