Napoleon was the master of surprise. He launched his attack much earlier than anticipated and caught the Russian army unawares. While the Russians believed the fog would deter both sides, the French believed the fog was their friend and provided the right cover. General Kutuzov was injured in the charge. It was now left to Prince Andrei to inspire his troops. He saw Captain Tushin fighting French soldiers. However, Andrei was also struck on the head and he passed out. The injury could have been fatal for Prince Andrei. He lay there on the battlefield, barely conscious, but determined not to let go of the Russian flag. His erstwhile hero Napoleon was doing the rounds of the battlefield when he saw Andrei lying there and was taken up by his loyalty
