Monrad forces a new constitution through Parliament that incorporates Schleswig into the Danish kingdom, and, as expected, triggers a declaration of war from Prussia. Laust and Peter meet their young comrades in arms, as well as the experienced and mysterious Johan, and get a taste of how real the horrors of war can be. The brothers exchange letters with Inge, but Laust also sends her secret letters.

Peter and Laust reach Dannevirke, where they meet their new Captain - a familiar face from the estate back home - but not exactly a happy reunion. Laust and Inge continue their secret letter writing but an incorrectly delivered letter causes serious consequences for the relationship between the otherwise inseparable brothers. Dannevirke turns out not to be nearly as impregnable as people have been boasting, and General De Meza decides, against the will of the powers that be in Copenhagen, to withdraw from Dannevirke to Dybbøl.

Denmark is in a state of shock. The army has been destroyed and the country now lies open to the Prussians. The rug is pulled out from under Monrad when his former supporters turn their backs on him. Back at the estate, Inge has to give in to the predetermined fate she tried so hard to break free of. Johan seeks out the families of the fallen and must watch as their hopes are extinguished. But for some there is hope yet for the future. A new Denmark can be rebuilt.