Condemned prisoners on death row are offered a chance at pardon if they join a Forlorn Hope to infiltrate the Nomads' camp and burn the siege engines. The men panic and refuse, calling the mission suicidal; some try to run before archers are ordered. The General shuts down dissent, framing the choice as die on the chopping block or die a hero. After a tense debate one prisoner accepts the risk and others follow, volunteering for the raid. Lieutenant Sullivan outfits the group and they are ordered to move at 3 a.m.; their fate is uncertain.