Podcasts about fraser's ridge

Fraser's Ridge:  An Outlander Podcast “The Happiest Place On Earth” - Outlander Season 7 Episode 2 Recap: Disney adults unite in your love for Outlander! We talk about the highs and highs of this episode which adapted content from the books nearly flawlessly.  Resources: Intro & Outro Music:  Achaidh Cheide by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3338-achaidh-cheide/ License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Stay In Touch: We want to hear from you! Email us - frasersridgepod@gmail.com Follow-us on twitter @frasersridgepod and instagram at frasers_ridge

Fraser's Ridge:  An Outlander Podcast “A Life Well Lost” - Outlander Season 7 Episode 1 Recap: New format, who dis?! Aaron, Katie, and Tiff chat about the first episode of the new season of Outlander! We discuss how the break between seasons impacted our viewing experience, the new higher crisp hd visuals, and all the funny moments we loved and loved to hate. Resources: Intro & Outro Music:  Achaidh Cheide by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3338-achaidh-cheide/ License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Stay In Touch: We want to hear from you! Email us - frasersridgepod@gmail.com Follow-us on twitter @frasersridgepod and instagram at frasers_ridge

Hello everyone! This week I was joined by my friend Angela to continue our discussion of Jamie Fraser live on TSF Obsassenachs. We pick up with his time in the Jacobite Army and that informs the roles he takes on in later seasons (and books). We also chat about his journey as a father, his relationship with Lord John, and how the reemergence of Murtagh limited his growth as a character in seasons four and five. Of course there is much more to this super sized episode including his decision to marry Laoghaire, his decision to turn down River Run, and his time as laird of Fraser's Ridge. So grab some coffee (or a dram) and a wee bite, because you're in for an unscripted and entertaining journey through the later years of JAMMF!

Guests: Carolyn Baker & Beth Pittman -NC Sassenach Tours is hosting “Springtime at Fraser's Ridge” at Leatherwood Mountains Resort from May 19-21. In addition to two cast members from the Starz Outlander Series (Murtagh  and Jocasta!), we'll have Scottish Highlands Dance, music and educational programs with Highland Echoes, entertainment from KIR (Kirk McLeod's Seven Nations Trio) and other local performers, in addition to workshops, vendors, regiments and clan representatives.  Come join us for this NC Scottish experience!For more information or to make reservations visit:  https://ncsassenachtours.com/springtime-at-frasers-ridge/

Sam Heughan sat down with Silence on Set podcast to talk about the upcoming season of the show, the importance of history, and that awful droughtlander.  Hosts: Monica Gleberman and Victoria Dupuis -- Bio: The sixth season of “Outlander” sees a continuation of Claire and Jamie's fight to protect those they love, as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life in colonial America. Establishing a home in the New World is by no means an easy task, particularly in the wild backcountry of North Carolina– and perhaps most significantly – during a period of dramatic political upheaval. The Frasers strive to maintain peace and flourish within a society which – as Claire knows all too well – is unwittingly marching towards Revolution. Against this backdrop, which heralds the birth of the new American nation, Claire and Jamie have built a home together at Fraser's Ridge.    They must now defend this home – established on land granted to them by the Crown – not only from external forces but also from the increasing strife and conflict in the community within their care. For the Frasers and their immediate family, “home” is more than simply a site in which they live, it is the place where they are laying the foundations for the rest of their lives. If Season Four asked “What is home?” and Season Five asked, “What are you willing to do to protect your home?” then Season Six explores what happens when there is disharmony and division among the inhabitants of the home you've created: when you become an outsider, or an "outlander" so to speak, marginalized and rejected in your own home.  

NC Sassenach Tours is hosting “Springtime at Fraser's Ridge” at Leatherwood Mountains Resort from May 19-21. In addition to two cast members from the Starz Outlander Series (Murtagh  and Jocasta!), we'll have Scottish Highlands Dance, music and educational programs with Highland Echoes, entertainment from KIR (Kirk McLeod's Seven Nations Trio) and other local performers, in addition to workshops, vendors, regiments and clan representatives.  Come join us for this NC Scottish experience!For more information or to make reservations visit:  https://ncsassenachtours.com/springtime-at-frasers-ridge/

#outlander #DROUGHTLANDER IS FINALLY OVER!!! After 656 days, we are finally back on Fraser's Ridge with an extended 81-minute episode! An old prison mate of Jamie's makes a disruptive entrance onto the Ridge. Marsali and Fergus' marriage seems to be on shaky ground. The Crown wants Jamie to be their "Indian Representative", and Claire's newest invention will help the Ridge, but also helps her to deal with her PTSD from the attack. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/fandomhybridpodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fandomhybridpodcast/support

We're back on Fraser's Ridge, people! Janine is going back to being clueless, so Allison and Julie have to fill him in on all the goings-on. This was a good episode of television! Lots of love - Julie, Allison, and Janine

Toujours sur la chanson The Skye Boat Song, le nouveau générique d'Outlander est toujours aussi beau et languissant, cette fois-ci interprété par Raya Yarbrough et Griogair Labhruidh (avec des noms bien écossais gallois difficiles à prononcer, il faut le reconnaître). Les Fraser sont bien installés à Fraser's Ridge, mais la révolution gronde… comme le sait pertinemment Claire qui ne dort pas tranquille sur ses deux oreilles. Cette saison 6 est basée sur le tome 6 de la saga littéraire, La neige et la cendre, sur les 9 tomes actuels. https://youtu.be/Fw7GBCODFL0 En attendant, un teaser avait également été diffusé. https://youtu.be/BKpkKYuJR1g Outlander revient le 6 mars sur Starz et ne devrait pas tarder sur Starzplay.

Toujours sur la chanson The Skye Boat Song, le nouveau générique d'Outlander est toujours aussi beau et languissant, cette fois-ci interprété par Raya Yarbrough et Griogair Labhruidh (avec des noms bien écossais gallois difficiles à prononcer, il faut le reconnaître). Les Fraser sont bien installés à Fraser's Ridge, mais la révolution gronde… comme le sait pertinemment Claire qui ne dort pas tranquille sur ses deux oreilles. Cette saison 6 est basée sur le tome 6 de la saga littéraire, La neige et la cendre, sur les 9 tomes actuels. https://youtu.be/Fw7GBCODFL0 En attendant, un teaser avait également été diffusé. https://youtu.be/BKpkKYuJR1g Outlander revient le 6 mars sur Starz et ne devrait pas tarder sur Starzplay.

This week, Jamie and Roger attempt to face off against Stephen Bonnet. Their plans are spoiled when Bonnet sees Brianna and Claire walking around Wilmington, and he secretly follows them to the beach. While there, Bonnet abducts Brianna. He brings her to his home and forces her to teach him how to be a gentleman. For her own survival, Brianna goes along with it, eventually begging Bonnet to let her go back to Fraser's Ridge to grab Jemmy. In the end, Bonnet ends up trying to sell Brianna to a man for sex. But Jamie, Claire, and Roger arrive just in time to stop the exchange. Brianna decides to have Bonnet tried by the law, and he is sentenced to drowning. Before Bonnet drowns to death, Brianna shoots him in the head. Hosts: Adrian Snow, Rachel Goodman, Angele Taylor Follow us on http://www.Twitter.com/AfterBuzzTV "Like" Us on http://www.Facebook.com/AfterBuzzTV For more After Shows for your favorite TV shows and the latest news in TV, Film, and exclusive celebrity interviews, visit http://www.AfterBuzzTV.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With things a bit settled and Roger's voice fully returned, Jamie and Roger set out with the rest of the men of Fraser's Ridge to hunt buffalo for the winter. When Jamie has a dangerous encounter, it will take the entire family to save his life. Brianna looks to find her footing in the past, while Clare has to make a difficult choice. And finally, Jamie reveals a secret to Roger. Today's show was hosted by: Rachel Goodman, Leigh Broadway, Angele Taylor and Adrian Snow Follow us on http://www.Twitter.com/AfterBuzzTV "Like" Us on http://www.Facebook.com/AfterBuzzTV For more After Shows for your favorite TV shows and the latest news in TV, Film, and exclusive celebrity interviews, visit http://www.AfterBuzzTV.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roger finally takes a win for coming up with a smokin' solution to get rid of the locust plague, which also wins him favor among the people of Fraser's Ridge. Roger's idea from a nursery rhyme saves their crops from a blanket of locusts. We see a flashback of a younger Aunt Jocasta in a scene where her daughter was shot while trying to smuggle the wrong King's gold. This gold awarded her with status and riches that she believes also punished her with blindness and a life of regret. On the night before Jocasta's wedding, Murtagh reappears professing his undying love for Jocasta in hopes to have her cancel the wedding festivities and wait for his bounty to blow over. Jocasta signs over River Run to her nephew and Bre's son - Jeremiah. This could mean a lot at stake if Bonnett exploits his potential position as Jeremiah's father. Phillip Wylie spots Claire at Jocasta and Duncan's party and Wylie pursues her all the way to a knife at the throat by Jamie. Wylie attempted to force himself on Claire after she learned of his business dealings with Bonnett and showed interest in their arrangements. To get closer to Bonnett, Jamie devises a plan for Wylie to gamble away his prize horse in exchange for Claire's beloved gold wedding ring from Frank. Where is the respect for wedding vows in this episode? Everything can be bought with the right barter. Hosts: Adrian Snow, Rachel Radner, Angele Taylor, Leigh Broadway Follow us on http://www.Twitter.com/AfterBuzzTV "Like" Us on http://www.Facebook.com/AfterBuzzTV For more After Shows for your favorite TV shows and the latest news in TV, Film, and exclusive celebrity interviews, visit http://www.AfterBuzzTV.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 5 Episode 1 "The Fiery Cross" Written for Television by Matthew B. Roberts Directed by Stephen Woolfenden The people of Fraser's Ridge, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the wedding of Roger MacKenzie and Brianna Ellen Randall Fraser. The big house was almost complete. Memories were shared and made, drinking games, feasting, dancing, romance, threat, treachery, bonding, politics, oaths, and a release of oath all happened in the two days lived onscreen. Season 5 Episode 1 is the strongest opening episode only behind Season 1 Episode 1.  It was written with the deft hand of Mattew B. Roberts leading the writers' room. It inhabited the spirit of the written word and achieved an adaptation that stood beautifully on its own with well-crafted storytelling that requires no external explanation.  From storyline references, character development, foreshadowing, costuming, hair, acting, music, variations of emotion and tone, all the way to the set design, no elements are left wanting.  This season is looking to be a spectacular ride.  Call or email me to share your thoughts and comments at 719-425-9444 or contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Visit Outlander Starz on social media, like or follow: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and the official website. All photos are the property of Starz/SONY PICTURES TELEVISION INC. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. THE INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC SEGMENTS ARE TAKEN FROM A PIECE BY DAMIANO BALDONI AT URL ON FREE MUSIC ARCHIVE. CURATOR: CCCOMMUNITY. COPYRIGHT: CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL–NODERIVATIVES 4.0: HTTP://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-NC-ND/4.0/  

In this episode, we continue our read-along of The Fiery Cross with our discussion of Chapter 83 “Wildfire,” Chapter 84 “Burnt to Bones,” Chapter 85 “Hearthfire,” Chapter 86 “There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea,” Chapter 87 “En Garde,” Chapter 88 “Roger Buys a Sword,” Chapter 89 “The Moons of Jupiter,” and Chapter 90 “Danger in the Grass.”   Join our exclusive Facebook community! (http://outlanderpod.com/group)Support us on Patreon! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/patreon)Follow us on Twitter! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/twitter)Connect with us on Facebook! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/facebook)Help us spread the word!If this episode tickled your 'Outlander' fancy, head over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review, and subscribe!· Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outlander-podcast/id707360955?mt=2)· RSS (https://audioboom.com/channels/1689437.rss)· Stitcher (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-outlander-podcast?refid=stpr)· Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3ca8w2I8rlQyr7K5iEeGV8)· Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0&gclid=CPqUmY3tmc8CFQbrfgodSOsMCw&gclsrc=ds#/ps/Irr5s2ri372mj5fgmte23z6dghe)· iHeartRadio (https://www.iheart.com/show/270-the-outlander-podc/)You can ask questions and comment below and leave us voice feedback via our Listener Line at 916-587-0POD.

The Fiery Cross Installment 13 Chapters 23-25 Domesticity, Building Bonds, and Duty Chapters: 23 – The Bard 24 – Playing with Fire 25 – The Angeling of My Rest Summary:  Roger returns with mission incomplete. The baby is cranky. Brianna is at her wit's end. Roger gets beautified. He'll sing to help Jamie prepare the guests. Roger gives an uncomfortable history lesson to Brianna. Roger sings to an appreciative crowd. Jamie calls the men to duty. Roger reflects. Jamie and Claire find respite in their room. Jamie writes a letter. Setting: The settlement of Fraser's Ridge, NC – December 1, 1770 Active Characters: Claire Jamie Brianna Roger Of Interest: A peek into domestic life Roger and Brianna style. Jamie's inspiring music list. The fiery cross in the yard. Roger warmed the crowd up for Jamie's main event. The main event. Roger's inner thoughts as he sings. Jamie's physical reaction before… The need for private moments to ground and reassure. Claire's happiness at leaving on an adventure. “Can you remember everything you did today?” A bedtime devotion brought on by a memory. Jamie's letter to Lord John and the significance. Links: Ho Ro! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c55j8teqiOM Birniebouzle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alBk-BTnxXI&list=RDalBk-BTnxXI&start_radio=1 The Great Silkie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSxrH8yYI_E Killiecrankie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3Kp590Ovsw The Haughs of Cromdale - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n24v5_sOx0Q The Sherrifsmuir Fight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TkQkyXV-M4 Johnnie Cope - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcZ4uMmF0vw   Images are CC or Wiki Commons unless produced by ADoO or otherwise specified. Featured image.   Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.   The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

The Fiery Cross Installment 12 Chapters 21-22 Chapters: 21 – Twenty-Twenty 22 – The Fiery Cross Summary: Claire administers an eye examination. Mrs. Bug takes ownership of the running of the big house. A family with a sordid past comes to visit. Claire worries. Claire struggles with the changes to come. Fight. Fight. Fight. Solace is found outdoors. Jamie ceremonially prepares for the changes ahead. The men Jamie calls to arms must come of their own volition. A family member is asked to join Jamie in the fight. Setting: The settlement of Fraser's Ridge, NC - Fall Active Characters: Claire Roger Brianna Jamie Bug The Muellers Chisolm Events: Claire exams Roger's eyes. Roger doesn't have binocular vision. He isn't able to shoot at moving targets. He has eyes like a hawk! But the real question is, is it genetic? Mrs. Bug is in her element cooking and caring for Jamie, Claire, and those staying at the ridge or in the big house. The Muellers being at The Ridge is challenging since Gerhard is the one who scalped the local Tuscarora who he thought cursed his family with the measles. Claire does careful math of the stores to ensure Mrs. Bug isn't being too elaborate with the feeding. Claire cleverly hides the special foods, so they won't get gobbled up. She also worries about vitamin deficiency over Winter.   Claire's botched penicillin experiment and the catfight between Mrs. Bug and Mrs. Chisolm. Claire yearns for the predictability of home, hearth, and her surgery. Everyone present is at their wits end with the overcrowded spaces and rowdy children. Brianna snaps. Claire decidedly finds the male folk easier to be around than a bunch of women. The echoes of Nayawenne visit Claire as she walks with Jemmy. Claire having unsuccessfully visited the malting shed to find some helpful whisky for Jemmy's sore gums, happens upon Jamie bathing by the spring. He is in the act of ritually cleaning himself. After Jamie's prayer reached its conclusion, Claire and Jemmy join him. Of course, Jamie has a flask of the holy water to soothe his sore gums. Jamie explains the calling of the clans for war as he had seen Dougal perform. There is a deep understanding that he is not clan chief or laird of the peoples on The Ridge or in the backcountry. The men must come by free will. Jamie walks a fine line of a loyalist who will have to turn traitor. Jamie shares it was his Uncle Dougal he was seeking for help when he prayed.   Images are CC or Wiki Commons unless produced by ADoO or otherwise specified. Featured image.   Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.   The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

The Fiery Cross Installment 11 Chapters 19-20 Chapters: 19 - The Devil Ye ken 20 – Shooting Lessons Summary: The activities of the Ridge create a picture of the day today. A friend visits bearing news. Brianna and Roger go hunting. The dangers of the 18th century run through Brianna's mind. Only one has experience with a gun. A willing student Roger makes, but a great shot he is not. Memories of a dear one surface. Roger makes a confession. They play a game only travelers can play. Lactating breasts need relief. A fowl encounter happens on the way home. Brianna was purposely prepared for the 18th. Setting: The settlement of Fraser's Ridge, NC Active Characters: Jamie Claire Herman Husband Roger Brianna Brianna's lactating breasts Events: Hermon Husband visits the Ridge seeking to sell a horse and carrying a letter. He's being heavily fined and must sell whatever he can to pay or leave. The letter he brings is in service of the Regulators to meet friends versus foes. Jamie and he discuss friendship and duty. Jamie is called to bring his militia when the Regulators are set to assemble in Salisbury. Brianna and Roger go into the wilderness to hunt. Brianna demonstrates how to handle the gun to Roger's aw, appreciation, and astonishment. Another animal is added to the farm's menagerie, Jerusha AKA Mistress Piggy. Brianna experiences mama guilt because she needed a break. The hazards of the 18th century can easily lead to death. The memory of Young Ian infiltrated Roger and Brianna's outing. Another round of “20th-century foods I miss” is played and arrived at “How Pizza Came to the Colonies.” Roger assists Brianna in relieving her milk full breasts. Insight into Brianna's shooting skills and how odd it was that Daddy Frank was determined she has outdoor skills.   Images are CC or Wiki Commons unless produced by ADoO or otherwise specified. Featured image.   Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post.   The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

The Fiery Cross Week 10 Chapters 17 & 18 Chapters: 17 - Watchfire 18 – No Place Like Home Summary:  The Gathering and the longest day draws to a close. Jamie ponders the act of surrender. There is a call to duty. The caravan heads to Fraser's Ridge. Jamie happens upon a spirit-filled place. A gift for Claire is picked up amongst the trees. There is fear for what might be found at the Ridge. Homecoming is sweet and noisy. A wee posy for Claire. For what is a sponge?  Roger gives Brianna something practical and special. It's not a dream. Setting: The settlement of Fraser's Ridge, NC Active Characters: Jamie Claire Roger Brianna What's Happening: The Gathering is winding down and Jamie takes notice. To surrender and not lose oneself. Jamie's call to duty. Jamie has a spiritual encounter. A feisty wee kitten is found. Jamie's reticence at returning home. The relief of homecoming and Mrs. Bug. A wee posy for Claire in light of the lost gift. The parallels of sponges. Plump like a hen. Roger's posy to Brianna more practicality than romance. A dream and a gift discovered. Images are CC or Wiki Commons unless produced by ADoO or otherwise specified. Featured image. Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

Season 4 Episode 409 The Birds & The Bees Directed by: David Moore Written by: Toni Graphia and Matthew B. Roberts   My thoughts are below, but you'll need to listen to the podcast to get my in-depth perspective. Summary: Brianna returns to her room battered and bleeding. Lizzie tries to help. Roger returns to the tavern for Brianna but is greeted by someone unexpected and forced to leave. Brianna wakes late learning Roger has left.  The Frasers are in town. Brianna and Jamie meet for the first time. Claire is overwhelmed seeing her daughter. Brianna explains the reason for her visit. Young Ian meets his cousin. Lizzie is smitten. Brianna tells Claire all about Roger. Young Ian tells the story of what happened the last time they went upriver. They all arrive at Fraser's Ridge. Jamie and Brianna bond over bees. Domesticity rules. Roger gets a gemstone and heads to the Ridge. Brianna reveals truths and secrets to Claire. Lizzie makes a proclamation. Jamie takes mistaken vengeance upon Roger. It's All Good: For the first time maybe ever, I have only good to say about this episode. It hits every beat with superb acting, good storytelling, and every character feeling right in their own skins and actions. This episode feels like the essence of Outlander and why readers go back to the books again and again. Outside of the very first episode, this episode in my favorite of all the seasons. The second viewing was even more satisfying than the first. This episode is what a quality adaptation should look like. The heart and soul of the story and the characters are masterfully brought to life with the alterations blending in as if they have always been there. I hope this is the new standard for the series moving forward. Toni and Matt wrote excellent material for the ensemble of actors, the director, and the host of personnel to turn into something magical. Miscommunication, Relationship Dynamics, and Secrets: Roger is forced to leave. Lizzie believing Roger is the man who harmed Brianna. Brianna's guilt over Roger leaving. Father and daughter meeting for the first time. Claire's overwhelm at seeing Brianna. Lizzie's teenage hormones. Loyalty and bonding. Brianna's rape and pregnancy. The terrible secrets.  Interesting Links: Beeocaching. How to move a beehive. Daniel Boone. So many lingering questions: How is Jamie going to explain his busted-up hand? Will Claire keep the secret? Will Lizzie and Young Ian keep the secret? What will Young Ian do with Roger? Where's Murtagh sleeping? When will Bonnet pay for what he's done? How does Brianna's skirt have pockets? Will Brianna go back to the 20th century or wait for Roger? Final Thought: There are four more episodes to go. The next six days cannot pass fast enough for this lassie! Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Visit Outlander Starz on social media, like or follow: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and the official website. All photos are the property of Starz/SONY PICTURES TELEVISION INC. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question. THE INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC SEGMENTS ARE TAKEN FROM A PIECE BY DAMIANO BALDONI AT URL ON FREE MUSIC ARCHIVE. CURATOR: CCCOMMUNITY. COPYRIGHT: CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVATIVES 4.0: HTTP://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-NC-ND/4.0/  

Season 4 Episode 405 Superstitions and Cruelty Directed by: Denise Di Novi Written by: Bronwyn Garrity My basic thoughts follow below, but you'll have to listen to the podcast to get my complete thoughts.  Summary: Claire and Adawehi bond. A misunderstood truth is given. The white sow is challenging her worth. Jamie shares a supernatural dream. Claire midwife's a mountain family. Jamie and Young Ian go to recruit settlers. Claire quashes a conflict. Settlers are difficult to come by. Measles claim lives. A dear friend is murdered. Someone special is found. Retribution is demanded. Family finds itself opposing one another. The Good: It is impressive how Claire is integrating and participating in the community and blending cultures through her healing practice, her relationship with Adawehi, and in her clothing (gloves and fur undervest). She even temporarily belays bad blood between the Cherokee and Herr Mueller.  The continuing theme of Claire as a loving mother who misses Brianna. Adawehi tells her Brianna is here, but Claire misunderstands the meaning.  Who doesn't love MURTAGH? RAWR! They've turned him into a serious silver fox. Move over Jamie, Murtagh is in town and seems to be single. Living well post indentured servitude has him doing well for himself.  The reunions between Jamie and Murtagh, Murtagh's reaction to Claire returning, and Claire's reaction to Murtagh coming up the path to the cabin are all squishy warm feeling delights.  The Difficult: The sheer superstitious savagery that Herr Mueller displays in believing the Cherokee cursed the water and his family leading to the measle related deaths of the baby, Petronella and Tommy are awful and painful to watch. Claire's reaction when he hands her Adawehi scalp because the curse was broken through her death is revolting and wrenching.  Herr Mueller puts the savage in savagery. The retaliation by the Cherokee for the death of Adawehi erases the Muellers from the New World. Mueller and his wife perish at their hands, and their cabin is burned to the ground. Mueller is the antithesis of the good neighbor Jamie and Claire are trying to be.  Jamie and Murtagh being on the other side of the law and Governor Tryon is setting up a storyline of challenge and decisions between them.  The Confusing: The way Brianna departs the 20th century is baffling and irritating. She appears to have left in a moment of rash decision when she learns on her own of the bad news about a fire at Fraser's Ridge. She didn't call Roger to tell him of the fire and obituary notice. When Roger goes to Inverness to track her departure and find clues, Miss Baird (presumably the daughter of Mrs. Baird the Innkeeper) gives him a letter Brianna asked her to hold for a year. She couldn't take the heartbreak on Roger's face.  The letter Brianna left is cold and dare I say cruel. She gives no indication she loves him or what her intentions are. She doesn't even say what bad news she found that led her to leave. She tells him not to follow her into the past. And then, simply says goodbye.  Is she trying to push him away purposely? She seems utterly detached and uncaring. "Oh well, think of me happily in the past." Ho hum. Nothing to see here.  Where is the deep love and wanting that is supposed to be building the foundation these two characters are bound by and drive us into the next generation willingly?  Roger's character will have him following her without a doubt. BUT WHY would he follow her? She has left nothing for him to hold onto or to be encouraged by. I am underwhelmed by the Brianna and Roger storytelling and find myself not caring if he follows her or not.   And don't get me started on the Holly Hobbie dress she is wearing. It must have been a truly rash decision to head for the 18th. Links of Interest: The Regulators Governor Tryon and the Regulators Eastern Band of the Cherokee Holly Hobbie What say you? I love to get your comments by email or voicemail. Call 719-425-9444 or email contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The entire Outlander TV Series is adapted from the Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Visit Outlander Starz on social media, like or follow: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and the official website. All photos are the property of Starz/SONY PICTURES TELEVISION INC. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ Like what I do? Support the podcast with a monthly offering, go to my Patreon page and sign-up. THE INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC SEGMENTS ARE TAKEN FROM A PIECE BY DAMIANO BALDONI AT URL ON FREE MUSIC ARCHIVE. CURATOR: CCCOMMUNITY. COPYRIGHT: CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVATIVES 4.0: HTTP://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-NC-ND/4.0/  

Season 4 Episode 404 “Common Ground” Directed by: Ben Bolt Written by: Joy Blake   Summary:  Jamie becomes a landowner. Jamie, Claire, and Young Ian leave Marsali and Fergus, turning toward the mountains. The boundaries of Fraser's Ridge are marked. The land is prepared for a cabin. They meet the locals who are unhappy at their presence. Roger makes a discovery. An awkward phone call ensues. Jamie receives council. Jamie believes the land spoke to him. Actions are taken to be peaceable neighbors. A threat bonds them and the Cherokee in friendship. Claire receives a prophecy. Fiona surprises Roger and shares a terrible discovery. Roger finally calls Brianna, but it's too late. What is the common ground? Merriam-Webster states the definition to be, “a basis of mutual interest or agreement.” The Indian Tribes and the Highlanders: Prejudice exists about the Cherokee (and other tribes) by the non-native colonialist peoples. They are called savages and compared to the Highland Scots by the Governor himself after Jamie signs the land agreement. The opening scene also provides a comparison as it shows the Cherokee Chief dressing. It harkens back to the opening scene that shows Jamie going through the same ritual of dressing in the Highland fashion. There are also similarities in the ways of life and difficulties with their way of life being compromised by encroachment, war, and politics.  This, of course, is a highly simplistic comparison, and I urge you to do your research on the history of the Cherokee and other tribes. As a side note, Jamie wanting this land for his and his family's greater purpose and reclamation of all that was lost, believing the land spoke to him, coupled with his desire to be a good and peaceable neighbor creates conflict in me. The land is available because of deals the colonialists have made with the Cherokee. Jamie is now the Governor's man and by extension the Crown's man. He is the face of colonialism — the face of western Europe expansionism. Can one be a kinder gentler colonialist or rather take advantage of a colonialist offering and not be an oppressor? I know this is a modernist view and who wouldn't jump at a chance to finally have something of value and worth? Who wouldn't seek the avenue of legacy? Jamie Fraser is a good man who wants to do what is right and just. He strives to have a solid moral compass. Jamie Fraser is also a man who prizes his family's safety, security, and prosperity above all else. He's had so little ability in his life to take care of those in his charge without usurping the law or being an unstable caretaker. Finding Common Ground The episode did an excellent job in showing the growing pains of having settlers on the land, whether or not they are on the right side of the boundary lines. The local Cherokees do not take kindly to Jamie and Claire while they are clearing an area to build a shed and cabin. They even go so far as to threaten them with the return of several land marker poles. Jamie has no issue having his family brandish weapons when the Cherokee approach, yet in wisdom seeks council to somehow establish a harmonious and peaceful relationship between his family and the Cherokee. John Quincy Myers promises to take a gift of tobacco from Jamie as an offering. Jamie inadvertently finds the better alternative to forging a respectful and healthy friendship; he kills the bear that has been wreaking havoc in the area. It isn't an ordinary bear; it's a shunned Cherokee who has taken on the spirit, skin, and claws of a bear. To the Cherokee he is dead, so they have no means to kill the Tskili Yona man-bear. When the bear attacked friend John Quincy Myers and threatened in the forest, Jamie goes on the hunt. He discovers it is a bear-man when it attacks him. He ironically kills the monster with one of the land marker poles. When he returns the corpse to the Cherokee, they accept it and being to respect his place on the land. The Cherokee offers friendship to Jamie, Claire, and Young Ian and the chief names Jamie, Bear Killer, as he will be known to the Cherokee. Jamie now has mountain cred. Through his actions, a bond of mutual respect is formed. Claire also finds common ground with Adawehi, a great healer, who is Giduhwa's husband's grandmother. Adawehi dreams of Claire and gives her a prophecy that she will have great power when her hair turns all white. She also tells Claire something ominous about death coming that won't be her fault. Claire stands to learn much from Adawehi and will undoubtedly become a stronger herbalist for it. Common ground is also secured between Jamie and Claire as he maps out their new cabin that includes a clinic room for Claire to see patients. He considers both their needs in the design. This is the Jamie we expect and adore. Where Common Ground Lacks The painful awkwardness between Roger and Brianna when he calls to tell her the discovery about her mother and Jamie. She's cool and distant to Roger while seeming to be less than enthused at the news. You'd think she'd be more excited and express deep gratitude for him continuing to research in the past. What's a guy have to do to get a rise from her? After Roger finds out Fiona knows about Claire being a traveler and sharing devastating news from an article she found in her grandmother's belongings, they also disagree on whether Roger should tell Brianna about the obituary with a blurred date. At some point after, Roger decides to phone Brianna but is told she left for Scotland a couple of weeks ago to visit her mother. She never told him or contacted him. The divide between them grows. Was he calling to tell her about the obituary? How much time had passed since Fiona shared it with him? Why was Brianna traveling into the past without telling Roger? From this vantage point, I think he has the right to be angry. The other area where common grounds lacks is in Tryon's views of the regulators and the Indians. He stands for King and Crown, where Jamie is using the land grant for his purposes knowing he'll have to choose sides in the future when the American Revolution breaks out. Into the Future This episode resolves one serious issue but opens up pathways to many unanswered questions. Will Roger discover when and why Brianna time traveled? Will Brianna find her parents? Why didn't Brianna tell Roger? Will Roger follow Brianna into the past? Will life be calm on Fraser's Ridge now that friendship is secured between the Cherokee and those on the Ridge? When will we see Marsali and Fergus? Who will Fergus recruit to live on Fraser's Ridge? How long before Governor Tryon calls in favors from Jamie and his men in the backcountry?   Links of Interest: Highland Scots in North Carolina Cherokee Nation North Carolina Land Grants search Land Grants The Land Process in North Carolina Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Visit Outlander Starz on social media, like or follow: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and the official website. All photos are the property of Starz/SONY PICTURES TELEVISION INC. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question. THE INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC SEGMENTS ARE TAKEN FROM A PIECE BY DAMIANO BALDONI AT URL ON FREE MUSIC ARCHIVE. CURATOR: CCCOMMUNITY. COPYRIGHT: CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVATIVES 4.0: HTTP://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-NC-ND/4.0/  

Season 4 Episode 403 “The False Bride” Directed by: Ben Bolt Written by: Jennifer Yale   Summary: Roger says goodbye to the manse. He goes to America to see Brianna and perform in a Scottish festival. Roger shares his intentions. Brianna shocks Roger. There is a row that strains Roger and Brianna. Jocasta throws shade at Claire. The Frasers and Young Ian leave River Run with funds, a guide, and a mule.  Young Ian goes adventuring with John Quincy Myers. Jamie and Claire are caught in a terrific storm. Claire gets lost and encounters a ghost. Jamie and Claire find each other supernaturally. In the mountains, the perfect spot for Fraser's Ridge is found. What stood out? In the 20th This episode spoke to me about the clash between tradition and modernity even down to the ghost being a modern traveler (silver fillings for the win) going back in time to a more traditional period for some purpose. Roger Wakefield demonstrated, even SCREAMED tradition every moment onscreen. From giving Fiona and Ernie a traditional welcome to the manse as he prepared to leave with the last boxes of his family home, his clothing, the song he sang at the gathering, and when refusing to bed Brianna unless he knew she would marry him. Brianna displayed a stark contrast to Roger's tradition with her clothing, approach to sex, and voicing she may not even believe in marriage. It's the 1970's after all. The hot and heavy scene between them that turned into a deep conflict shows us without a doubt the expanse between them. Roger stops a topless Brianna (save for that excessively unsexy bra of the day) from going any further until he could give her back her shirt and the bracelet while pouring his heart and intentions upon her. The engraving inside the silver bracelet is based on a poem, it says, “Je t'aime un peu, beaucoup, passionnement, pas du tout.” In English, it means, “I love you a little, a lot, passionately, not at all.” Roger realizes the divide between them when he asks her to marry him. She responds with it's moving too fast. He wants her to be his wife. To make a home. To have children. Dogs. But, she's not ready for that.  As he goes to leave, she grabs him and kisses him hard then it all unravels into hurt feelings, harsh words, and misunderstanding. Roger: “What in God's name are you playing at?” Brianna: “You said you wanted me. I want you too don't you know that?” Roger: “Oh, ye don't want to marry me but you'll fuck me?”  Brianna: “You don't have to use that language.” She sneers. Roger: “Oh, you can suggest such a thing, but I cannot say the word? “If all I wanted was to have my way with you, I would have had you on your back a dozen times last summer.” She slaps him, bloodying his mouth. Roger: “If ye don't care enough to marry me. Then I don't care to have ye in my bed.” She says it doesn't make sense. He shouldn't have sprung the proposal. She has things like school and never thought about kids.  Roger: “Well then what d'ye mean by making me such an offer—a nice Catholic girl? I thought you were a virgin?” Brianna: “I am. What the hell does that have to do with it?” Is Roger a hypocritical brute because he's had sex with women before? Roger is a man steeped in tradition, his job as a historian, his views on love and marriage, his desire for home and hearth in the wake of losing his adopted father, and the manse being rented by Fiona and Ernie, and his performing songs from the past each speak to his temperament and longing for roots. He doesn't care whether or not Brianna is a virgin; he cares whether or not she commits to him before he shares her body, heart, and soul. He is shocked knowing her Catholic upbringing, and it went against what he thought she believed. The difference between the women Roger had lain with prior and Brianna is clear, he didn't love them. It was sex without the heart, body, and spirit comingling. His love for Brianna yearns for permanency, for the foundation, to comingle every part for something deeper than physical sex. The love he desires to give and to receive is the love we see between Jamie and Claire. I say Roger is not hypocritical. It's a misunderstanding and inability to articulate exactly what she means to him. Roger has equal parts of similarity to Jamie and Frank and sometimes cannot act outside his abject male self. Brianna is in a completely different emotional headspace only thinking of sharing bodies though born out of love; she thinks that's what Roger wants. Perhaps it's immaturity or hope on her part that sex would and could be a bridge without thinking too far into the future. She does love Roger. She has not had sex because she wanted it to be with someone she loved. It deeply matters to Brianna, yet she did not say it or share why the future cannot be agreed upon now. She's complicated and traumatized from the revelations of the past few years. She cannot enter into marriage until she is SURE. She cannot repeat a marriage of duty like Claire and Frank. She also wants the whole marriage enchilada. Both of their offerings failed to hit the mark. Both of their offerings frustrated the other. They each have reasons for holding steadfast to their position. Meanwhile in the 18th Claire and Jamie meet a ghost and find the land they will build their home on after taking the Governor's offer. Jamie will get to be the laird he was meant to be since his brother died. Claire will get the home of her heart. A home built on all-encompassing love, including duty and passion. Jamie can build and grow lands to protect his family and the men who will come. The opportunity to replace all that has been lost. Favorite Lines: Roger about the deer: “He's pretty canty looking, for a deer on the worst day of its life. Yer half the deer you used to be.” Links of Interest: Roger singing “The False Bride.” The lyrics to “The False Bride” Where is Fraser's Ridge? Je t'aime rhyme   Please share your thoughts and comments to 719-425-9444 or contact@adramofoutlander.com. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The entire Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook. Visit Outlander Starz on social media, like or follow: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and the official website. All photos are the property of Starz/SONY PICTURES TELEVISION INC. Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook Page, Facebook Group,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question. THE INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC SEGMENTS ARE TAKEN FROM A PIECE BY DAMIANO BALDONI AT URL ON FREE MUSIC ARCHIVE. CURATOR: CCCOMMUNITY. COPYRIGHT: CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVATIVES 4.0: HTTP://CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG/LICENSES/BY-NC-ND/4.0/

In this episode, we continue our 'Drums of Autumn' read-along with our discussion of Chapter 65 “Return to Fraser's Ridge,” Chapter 66 “Child of My Blood,”  Chapter 67 “The Toss of a Coin,”  Chapter 68 “Domestic Bliss,” Chapter 70  “Jeremiah,” and Chapter 71 “Circle's Close.” Join our exclusive Facebook community! (http://outlanderpod.com/group) Support us on Patreon! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/patreon) Follow us on Twitter! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/twitter) Connect with us on Facebook! (https://www.outlanderpod.com/facebook) Help us spread the word! If this episode tickled your 'Outlander' fancy, head over to iTunes and kindly leave us a rating, a review, and subscribe! · Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-outlander-podcast/id707360955?mt=2) · RSS (https://audioboom.com/channels/1689437.rss) · Stitcher (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-outlander-podcast?refid=stpr) · Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3ca8w2I8rlQyr7K5iEeGV8) · Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0&gclid=CPqUmY3tmc8CFQbrfgodSOsMCw&gclsrc=ds#/ps/Irr5s2ri372mj5fgmte23z6dghe) · iHeartRadio (https://www.iheart.com/show/270-the-outlander-podc/) You can ask questions and comment below and leave us voice feedback via our Listener Line at 916-587-0POD.

THE COUNTDOWN TO OUTLANDER S4 CONTINUES!   News: The official Season 4 opening credits and the music was released on October 6thduring an Outlander panel at the NYCC. Bear McCreary masterfully creates the connection to the colonial south of America by once again altering The Skye Boat song to reflect where the story is going while maintaining its Scottish roots. The credits also combine the familiar beginning with snippets from the season that include the sweeping expanse of River Run, the backcountry cabin on Fraser's Ridge, Brianna touching the stone at Craigh na Dun, traditional dancing, a handfasting, and more. Outlander stars Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Richard Rankin, and Sophie Skelton, producers, Maril Davis, and Ron D. Moore, and writer Diana Gabaldon were at the NYCC doing autographs and participated in panels. The official Outlander panel audience members were surprised with a showing of S4 E1.  Rewatch Season 3 episodes 1-3 then listen to my thoughts. Here are the episode synopses from Outlander Starz: Ep 301 The Battle Joined - After living through the Battle of Culloden, Jamie is at the mercy of British victors, until his past provides his only hope of survival. Meanwhile, a pregnant Clarie attempts to adjust to life in 1940's Boston. Ep 302 Surrender - Hiding in a cave, Jamie leads a lonely life until Lallybroch is threatened by redcoats pursuing the elusive Jacobite traitor. In Boston, Claire and Frank struggle to coexist in a marriage haunted by the ghost of Jamie. Ep 303 All Debts Paid - In prison, Jamie discovers that an old foe has become the warden - and has the power to make his life hell. Claire and Frank both put their best foot forward in marriage, but an uninvited guest shatters the illusion.    

Drums of Autumn Chapters 63-65 Week 32 “New Life and Returning Home”   Summary: Brianna was angry about Jocasta's will. Lord John had a plan if he needed to help. Brianna feared how things would be between her and Roger if he came back. Only two riders returned. Brianna forgave Jamie. Claire assessed John. Brianna went into labor. Jamie and Claire supported her. A healthy baby was born. The Fraser's and Lord John left River Run. They happily returned to The Ridge. Roger was nearby. He was committed and ready. Inside the Chapters: Chapter 63 Forgiveness River Run, May 1770 Brianna was in a huff over Auntie Jo's stubborn refusal to change her will. Lord John to Brianna, “Pot meet kettle.” John believed doing nothing was the answer (p997, Nook). John went on to explain if Jocasta died leaving the plantation to Brianna, he would buy her slaves and free them in Virginia, and she would return his money, thus fixing the problem. He slyly made another point along the way (p998, Nook). Brianna asked and inferred that Lord John could never care for a child who wasn't his own, so how could Roger be expected to? He told her for the sake of the parent, and he'd been doing that very thing for some time. Brianna misinterpreted it to mean her he was caring for because of her father (p999, Nook). Upon deeper reflection, Brianna was worried about the intimacy between her and Roger (p999, Nook). I love the ease of their conversation and the sharp wit of Lord John. Brianna was raped, there is a level of worry whether or not she can sexually be with Roger. Could he accept her if he couldn't touch her? Could she ask such a sacrifice of him? She knows healing can take place because of Jamie being able to have a full relationship with her mother. Brianna seems to hold onto the most negative outcome possibilities as a way to guard and prepare herself.  Only two riders were seen by the servants, Brianna thought it must be Jamie and Claire.  So many thoughts were running through Brianna's mind. “Was Roger not found? They found him, and he didn't want to come back?”  She jokes to Lord John about him being her fallback. Lord John came up with other scenarios in which Young Ian and Roger rode separately from her parents. John proceeded to ask Brianna how far her remorse went for almost getting him killed (p1001, Nook). Out of the room, she flew to greet her father. Lord John was the wise and caring friend Brianna needed. Like Claire, Diana describes Brianna about nature, a storm cloud in this instance. Cut to Claire as she examined Lord John (p1003, Nook). He asked after MacKenzie. She assured him Roger would be coming along later. Lord John is not convinced. Claire had faith in Roger returning. Without asking Claire opened John's shirt to listen to his heart, lungs, and abdomen. Why would John be surprised by this gesture? She manhandles anyone needing medical attention. When she asked if he has moved his bowels, he downright refused to answer. John looked her over (p1003, Nook). I think he was admiring her and at the same time looking for anything to critique in a bitchy and catty way. Claire wanted to get a look at the trepanation site and was unusually delicate in the asking because she was curious (p1004, Nook). That line is quintessential Lord John. As Claire examined his head, she thanked him for helping Brianna while they were gone. John was pleased to have helped even if it cost him a hole in the head. John worried for the state of Brianna and Jamie's relationship. Claire instructed him to look into the garden. All was well between the father and daughter. Claire thought Brianna would deliver soon and John professed his thankfulness at their return (p1004). At that, Claire returned the sapphire to John at Brianna's request. “Jilted, by God!”. Chapter 64 Bottom of the Ninth Claire told Brianna labor is like a baseball game. It's mostly boring with bouts of activity. I like to say it has phases. Most of the labor a woman has more rest periods than work periods until near pushing when the end of active labor requires more work and little rest to finish dilation and bring the baby down. Brianna mentioned beer and hot dogs in response. Jamie asked if he should fetch some small beer. He then asked about a hot dog. Claire explained it was sausage on a roll. Brianna didn't want one. Jamie decided he should leave, but Brianna wouldn't let him (p1005, Nook). Claire was gripped with worry, and her brain went haywire thinking of how she almost died when she lost Faith. By the way, that was a placental abruption that could not have been stopped or fixed at any time. She'd had a subchorionic hemorrhage in mid-second trimester that resulted in a full abruption in the sixth month of pregnancy. This problem had nothing to do with her ability to carry a baby or birth. They sometimes happen without injury or accident. Claire prepared in her mind for how she would handle various situations that might arise during labor. Jamie was called into service to walk Brianna around the room like he would a horse with colic to help distract her and progress labor. Claire opened the windows and took a moment to inhale the freshness of the outdoors. The house was in full anticipation and readiness for the birth. Claire contemplated how little needed to be done to support normal birth and how little could be done if it went wrong. Brianna wanted to lie down after walking for a long time. The labor was getting more intense and organized. Claire didn't think it would be much longer, though five minutes apart is usually early labor, and it could last another 5-12 hours on average. I love how Brianna clings to Jamie and calls him daddy. Brianna asked Jamie to tell her a story. He told her stories as she held onto him. Claire rubbed her back. They offered excellent labor support! Claire had Phaedre fill the room will candlelight to provide light since Brianna had started voluntarily pushing. Claire provided perineal massage with oiled fingers (not necessary, but usual for her training). The amniotic sac broke, and the waters splashed upon the bed and floor. The baby came down, and Claire felt the head with her fingers (p1010, Nook). Claire assessed the baby quickly, he was healthy and well. There was no sign of hemorrhage (p1010, Nook). WELL DONE! Claire waited to cut the cord until after the placenta which gave an opportunity for the baby to receive the blood back into him from the placenta. The house was abuzz. Jamie was crying with joy. Brianna was grinning and put him to breast right away. He latched without a problem and surprised Brianna with the force of it. Claire was crying too and realized it when she tasted tears when she smiled. The baby and Brianna were settled in, and Claire found Jamie (who had gone to tell Lord John of the birth). They kissed and afterward she noticed the marks on his hands from Brianna's nails (p1012, Nook). Jamie was trying to figure out if the baby resembled MacKenzie or Bonnet. Claire said it was impossible to tell right now and mentioned recessive genes. Jamie had no idea what she meant, she went on to explain the baby could be any color, and they wouldn't know for sure who the father was and wondered aloud if it mattered (p1012, Nook). Jamie fell fast asleep, but Claire thought about why she said that phrase. It was something Frank always said (p1012, Nook). Peace swept over Claire, and she slept.   Chapter 65 Return to Fraser's Ridge Jamie, Claire, Brianna, nameless baby boy, and Lord John traveled together as far as they could. Lord John turned toward Virginia and William (p1013, Nook). The others kept on toward Fraser's Ridge for another week. Though the cabin was in disarray, the garden was a mess, and everything unkempt, Claire was the most joyful she had ever been at a homecoming. The baby not only didn't have a first name, but his last name was also under question. They all called him a different nickname. Brianna was waiting for Roger to come before deciding what the baby would be called. Jamie was fed up with the waiting (p1014, Nook). Claire was cranky too since the baby had kept everyone up from crying due to a diaper rash. Claire was trying to fill out the baby's birth certificate, she could fill in the date, approximate time, and who the attending doctor was, but no name as of yet. She and Jamie got sidetracked with names of Saints (p1015, Nook). Jamie goes on to tell her of the Saint against impotence. Claire hit another problem with the birth certificate; what last name should she put for Brianna? Fraser, Randall, or both? Claire decided to write both last names and to have faith Roger would come. Roger was preparing himself to ride up the path to Fraser's Ridge. He must have been a sight to see but didn't think it mattered much. He passed through the clearing where he had met Jamie on that fateful day many months ago. The memory stabbed him, but nothing mattered because he was there. What's Coming up? Chapters 66-67 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook Any images are from Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. The intro and outro music segments are taken from a piece by Damiano Baldoni at URL on Free Music Archive. Curator: ccCommunity. Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comment or question.

Drums of Autumn Chapters 61-62 Week 31 “Forgiveness”   Summary:   Claire was sent to the longhouse. She examined Roger. Jamie wanted to keep some facts to themselves. Roger baptized a baby. Young Ian was adopted into the tribe to replace the man Roger had killed. He was named Wolf's Brother and joined Works with Her Hands' family. With sadness Roger, Claire, and Jamie left the village toward River Run. Roger learned the baby might not be his. Jamie and Claire left Roger to decide. Stephen Bonnet was arrested. Brianna implored Lord John to arrange a meeting. The mother bear roared. Lord John was injured. Bonnet made a fiery escape and asked Brianna to go with him. Inside the Chapters: Chapter 61 The Office of a Priest An exhausted, Claire was taken to the longhouse. The air smelled of smoke and burnt things. There was singing; she wondered if it was for the dead woman. She exclaimed when she saw Jamie and Roger. Roger embraced her. He was thin and stank but seemed healthy to her. I love how Claire clinically assessed him immediately. This demonstrated how much she cared for him. He asked after Brianna immediately. She noticed his injured foot, but Jamie interrupted and asked how Claire was. Oddly he told her his arm needed to be looked at because it hurt. As Claire points out, he would never say he was in pain in front of Roger. She looked him over and didn't think his arm was broken (p963, Nook). What do you think of Jamie's idea? Claire went back to Roger to look at his foot. She blurted out Brianna was pregnant. Roger was stunned to learn Bree was in advanced pregnancy (p964, Nook). Claire thought Bree wanted to give Roger an escape plan since she believed the baby was Bonnet's but moreover that she believed Jamie wouldn't see it as a marriage without a priest, church, and contract. Claire reassured Roger of Brianna's health and well-being. Brianna had wanted to go with Claire and Jamie to find Roger; this was a great relief to him. Jamie admitted it was a misunderstanding. Claire inspected Roger's foot and was alarmed at the infection. Roger explained it was infected off and on. Roger only wanted answers. Brianna had not set Jamie and Young Ian upon him to turn him away; it was Jamie's idea (p966, Nook). In Jamie's mind, a person can only die once, so it was safe to bring Claire with him on this dangerous trip. If the past couldn't be changed, Jamie assumed correctly. Roger explained that was precisely why he didn't tell Brianna about the notice (p967, Nook). Claire wholeheartedly disagreed with this idea of protection, just like Brianna had. Claire lambasted Roger for not telling Bree and trying to prevent her from going into the past. Jamie would rather have not met Brianna than for her to go through all she had since entering the 18th century. Roger had an epiphany. Brianna could not go back through the stones now. She was too far pregnant. Claire had tried to send her back early on, but Brianna wouldn't go without Roger. Jamie felt responsible for Brianna being stuck in his timeline (p968, Nook). Suddenly a group of Mohawks entered the longhouse. An older woman handed Roger the cradleboard. The woman knew he was the son of a priest and wants him to baptize Father Alexandre and his lover's baby. Roger wasn't sure at first, then Jamie reminded him any man could perform the duties of a priest in the time of need. Roger paled but decided to perform the baptism in French. “Écoutez les paroles de notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ, en obéissant à la parole de notre Seigneur Jésus et sûre de sa présence avec nous, nous baptisons ceux qu'il a appelés à être les siens.Qui est votre Seigneur, votre Sauveur? Voulez-vous placer votre foi en Lui? Promets-tu de dire à cet enfant la bonne nouvelle de l'Évangile, et tout ce que le Christ commande, et par ta communion fraternelle, de renforcer ses liens familiaux avec la famille de Dieu?” Then Roger turned to Jamie and Claire, the baby passed between them. Roger finished sprinkling water on the baby's head and said, “Je vous baptise, Alexandra, au nom du Père et du Fils et du Saint-Esprit, Amen.” The group of Christian Mohawk left the village and Roger wondered if he was going to be next to die. Claire shared what she learned from staying in Tewaktenyonh's house the prior night (p970, Nook). Young Ian had not been seen since the chaos of the night before. It was the following afternoon before there was a visitor to the longhouse. It was Young Ian. He was there to say goodbye to Jamie and Claire. His hair had been plucked into a Mohawk style, his ear pierced, and his face tattooed.  The adoption ceremony was to be in the evening (p972, Nook). Oh, my crushed heart. The ceremony included his whiteness being scrubbed away with sand and given a new name (Wolf's Brother). Jamie surprised the Mohawk by placing his plaid over Young Ian's shoulder. Are any of you crying? Imagine Jamie writing to Jenny about her son.   They left the next morning after Jamie silently hugged and kissed Ian goodbye. The trio was quiet throughout the day and set up camp that evening. Roger spoke, asking Claire about the circle in the Indies. She was too tired to explain, so she simply said yes. Then he went on to tell Claire there was another stone circle eight days travel from Fraser's Ridge. There would still not be enough time to get back to River Run, collect Brianna, and get back to the stone circle for them to go back to the 20th century. Jamie brought up that Roger didn't have to stay. He could go back to his own time. Tempers and words flared (p975, Nook). Roger fired back showing the gemstone he stole from Bonnet not knowing Bonnet stole it from Claire and Jamie who had taken it from Geillis. Roger explained to them what happened (p976, Nook). Jamie mounted his horse and told Claire to come with him. Roger told her to go and he would come if he could. Claire and Jamie rode away leaving Roger with a gemstone in his hand and a decision to make. Young Ian made a huge sacrifice but made it for love and obligation. Jamie had great anger toward Roger and treated him badly. How could a man hearing such shocking news be able to know how he felt about it? I don't like the big deal that's made of a child not being of one's blood. Jamie adopted Fergus (Claudel) and loved Laoghaire's daughters as his own. Both Claire and Roger had been adopted, and Frank had raised Brianna as his blood daughter. Roger had been through hell during the many months since Jamie had given him to the tribe, you would think Jamie having been a captive would certainly understand the difficulties Roger faced. He seemed to have little compassion for Roger and blamed him for losing Young Ian. What compelled Jamie to act in such a way? Chapter 62 Three-Thirds of a Ghost River Run, April 1770 Lord John dropped the bomb on Brianna that Stephen Bonnet was captured. Lord John sent the nearby servant to bed to keep listening ears away. He wanted to go to bed himself, but the information could not hold any longer. Bonnet had been caught in Cross Creek and charged with smuggling tea and brandy, but charges were added when his identity was discovered. Lord John searched Brianna's face for signs of swooning. She was steady though pale. Bonnet was to hang the following week. Lord John was impressed by how much the baby had grown in two months since their engagement. The baby moved pressing out toward him, and he worried about the stress of knowing could cause her to go into preterm labor. His worry escalated, and he thought to get a servant, but Brianna merely said thank you. The calmness she expressed relieved Lord John to the state of her health. Brianna wants to see him. Lord John misunderstood thinking she wanted to watch the execution. He protested. She only wanted to talk to him. John choked on his drink. She went on to tell him of her outrageous plan to see Bonnet and the utter scandal it would cause. Well, Brianna knows how to take a conversation from zero to redline in one moment. I don't think there's enough booze to keep Lord John from shock from Brianna's boldness.   He asked her why she wanted to speak to Bonnet. She handed him a piece of paper written by her father (p981, Nook). Bottom line, Brianna wanted to be free whether or not Roger returned. Forgiveness was at the heart of her need to see him (p982, Nook). Before retiring to bed, he asked if he could feel the baby move. He was delighted to feel the baby press against his hand. Lord John took Brianna to the garrison. Bonnet was being held in the basement of the warehouse. The soldier on duty, Hodgepile was bribed to allow them in.  The name was known to Brianna from Ronnie Sinclair's description. They gained entrance, Hodgepile was startled seeing Brianna.  They passed the contents of the warehouse leaving Brianna with a sense of confinement. Hodgepile instructed her to be careful with the lantern. Fire would be especially dangerous. Once down in the basement, the dampness took over. She was determined not to panic. Lord John encouraged her. She entered the room on her own. Bonnet was chained to her relief. Brianna spoke (p985, Nook). Brianna vomited and then gathered herself. She told him her name (p985, Nook). His manner almost made her laugh. He told her the jewels had been stolen after he sold one to buy a ship. She wondered if Roger stole the two. The timing fit she thought. He reminded her she got the ring back (p986, Nook). She wanted nothing from him but had come to give him something. She told him the baby was his. What in the hell caused her to think this was a good idea and there was only a chance the baby was his anyway. She hoped the knowledge would give him ease knowing he left something behind after he died. Enter Sergeant Murchison. He threatened her. Brianna reacted and swung the lantern at his head. Stephen Bonnet grabbed her before she could hit him again. He was not chained after all. It also looked like Murchison had killed Lord John who was sprawled on the floor in the hall. Murchison again threatened to shoot Brianna, but the cramped quarters made it impossible (p988, Nook). In the dimness of her mind, she heard her name. Bonnet was shouting at her to stop. The building was going to blow, and they had to get out. She blocked the door until he explained everything. She refused to let him leave Murchison to die, so he slit his throat to be done with it. Brianna was contracting with Braxton Hicks though, not contractions that cause labor. She, of course, did not know this fact. Bonnet ran out, and she stopped to check Lord John for a pulse. She found one weak and irregular. She calculated the risk of being in the basement if the upstairs caught fire and convinced herself it was safe while she tried to puzzle out how to save Lord John. She was about to administer first aid to Lord John when Bonnet returned yelling for her to run. She believed it was safe and he should go away (p993, Nook). She agreed to leave, but Bonnet had to carry Lord John to safety. He picked up Lord John, and she followed as quickly as she could. Can you imagine being seven months pregnant and running for your life from a building about to blow up? They made it out of the building to the wharf. The building was burning brightly. Bonnet asked her to go with him to his ship. She declined. He asked her if it was true that the baby was his while peering into her face. He reached into his mouth and pulled a gem from his cheek. He put it in her hand to help pay for the baby's upkeep. He left, and she pondered shooting him as he ran off. She heard Jamie's voice in her head and put the gun down. She opened her hand and found the black diamond staring back at her. What was Brianna thinking? The woman has her mother's penchant for rashness and not caring whether she created a scandal. Each read I have a difficult time figuring out WHY she would tell Bonnet the baby was unequivocally his. HOW did that propel her forgiving him? WHAT will happen now that he has escaped and believed he is the baby's father? For all her engineer brain thinking, she certainly does not stop to think about the what-ifs and how they might impact the future. Links of Interest: The anthropology blog post.  What's Coming up? Chapters 63-65 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook Any images are from Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. The intro and outro music segments are taken from a piece by Damiano Baldoni at URL on Free Music Archive. Curator: ccCommunity. Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Join the A Dram of Outlander Community Please share posts, join the discussions, and follow this website and social media sites listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your com

Drums of Autumn Chapters 51-53 Week 27 “Betrayal and Blame”   Summary: Roger found himself a prisoner. He was concussed and battered. He forcibly traveled with the Tuscarora for more than a week. He escaped hoping they would not pursue him. He found a stone circle. He was recaptured. Brianna was at River Run until her parents returned. She was angry and distant from Jamie. She fell into the rhythm of River Run, and Aunt Jocasta loved her company. She and Claire had a difficult goodbye. Jamie offered his promise before they left to find Roger. Claire was reunited with a familiar face. Young Ian had a heart to heart with Claire. The Tuscarora pointed them north to a Mohawk village. Jamie and Claire finally made peace with each other and themselves. They reached Snake-Town and hoped to find Roger and secure his release. (1:45) Inside the Chapters: Part Eleven: Pas du Tout (not at all) Chapter 51 – Betrayal – October 1769 Roger woke with vomit in his hair, thinking he was on the Gloriana. He was tied up, in pain, and vomited again. He was on the back of a horse, lying across it on his belly. His captors took him off the horse, and he fell face first into the leaves. He grappled with memory to figure out where he was and what had happened. The pain in his head and his body was excruciating. Then he remembered. Indians. Where was he though? His memories swirled. He remembered the Gloriana and Bonnet, then Brianna and the handfasting. A face like Brianna's came into his mind, but it was fleeting when one of the Indian men grabbed him. Roger thought the Indian meant him harm and he fought. The man had meant to loosen Roger's hands not hurt him. He was in the mountains with four Indian men. He drank from a nearby brook. His teeth were loose; there were cuts in his mouth and upon his chapped lips. A jolt of memory, Claire, Brianna, and Jamie Fraser. He had been at Fraser's Ridge. The face of Jamie seared in his mind. He remembered it now. The meeting, the fight, and how Jamie and the other man had meant to kill him. He thought they had given him to the Indians, but to what end? As he stood and relieved himself, he couldn't look at the men around the fire because it filled him with rage (p854, Nook). (4:00) As he shared dinner with the Tuscarora, he tried to speak with them in various languages, but they responded to none of them. When it was time to sleep, they tied him with a noose around neck and feet. He had a little room to move before he would choke himself. He slept restlessly as his dreams were filled with violence. The next morning, they left the camp. Roger walked with a noose around his neck and wrists tied to the horse's harness. He thought they headed north and couldn't have traveled very far from Fraser's Ridge. He memorized landmarks, so he could come back this way after he escaped. Days were passing as if in a trance, so Roger made a small knot in his coat for each day. He was going back to Fraser's Ridge no matter what it took. (4:59) He found his opportunity to escape on day 8. He cut his hands free and ran. They called after him, but he didn't stop. He saw them and kept going. He was terrified when he found cover. He had no idea what direction he had come. His foot was bleeding from a gash in it. He made a makeshift bandage. He found a place to rest. He slept. When Roger woke, he was hungry and thirsty. Surely, they didn't follow him? He picked a direction and went. He cautiously listened for pursuit. Roger scrabbled around a rock face and in the clearing in front of him was another set of standing stones. He couldn't hear them and tried to remember what the date could be. As close as he could figure it had to be near to just past Samhain. He didn't know if this circle worked on the same dates as Craigh na Dun. He had the gems in his pocket, and if they were open, he could escape. He struggled with the thought of abandoning Brianna. Could he leave her behind? He decided if he wasn't going to step through the stones then he had to go back to hidden safety or climb the cliff face. When he looked up, a face was looking down and a noose settled around his neck again. (6:25) Poor Roger. He has a concussion, loose teeth, cuts, bruises, scrapes, and was a prisoner of the Tuscarora. Even though he escaped, he gashed his foot and was caught again. Even though his attempt was foiled, he found a stone circle. That might serve for future purposes. Chapter 52 – Desertion – River Run, December 1769 Brianna stood outside of Hector Cameron's tomb. The inscription read Semper Fidelis. Had he been a faithful man and to whom? She and Jamie hadn't spoken to each other since that terrible day. Brianna had screamed at him in her final words of rage, and he had left the cabin and not returned that night. She wanted to follow him and comfort him even in her anger, but she blamed him for that too. Brianna hadn't slept that night after wrangling her emotions into a tightly sealed box inside of her. In the early morning, Jamie had returned and called for Claire to come out. They brought her to River Run to be safe as they planned on going after Roger. It was winter and not safe for her to travel to the mountains or to stay at the Ridge on her own. She thought she might have had a chance at getting her mother to agree, but not with HIS stubbornness supporting her. She replayed the fight in her mind, his reproach of her (p864, Nook). She missed Frank and thought if he hadn't died none of this would have happened (p865, Nook). She had kissed her mother goodbye and vowed to wait in the garden until she knew they were gone. She DIDN'T want to see HIM. He found her regardless of her desire (p866, Nook). (11:40) February 1770 Brianna became accustomed to daily life at River Run. She even found ways to use her talents in drawing. It felt luxurious. A servant prepared the bath for her while she was still in bed. She should feel guilty about being waited on by slaves. She rolled over in bed and took inventory of her body to ensure she didn't become a stranger to herself. The baby within her greeted her with a stretch and movement. She took off her flannel nightgown, feeling every part of her body. She lay back and heard the noises of the household waking up around her. The sound of Frank on the weekends or Jamie speaking outside the cabin to the horses used to make her feel safe and protected. She didn't feel this way any longer. She was the protector now and didn't need anyone to make her feel safe. It was her job.  She stood by the window looking out and listening to her body. She could almost hear the baby's heartbeat and feel it separate from hers. No matter what happened, she would never be alone. (13:40) Brianna is a Fraser through and through. Stubborn. Ill-tempered. She can hold a grudge with the best of them. How do you think the word desertion applies to this chapter? I am unsure and have many thoughts running through my mind. Chapter 53 – Blame They arrived at Tennago a Tuscaroran village. Jamie barely spoke since they left Fraser's Ridge. She felt guilty, worried, and pained. The issue of blame was on her mind. She thought Jamie blamed her for not telling him the truth about Bonnet. Claire blamed herself for it. On the journey to the village, they slept separately when they camped at night. They had brought whisky with them. A king's ransom Claire thought. It had to be enough to trade for one Scotsman. Claire hoped Roger had been taken here, but Jamie had told Young Ian to be sure Roger would never come back. Claire had brought the amulet and opal. The amulet to return to someone and the opal to supplement trade if needed. Jamie also brought along every small belonging he might use to up the trade except for this father's ring. The ring had been left with Brianna in case they didn't return. Having the ring gave Brianna a travel insurance policy of sorts. She could get back to her own time if needed. (16:00) Claire replayed the last moments she'd had with Brianna at River Run. Brianna trusted Claire to find Roger but was unsure about Jamie's intention. Claire knew Jamie would do anything to find Roger and bring him back to her. His honor wouldn't allow otherwise. His honor. These words brought words from Brianna (p871, Nook). It was time to leave as Young Ian called for Claire. Claire and Brianna had an emotional goodbye (p871, Nook). Claire urged Jamie to talk to Brianna. He needed to say goodbye. Jamie went and returned within a few minutes. They were all mounted and left River Run. (18:10) It was night and Jamie was still with Nacognaweto. Young Ian came in with someone behind him. He had brought Pollyanne the ex-slave woman they had freed and taken to the Indians to live. She had a child on her arm. Young Ian translated, and Claire learned the Tuscarora had taken her in as their own. She took a husband, and the baby was born a few months earlier. Pollyanne was free and happy. Claire wanted Young Ian to ask who she should give Nayawenne's amulet to. Pollyanne said no one would want it (p873, Nook). Pollyanne wasn't frightened by the amulet and the ghost of Nayawenne because of her past spiritual beliefs before becoming an Indian. Claire was comforted by the idea of Nayawenne walking with her. They talked until Jamie's return surprised them. Pollyanne said her goodbyes and said something to Young Ian in a parting word (p874, Nook). Jamie and Claire barely missed preventing the death of the young woman in the sawmill. Jamie touched Claire, and she took his hand. It had been almost a month since they touched purposely. Murchison had a wife in England, and a pregnant mistress would not have been desirable. Jamie thought he might visit the Sergeant alone when they returned to River Run. Claire had a sharp response (p874, Nook). Jamie went on to share what he had learned about Roger. He was given to the Mohawk and was far to the north. Young Ian's friend Onakara would be their guide. Jamie went to their assigned cubicle in the longhouse. Claire went to go after him, but Young Ian stopped her (p875, Nook). Quite the eye-opening conversation and shows a level of maturity by Young Ian to speak up.  (25:35) On her way back to their cubicle Claire pondered what Young Ian said. He was right of course. Her guilt about the gold ring had kept her silent, not Brianna's request (p877, Nook). I think Claire needs to apologize for her part in it. And yes, he could have come to her and sought her out.  Once in their cubicle she defrocked and climbed in next to him asking him to warm her. I do this very thing if I have been the distant partner. She wanted to comfort him with her body and presence. She didn't care about herself in the wordless dark but became as needful and desperate for him, and he was for her. They were alone in the darkness surrounded by others. She could hear things like the hum of bees. This small cubicle was their singular space. It was then they talked for the first time in almost a month. She apologized. He didn't blame Bonnet. He felt a failure as a man. He was jealous of a dead man (p878, Nook). He wants to know if Brianna could forgive him if he brings Roger back to her? Claire says she will. Then it dawned on Claire, Brianna's words meant for Claire to bring Jamie back and not Roger. What do you think? (31:30) The traveling north was difficult, and some days it was impossible. They finally arrived at the Mohawk village of Snake-town in mid-February. Brianna would be six months pregnant by now. Claire hoped Roger was here and they could leave quickly after negotiating his release, so they could be back well before Brianna was due to deliver. Claire worried he wasn't here or was dead.  Their guide refused to go into the village with them. Jamie paid him with a horse, a knife, and a flask of whisky. The rest of the whisky was buried for later retrieval. Claire asked if the Mohawk would understand what they wanted. Young Ian said the Tuscarora and the Mohawk languages were similar as were Spanish and Italian.  They likely had a bit of English as well. Off they went into the village. (33:10) What's Coming up? Chapters 54-56 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook Any images are from Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.

Drums of Autumn Chapters 45-46 Week 24 “The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions”   *****Warning: There is a discussion about rape during this podcast. I have notated the time where it occurs in the podcast below.*****  Summary: Brianna is pregnant. She doesn't know who the father is. The pirate raped her days after being hand-fasted to Roger. She recovered Claire's gold wedding ring. Roger is near Fraser's Ridge. His horse and supplies were stolen. He was on foot without a weapon. He is met in the clearing by two men. A case of mistaken identity will possibly prove deadly. (:45)    Inside the Chapters: Chapter 45 Fifty-Fifty Brianna and Claire were foraging in the woods. Claire was also teaching Brianna important landmarks not altered by the seasons. Claire watched Brianna and wondered what was causing her inner turmoil. This was a planned trip into the forest so that Claire could get Brianna alone. The cabin was full of people coming and going. Claire found the perfect time to ask Brianna what was on her mind. She could still read Brianna's mind and asked her how pregnant she was. She was two months pregnant. As she looked into Brianna's eyes, she could see the child within all grown up and relieved to share the burden. The thought of Roger startled Claire then she told Brianna she had to go back through the stones. Brianna was confused. Going through the stones was a terrible thing (p 765, Nook). Brianna is worried she cannot go to the right time with Roger in the 18th century. Claire was adamant about them all guessing how the stones worked (p765, Nook). Claire realized Brianna had already thought about going back. There might be another way, Hispaniola – Abandawe. Claire explained why she had been to the cave. Claire thought she could feel Geillis' gaze upon her sometimes. Claire asked how Brianna got pregnant (p767), Nook). At the core of Brianna's worries, was how Jamie would react to her pregnancy. Claire reassured her it would be okay and there was still time to find Roger. Then Brianna dropped a bombshell. She said the baby wasn't Roger's. (8:00) On that interesting note, Brianna pulled something from her pocket and handed it to Claire (p769, Nook). That was a game changer. She hadn't planned on telling them after hearing about the robbery on the river by Bonnet. She told Claire the story even though she didn't want to. She recalled how she went to the Gloriana during the day thinking it would be safer. Bonnet was fresh-shaven, but his clothes were dirty and been worn since the day prior. He paid her a compliment about her looks. She immediately asks about the ring and if he would sell it to her because it reminds her of a ring her mother had. He was a big man and hid something behind his eyes when she asked where he got the ring. He took her by the hand and led her to his cabin. (9:15) He offered her brandy and claimed the ring was a love token. Bree is relieved to know her mother is alive and well. Bonnet has a different payment in mind for the ring (p771, Nook) (10:20).  Brianna fights back, he slaps her hard and forces her to her knees. She nearly vomits as he forcibly presents her with his unwashed penis. He forced her to perform oral sex with threats and grabbing her hard. He suddenly pushed her away, causing her to stumble and spit. He wasn't done with her yet. He grabbed her, kissed her, and roamed below her waist. She butted him in the face with her head and ran out of the room. The cook tripped her giving Bonnet time to reach her. Back to his cabin they went. She told her mother she stopped fighting after that. Except in her mind, she still fought. When someone is raped or sexually assaulted there are several common reactions that can occur, Bree seems to be experiencing some of them. It only took a couple of minutes, and it was over, along with his humming. She was frozen in place, then he rolled off her, leaving her dazed. He made a comment that tells us he doesn't think he did anything wrong. He told her the ring was on the desk, as was money. She is affronted he is offering to pay her. He told her to help herself to what was on the desk because she was worth it and promptly left. Her hands shook preventing her from picking up the ring from the bowl, so she poured the contents into her pocket, and walked out. (16:00) Let's take a breath for a moment. Brianna tried to be safe but she was unable to prevent what took place. Even if she would have had a weapon, he was stronger and bigger than her. She couldn't have stopped him. This is an all too common reality for many women. Brianna had tried to pretend it didn't happen. It had been two days since she had sex with Roger multiple times. They used the withdrawal (coitus interruptus) method. Claire said people who used that method were called parents. Properly used, withdrawal is as about as effective as condom use, BUT that is if the timing of the male partner is perfect, he ejaculates away from her genitals and washes the head of his penis before another each encounter. Did Roger wash off his penis between the several encounters? (20:20) Brianna is traumatized by the rape. She is worried about Roger not returning. She is worried about who the father is. She didn't have the best entrance into sexual activity given the fight she and Roger had afterward, then the rape only two days later. (21:30) Chapter 46 Comes a Stranger Roger was in fact, on his way to Fraser's Ridge. He stopped for a drink of water at a spring. He was annoyed because his horse, gun, a bit of food, and water had been stolen. His clothes were a mess, and he was not clean shaven because the razor had been in his saddlebag. He was only worried about what Brianna thought of him. Claire and Jamie were not on his radar of concern. He hoped she would forgive his betrayal of not telling her about the death notice. His thoughts ran wild (p778, Nook). Roger was temporarily removed from his thoughts by birds' dive bombing him. He had ventured too close to a nest. He hoped the encounter with the ravens was not a bad omen as Scot's folklore depicts. He then thought about how exciting it was here, seeing history firsthand. Only for Brianna did he have regret.  He placed a hand over his pocket; he had stolen two gems from Stephen Bonnet. Of course, he didn't know those had been stolen from Claire and Jamie by Bonnet. They had taken them from Geillis Duncan after saving Young Ian at Abandawe. The girl at the mill told him he would reach Fraser's Ridge by sundown. His thoughts pestered him again (p779, Nook). He reached the spot as it was described. His stolen horse was there. A young man had come into view with Roger's gun in hand. Poor Roger. There was another man in the clearing who looked familiarly like Brianna and how Claire described him. It was Jamie Fraser in all his size and fierceness (p781, Nook). Roger was confused and alarmed. What had Jamie been told about him? Roger claimed to come for his wife. The situation escalated as Young Ian weighed in with a gun in hand. Jamie asked for the truth (p782, Nook). It has gone from bad to worse for Roger. It seemed Jamie was trying to kill him. Roger fought back (p783, Nook). They continued to brawl. Jamie was besting Roger. He tried to get Jamie to stop but he wouldn't. Roger believed he was going to die before he was born. (29:45) It seems Jamie is working out more than anger about Brianna on Roger. His rape perhaps. Since Brianna and Claire had told Jamie Roger's last name was Wakefield, MacKenzie was a whole different person according to Lizzie. What a horrific mess. This is one of Jamie's biggest mistakes in all the books in my opinion. He acted without talking to Brianna or Claire. He reacted instead of making sure he had full and true information. It is a prime example of how clear communication matters. (30:30)  Brianna's good intention to get the ring back brought a hellish nightmare to her in the form of Stephen Bonnet. Jamie's desire to protect his daughter placed Roger in hell. Jamie's actions also continued Brianna's living hell of Roger not returning. The ramifications will go far and wide. (31:00) What's Coming up? Chapters 47-48 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook Any images are from Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.    

Drums of Autumn Chapters 41-42 Week 22 “Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition” Summary: Brianna and Lizzie get safely upriver to Cross Creek, though the girl had yet again become ill. Brianna borrows a mule to scout out Cross Creek. She meets Jamie. He's dubious at first. Then filled with utmost joy. To River Run, he takes her and Lizzie. Fergus is victorious at his trial. Jamie takes Brianna to Fraser's Ridge. Claire is shocked and happy. Jamie takes Brianna hunting. They become more comfortable with each other. Jamie is fretful. Memories are shared between Claire and Jamie in the moonlight. Inside the Chapters: Chapter 41 Journey's End Brianna is aggravated that Lizzie is ill again. Brianna woke after that night with Roger to cleaned clothes, a tidied space, and Lizzie fevered. She is restless knowing she only has eight days to get to Cross Creek or she could miss Jamie Fraser. Lizzie might be ready to travel in a couple of days thought a frustrated Brianna. She went down to the taproom to get tea for the sick girl and a man with roaming hands tried to grab her behind. Squeezing through the crowded tables she notices a gold ring at a gambling table. The light hit it just right and she knew the engraving pattern within. She stopped and approached the man who held it. She pretended to rub it for luck and she was right, she did know the ring. “From F. to C. with love. Always.,” it read. She was eager to find out where he, the Irishman got it from. She was worried for her mother. She planned to see him the following day in the daylight for safety. He agrees and tells her to go to the Gloriana. Yes, you remembered it correctly, it is Captain Stephen Bonnet. The man who Jamie and Claire saved from execution when he was found hidden in their wagon. The man who later stole from them when they were headed upriver to Auntie Jo's. This cannot be a good thing Brianna ran into him. The kind Dutch woman is in awe of the amount of food Brianna ate. She had not eaten in a couple of days. She accepted a second helping of food. Lizzie's fever had returned two days upriver. Brianna thought she might die. They had made it to Cross Creek, tomorrow she would find Jamie Fraser. She felt the ring in her secret pocket. Knowing her mother was alive was all that mattered. The Dutchwoman was the sister of one of the men she traveled with upriver. She would take care of Lizzie while Brianna borrowed the mule for a trip into Cross Creek to find the courthouse and to gain familiarity with the city. She didn't want to take any chances she might miss Jamie Fraser. She had not noticed anything on the second half of their journey. Her mind had been occupied with Lizzie and painful thoughts of her own. Now that she was riding, she could see the countryside and how it changed. She wonders how it will be to meet him, Jamie Fraser. Would he be happy to see her? What might he say? She could hear the echoes of Laoghaire calling him a liar and a cheat. She rode into town. Most people were inside to escape the heat of the day. She made note of landmarks, like the sawmill and a tavern. She feels hollow after searching for money in her pocket and finding something else. She stops at the tavern and gets a beer. The landlord asks if she's come for the trial. Brianna asks whose trial it is. Fergus Fraser is accused of attacking an officer of the Crown. The tavern owner is sure he'll be acquitted since Jamie Fraser came down from Fraser's Ridge to be at the trial. He is there at the tavern and should return in a minute. Brianna leapt up and ran out the door. She spies Jamie peeing against a tree. When he turned toward her from the tree, he tensed seeing her standing there thinking she was a man at first. She was wearing breeks of course. When she saw him face on, she knew without a doubt who he was though smaller, his face was her face. He speaks to her (p708, Nook). Imagine him hearing those words, “I'm your daughter.” He became flushed red, a sight she found recognizable. He stopped and looked her over more closely (p710, Nook). He reaches out to touch her stunned by her being fully grown. He thought of her as a wee bairn from the pictures (p711, Nook). Such emotion gripped them both. She had no idea how to address Jamie.  Frank was her daddy and always would be. He tells her to call him Da (p712, Nook). To be hugged by the father she had only known existed for a couple of years. I LOVE THIS SCENE TO MY CORE. Jamie is meant to be a father. He's meant to be her father. He's right Claire will be mad with joy. What do you love about it? Everything was a blur from here on out. They had retrieved Lizzie from the Dutch woman's home. As they rode toward River Run, Jamie told Brianna about the house he's building for Claire and the glass in the back is meant as a surprise for her mother. He's putting windows in the big house for her. It seemed a long ride down the dusty roads, but she slept with her head on his shoulder and his arm holding her close. River Run was a big house and she met Aunt Jocasta tall with a face like hers, but eyes that looked beyond her. Everything seemed to happen like magic. So many hands to help and make jobs quick. The haze of hands and faces of black slaves were in Brianna's mind. They bathed, dried, and dressed her in a fresh cotton gown. There was food, tea, and her father's joy-filled eyes upon her. There was a pretty blond girl who seemed familiar somehow. Her name was Marsali. Lizzie too was cleaned up and wrapped in a blanket with hot tea in hand. Barely coherent Brianna hears the names of Farquard Campbell and Fergus before strong hands of her father lifted her and took her to bed. Fergus Fraser looked like a French noble on his way to the guillotine to Brianna (p713, Nook). That's because he is French, and his name is Claudel. Jamie renamed him. Marsali is worried about the treatment Fergus may have gotten while in jail. There was a crowd filling the courthouse, not a seat to be had. There were soldiers guarding the doors and one seated by the Justice's bench. The man caught Jamie's eye with a malevolent air of satisfaction. Jamie kept his poker face seeming indifferent. The Justice arrived, and the proceedings began. Brianna thinks she has a handle on the people present, Phaedre, Marsali, Young Ian, and Fergus. The Justice calls for the charges to be read (p715, Nook). Hugh took the stand and described the events of that day. Apparently, he was wickedly lashed by the tongue in French. The Justice gives Fergus the opportunity to speak (p715, Nook). After this exciting testimony by Fergus, the Justice asks if James Fraser is present. Jamie is sworn and answers all questions regarding the land deal he had with Governor Tryon. Brianna intently watched the proceedings and noticed the officer who leered at Jamie earlier was looking at Hugh. There was a nod of the head. As the Justice was about to acquit Fergus, Hugh stands up and objects based on no proof of the land grant deal (p717, Nook). With evidence in hand, the Justice acquits Fergus. Before stepping down, Jamie asks the Justice if Berowne's charge fully described the attack?  The Justice read the original complaint and had a light bulb moment (p718, Nook). After concluding the trial, they went to Jocasta's house for a celebration feast. As they discussed the trial, it's revealed Marsali had been the one to assault the officer. She kicked him in the face when he tried to take her from her horse. The officer took Germaine from her and she had to get off the horse. It was Murchison wanting to make trouble for Jamie that set the farce of a complaint in motion. Jocasta was annoyed that Farquard Campbell, the usual Justice in the area was taken off the trial. Jamie explains why (p719, Nook). Jamie is always a step ahead of Murchison. Jamie looks at Brianna asking her if she thinks him to be rich. It's not something that had entered her mind. He explains to Brianna the state of life on Fraser's Ridge (p720, Nook). Back at the Ridge, Claire is going through her jarred stores making sure none were moldy. this makes her think of having a penicillin plantation. If she were lucky she could isolate the Penicillium mold of the hundreds that grow on stale bread.  Would any spores survive, or would she recognize it if they did? She'd had no success in over a year, but she would keep trying. She found it impossible to keep vermin out of the pantry (p720, Nook). Though she could lock all the edibles in the hutch Jamie built, the stale bread samples required air. Nayawenne came to mind as she thinks about how every plant could cure illness if only it was known what it was. She regretted not being taught more by her friend, but not as bitterly as the loss of Nayawenne from the earth. She knew she needed to keep trying to grow the elusive penicillium. Much of the year she couldn't leave samples out because of the vermin, but in winter the air was too cold to allow for spore growth. She would try again in the spring. The new house was taking shape up on the hill. It would be done by spring (p721, Nook). Clarence the Mule shrieked with ecstasy. Claire hastily cleans up the bottles and corks. She hoped it was Jamie returning with Fergus and Marsali.  She worried that Jamie's confidence about the trial hadn't come to fruition.  After placing the last of the bottles in the cupboard, she went to the door. She saw no one. She saw nothing but evidence someone had come through. She wished she hadn't left her knife on the table. Someone was there. Jamie spoke behind her (p722, Nook). Bree knocked her off her feet with a bone-crushing hug (p722, Nook). Of course, nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! Poor Jamie left out again with a modern-day reference. Claire must have almost had kittens to see Brianna. I love how we are reintroduced to Marsali as a high-spirited young woman. Fergus with his French contempt is priceless. The character of Murchison is like a fever blister. He pops up when you least expect it. We meet Jocasta and the household staff through the eyes of Brianna. she accomplished her quest. She found her father, her Da. What happened to Brianna that she had painful worries? I wonder what Roger is up to.   Chapter 42 Part Ten Impaired Relations Moonlight Jamie wakes Brianna in the pre-dawn morning asking her to come hunting with him. She dressed and went to the privy. The sky seemed dreamlike in quality. She could almost touch the stars. It was very early she thought as dark and quiet as it was. She gulped the fresh air as she returned to the confines of the cabin. Jamie was ready with hunting gear in tow. She watched him kiss her mother as she slept in bed. She felt like a voyeur (p725, Nook). She waited for him to come outside. With a nod of his head, she followed on the path. The quiet broke to sounds of birdsong, screeches, and other noises. Daylight rose with subtlety. They sat together eating apples and bread. Wiping her hands on her coat, she felt the presence of the conker in her pocket, a touchstone, a link to another life for the one who planted it. Were her links to the past severed for good?  She followed Jamie uphill. At the top of the steep climb, she felt she could float away (p726, Nook). The climbing became easier as she found the “rhythm of the ground.” They reached the place he meant to take her. There was a split rock that caused her to hesitate for a moment. It reminded her of THE stones. This caused Jamie momentary distress and he had to watch her safely climb through. He touched her to be sure she was still there. His timing was perfect (p727, Nook). That gives me shivers. I love to listen to the land and see what presents. Sometimes nothing shows up and sometimes... They sat for a long time watching as the sun came to full light. Jamie said a Gaelic prayer to the spirits. Brianna speaks first (p728, Nook). He learned to value the solitude. They sat and listened to nature speaking around them. She spoke of Roger and Jamie's heart squeezed. She didn't think Roger understood being alone. She mentioned not minding being alone had to do with her and Jamie (p729, Nook). Jamie thinks she had doubts about Wakefield (ahem MacKenzie), Brianna had told them about her search, the death notice, her journey, (damn Laoghaire) and this Wakefield. He knows she didn't tell them everything though. Why and the hell did Brianna use the name Wakefield when she knew Roger was using MacKenzie?  Jamie's mind was troubled with the thought of Frank (p729, Nook). Brianna brought him from his thoughts by pointing out two does. The does step out without fear of them. Jamie was content being along with his daughter. Brianna asked what they are hunting for. They had seen many animals throughout the day. He replied bees and she wonders how bees are hunted. It turns out by finding certain types of flowers and watch what direction the honeybees go. They finally found what they were looking for in the late afternoon (p731, Nook). After sharing a meal, he showed her how to load and shoot the musket. She needed a little practice to get used the feel of the musket. She was a good shot. Jamie asks how she learned to shoot (p732, Nook). She moved the conversation back to the bees. He will blow smoke into the hive to stun the bees. He'll then wrap the hive in his plaid. He'll nail it to a piece of wood and in the morning the bees will go out looking for flowers. He said they'll be content in the new place. They sat in silence again until Brianna asked if Claire would worry about them. He shook his head no. He asked her about men going to the moon. She told him they will go to the moon. He was curious (p733, Nook). Brianna continues her description of the Apollo mission. (p733, Nook).  He makes a joke about the moon sounding like Scotland. She can tell he misses it. It was time to get the hive and get back to the cabin. The night was warm enough to sleep with the window covering rolled up. Jamie had been smiling since returning from Cross Creek, but that night he wasn't sleeping even though he'd been up before dawn. Claire reminded herself to stay away from the side of the garden where the bees would be irritable. The moonlight wasn't keeping him awake, but something was (p735, Nook). She didn't belong there just like Louis camel did not belong at Versailles either. Claire reiterates a child cannot be lost and asks if he remembers Faith (p736, Nook).  A bonding moment through love and tragedy. They have Brianna, but it is a fleeting experience. They believe she must go back to her time. They grieve for something that hasn't happened yet. What about Roger? I am aggravated they are not calling him MacKenzie. Brianna knows he was using his birth name in the 18th century.      What's Coming up? Chapters 43-44 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are from Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.

Drums of Autumn Chapter 40 Week 21 “Virgin Sacrifice”   Breaking News: Outlander S4 will premiere in November 2018 with 13 episodes based on Drums of Autumn and adapted for television. The television series has been renewed for S5 and S6 with 12 episodes each season. S5 is expected to be adapted from Fiery Cross and S6 from A Breath of Snow and Ashes. I will be doing a read-a-long for FC in 2019 after S4 ends.  Summary: Brianna and Lizzie make it to Wilmington. The girl has been sick with fever multiple times. The next stop is Cross Creek. Lizzie learns Jamie Fraser will be at his Aunt's at River Run for a trial. Roger arrives mere days after Brianna in North Carolina and reaches Wilmington on her heels. He finds her. She is happy and upset. They are handfasted in the Scottish tradition and consummate their marriage multiple times in a shed. Brianna learns a truth. Feeling betrayed she storms back to her rented room. Roger vows to return to her. He leaves to secure a gemstone. Lizzie thinks MacKenzie raped Brianna.   Inside the Chapter: Chapter 40 Virgin Sacrifice Wilmington, the Colony of North Carolina, September 1, 1769 Brianna and Lizzie are in North Carolina waiting for Lizzie to improve from another attack of illness. Poor frail Lizzie is fevered and weak. They were riding from Charleston when the illness struck again. Brianna was terrified her companion would die in the wilderness but pressed on to Wilmington the next day when the fever temporarily broke. Brianna needs to find her mother to help with Lizzie and for herself. Taking care of Lizzie helped Brianna appreciate her size and strength. Nursing is tough work. Brianna decides it must be malaria-causing the fevers. Mosquitoes were a plague upon them once the land was in sight. Brianna could feel her mother's presence as she cared for the ailing girl (p666, Nook).  Quinine and other derivatives were the chief medicines to combat malarial fever since WWII; Claire would use Jesuit bark (cinchona bark) in the 18th century. When they arrived in Wilmington, the landlady at the inn called for an apothecary when she saw how ill Lizzie was (p667, Nook). The man left with fright and warnings. Brianna didn't exactly know how to care Lizzie but knew bloodletting wasn't the answer. She reflected on how the bugs stayed away from her, and she had vaccinations for many diseases, including malaria before she went through the stones. She wondered how many other diseases were prevalent in the sweltering city and caused by bug bites. Exhausted, she was too tired to change out of the many days worn clothing. She knew she had to find her mother as quickly as possible to help Lizzie. The small maidservant could die from another round of fever. She planned to sell the horses and take a boat upriver to Cross Creek in search of Aunt Jocasta's home, River Run. The thought of meeting more family gave Brianna a thrill. Certainly, she would be able to tell Brianna how to find Jamie and Claire. Finally, she undressed and lay naked on the quilt on the floor, drifting quickly to sleep.   The next morning Lizzie remained weak but fever free. Brianna pays the landlady extra money to keep an eye on the sick girl while she goes out to tend to the business at hand. Brianna managed to sell the horses and obtained the name of a man who took people upriver to Cross Creek by boat. When she returned to her room, Lizzie was dressed and eating. She is much better. Lizzie had been doing the washing and ironing. Brianna worries the girl will overexert herself and become ill again. When the girl explains the discovery, she'd had Brianna listens (p670, Nook). This MacNeil knows her father, mother, and Jocasta Cameron. Lizzie explains what the man said about Claire (p671, Nook). It turns out Jamie is in Cross Creek because of an upcoming trial he must attend. Brianna starts calculating the time needed to get upriver, so she doesn't miss Jamie. Roger arrived in Edenton just ten days after Brianna arrived in South Carolina. She must be in Wilmington by now, and he is determined to find her.  Roger details his journey to Wilmington (p672, Nook). He knew she was here. She had to be. It was the most logical place to secure a guide to go into the mountains to Fraser's Ridge. He learns there are twenty-three taverns where she could have taken a room or maybe in a private residence he thinks. By the time he had reached the fifth tavern people had begun sharing their sightings of her (p673, Nook). Roger was considerably worried for Brianna after hearing the stories. He was also hungry, thirsty, and lacking funds. He decided on a place to spend a couple of pennies on dinner, and maybe, just maybe he would be allowed to sleep in the stable. He saw a newspaper office and wanted to throw a rock through the window. That damned notice is what got both into this situation. Entering the Blue Bull, he sees Brianna sitting by the hearth (p674, Nook). Roger tries to make her come with him. A seaman from the cargo boat yells at Roger (MacKenzie) to let her be. Brianna finally tells the protective man she knows Roger. The man reluctantly backs off. Lizzie freaks out that Brianna may go with him. Brianna assures her it's okay and she'll be back later. Once outside, she wants to know why he's there. He takes her to a shelter. Again, she demands to know what he's doing there (p675, Nook). He kisses her, hard and tells her it will be alright. She is horrified that he is there (p675, Nook). Around and around they go. She has the temper of both her parents. Instead of throttling her back, he grabbed a handful of hair and kissed her as hard as he could, she fought him, at first. Then gave in ending in tears and sobs (p676, Nook). There it is, she didn't tell him she was going because she loved him. Now they tumble on the ground like wrestlers.  He let go of her hair, she took her arm off his neck, but Roger couldn't stop touching her neck. He makes her say it (p677, Nook). She lay in his arms weeping. They are dirty, bruised, and he is most certainly hungry. They will find a way back to the twentieth century, somehow. She is happy to see him regardless of not wanting him to follow her. He asks how long she'd been planning the trip, though he probably knew the answer based on the changes in her letters. Six months past when she went to Jamaica instead of to Scotland to see him. Of course, she had asked him to come with her, but he refused. She kept dreaming about her fathers, Frank and Jamie. There was one dream that stood out (p678, Nook). That dream is what caused her to go to Jamaica. Since the trail of Jamie and Claire was lost after 1766, she figured she would give it a shot. Maybe they had gone to Jamaica first. She began to search cargo ships since The Indies were a trade spot. She found the Artemis with a Captain James Fraser that “sold five tons of bat guano in Montego Bay on April 2, 1767.” She explains further finding the solution to Jamie being a Captain of a ship with known crippling seasickness (p680, Nook). She didn't find the freed slave, but she did find the death notice dated 1776. They are there early enough to warn her parents. Roger understands at this moment why parents or a spouse would beat them (p681, Nook). He was angry. He thought she found someone else because of her letters. He wanted to beat her because she made him think he'd lost her. She apologizes. How did he find out she'd left anyway? He tells her about the boxes arriving and the last-minute conference that had kept him in Oxford longer than expected.  She realizes he followed her even though he thought she'd found someone else (p682, Nook). He touched her under her loosened shirt. Did she mean it? The unspoken words of her body tell him she did mean it. Then her words urged him (p682, Nook).  He takes her to the nearby shed. For a moment, Brianna thinks about Lizzie. Roger didn't know who that was and didn't care either. He had her in a safe, private place behind the inn. Before they go further, they are handfasted as is a Highland's custom because a minister will be difficult to find on short notice. Roger will not lie with her unless they are married (p683, Nook). The handfasting allows for marriage for a year and a day before a final decision is made to wed or being married in the church legally. They are wed in a shed behind the Blue Bull tavern. They explore each other in the dark of the shed. She reaches down, and humor invades the exploration (p684, Nook). She quivered in his arms, but not from laughter. She was naked, and the feel of her amazed him. He remarks how he's never been able to kiss a girl without stooping down. Brianna's nervous humor invades again. He couldn't stop kissing and touching her to get undressed. She helped him out of his breeks and shocked him by reaching down to grasp him. His senses were filled with the tastes on her lips, the smell of her body and hair. He asks her to let go of him for a moment; she has a bit too strong of a grip. When she moves to her knees, he is stunned (p686, Nook). His coherency and blood leave his brain in quick order. She asks if she's doing it right. He thinks so. This is the first time anyone has done this to him. So yeah, he thinks so. He likes it well enough. Before he completely loses himself, he disengages, pulls her to her feet, and lays her down on the straw. He has only tried giving oral to a woman once, but she smelled of Sunday church flowers. Brianna did not. She drove him to abject lust. Instead, he kisses her on her lower belly (p687, Nook). He gets to his work enjoying the myriad of sensations and tastes. He felt a quiver move through her into him. He asks if he is doing it right (p687, Nook). He wonders how exactly she KNOWS he's doing it right. She laughs. They work through the awkwardness of her eagerness.  Finally, she relaxes into him. He tells her he loves her. She simply puts her hand on his face and opens to him. At the point of no return, he takes it slowly, she urges him forth. She asks if he is big. He thinks average and asks if he's hurting her a lot. She needs stillness for a minute. She reaches down his back touching his behind. She gives him the go-ahead (p689, Nook). I call this maneuver the pull and pray technique.  She declares her love for him.    After they recover, tangled together they talk (p689, Nook). He is astonished she learned so much from a book. He tells her it's terrible books go around telling young women how to do sexual things. How else would she learn if not for books? Roger must check his Victorian Presbyterian thoughts on female knowledge. He tells her there's more to it than what books can say. She's eager for him to show her more. When she woke from a light sleep thinking about how they fit together, how he had made love to her three times through the night, how she was sore and happy (p691, Nook). What a beautiful piece of writing.  Roger apologizes for them not having a proper wedding and proper bridal chamber to consummate their marriage. She assures him it was very good for her. She reaches for him, but he needs a rest. She's not the only one who might be sore. She tells him she's never been so happy and if they never get back to their own time, it is okay as long as they're together. He tells her he thinks there's another way and explains his trip through the stones and the diamond Fiona gave him. Gemstones might help to steer the traveler. He recited a poem from the grimoire (p692, Nook). Brianna thinks the poem is bonkers, but Roger points out insanity doesn't mean it isn't correct. The poem has old Celtic ritual and witchcraft within it. Roger doesn't think the blood sacrifice is needed, but the metal and gems might be necessary. He asks Brianna what she wore when she went through. The bracelet he gave her and the pearls. They discuss the possibilities of traveling through the stones and how the gemstones assist travel. They need to get a hold of some to help with their eventual travel back to their own time. The thing is, it is difficult to find gemstones outside of a large city, and the expense is too much as well. Roger has an idea where he can get one, but he must leave immediately to have a chance at it. Brianna cannot wait for Roger there, because she found Jamie Fraser. Roger wants her to wait instead of going to Cross Creek without him, but with Lizzie being sick she needs to find her mother as soon as possible. He agrees but asks her to wear a dress instead of her breeks.  She doesn't want him stealing the stone, but he says it's no big deal since the man likely stole it from someone else. The dispute was ended by one more role in the hay. Roger speaks sometime later saying he thinks he married his great-aunt six times removed. It had just dawned on him that they are related way back through the MacKenzie bloodline. The method of birth control they used throughout the night caused him to think of Geillis Duncan becoming pregnant. Brianna figures they are sixth or seventh cousins or something near that. Brianna doesn't care if it's nothing near incest. Roger couldn't give up the thought though (pp696, Nook). When Brianna learns Roger hadn't been to Lallybroch, she wants to know how he found her. Then she becomes angry realizing he had found the blasted newspaper article and never told her. She is in a rare fury. He tries to explain when he found it and why he hadn't told her. He doesn't think they can change the past (p698, Nook). He couldn't stand the idea of her being hurt. She felt betrayed that he kept it from her. It was not his place to choose whether she knew about the death notice. This reminds me of Claire yelling at Jamie sometimes.  Roger digs a deeper hole for himself (p698, Nook). She is Fraser angry now. She pulls on her breeks while cursing under her breath. She yells at him, tells him to get hanged I he wants to and that she is going to save her parents with or without him (p699, Nook). That is a terrible way to end things. It's not as if communication is simple in that era. Lizzie isn't sleeping when Brianna returns in a flurry of emotion. Brianna says she's fine, but from outside the window, Roger Mac can be heard (p699, Nook). Lizzie was frozen for a moment. She could see the change in Brianna's expression. She looked as if she had the blood fury like soldiers had. She was a Highland she-devil. She asked in Gaelic if Brianna was okay. Brianna told her to go to sleep. Lizzie simply lay awake worried what Brianna might do. Then she realizes Brianna is shaking and she feels guilty for allowing her to be hurt. Brianna finally fell asleep. Unable to sleep, Lizzie slipped from the bed, opened the shudders, and began to tidy things up. She picks up Brianna's discarded clothing (p701, Nook). She thinks Roger assaulted Brianna. She smelled Brianna's clothing, and it wreaked of a man. As she washed Brianna's clothing with lye soap, the water turns to red. She's sure Roger took Brianna's virginity and thought it by rape.   Oh, the boy has Lizzie got this wrong, but she has so little information to go by it's a logical conclusion. Roger and Brianna fighting is no good thing with separate tasks ahead of them. Where do you think Roger is getting the stone? The seaman had called Roger, MacKenzie. This is the name he is going by in the eighteenth century. It is the name Lizzie knows the dark man by too. Will Brianna tell anyone she's wedded by handfasting? Will she get to Cross Creek and meet Jamie in time? Four sexual encounters in a night, pull and pray or no, could she be with child? Will Roger get the gemstone? Will he return to her? As the last point, I love how Diana wrote the whole scene surrounding their coupling. Roger is a man of honor. He wants all of her forever.   What's Coming up? Chapters 41-42 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are from Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.

Drums of Autumn Chapter 34 Week 18 “Lallybroch” Summary:  Brianna did it. She went through the stones. She arrives at Lallybroch. She meets the Murrays to their surprise and happiness. She also meets a vengeful woman and her brother. Brianna stands up for herself and her mother. A lengthy letter makes it wild and worth the trip. She bonds with her Uncle. She clears the air of her intention. She connects with this place so a part of her though she's never been. To the Colonies, she will go.  Inside the Chapter: Chapter 34 Lallybroch Scotland, June 1769 Brianna is on horseback. Brutus is his name. He flawlessly, if not swiftly has carried her on General Wade's old military roads, the bad roads, and the red deer track trails on her way to Lallybroch. She looks out over the valley below and sees Lallybroch. It matches the description her mother told her, down to the kailyard. Rising smoke from the chimney indicates someone is home. She is nervous and excited. Who would she meet first? Will they believe her story of who she was and why she had come? Her story was based on as much truth as possible. She brought evidence with her. They would have to believe her. Could her parents be there right now? A horse carrying a tall brown-haired man approaches her from behind. He was wary of her until he got close enough to realize she was a woman. She's a big woman and looks like a man from a distance. This is to her advantage when traveling alone. She tells the man her name, he's puzzled and shares his with her, Jamie Fraser Murray of Broch Tuarach (p576, Nook). His reaction is perfect. Jenny is going to birth some form of an animal to be sure.  Brianna notices the carved lintel over the door, Fraser, 1716 it said. Brianna instinctively ducks while going through the door (p576, Nook). She thinks how little family she has in the twentieth century, one distant cousin of her dad Frank. Here she will have a large family connection to her. Jamie's son Matthew goes running past being chased by his sister Janet. Matthew comments on Brianna's choice of clothing (p578, Nook). Matthew discloses Jenny and Ian are in the back parlor with a man and a woman who are eating a large amount of food. Jamie sends the boy to get his granny, Jenny. Jamie tries to get Janet to guess who Brianna is related to. She figures it out with great surprise. Enter Jenny Murray (p579, Nook). Just as Young Jamie is introducing Brianna, the woman from the parlor joins the group (p579, Nook). Jenny admonishes Laoghaire for her foolishness and tells her this is a lass, not a man. Laoghaire looks at Brianna for the first time (p580, Nook). The realization Jamie Fraser could have married again chills Brianna to the bone.  She thinks of her mother and is horrified she could have found Jamie with another wife when she went through the stones. She wants to run out of the house and keep on running. She is like her mother in some ways. Young Jamie steers her to a place to sit. In the room she sees two men, one asks her name. It's Ian Murray, her uncle. She feels safer in his presence until Laoghaire comes in havering up to high heaven (p581, Nook). I need a dram or two after this scene. Brianna asks after her mother, Ian assures Brianna that Claire is with Jamie. Laoghaire cannot help herself. She says the pearls are hers by right (p583, Nook). Brianna snatches the pearls off the table and holds them tightly.  Brianna addresses Laoghaire without success. Laoghaire calls Jamie a bastard and says he married her under pretenses four years earlier. Laoghaire explains that Jamie left her (p584, Nook). As if insulting Jamie and her mother wasn't enough, she insults Brianna, calling her a witch's child (p585, Nook). The Fraser anger rises in Brianna, and she lets Laoghaire have it (p585, Nook). Hobart leads a stunned Laoghaire out of the room to take her home. Laoghaire must have the last words and leaves Brianna with a parting twist of the tongue (p586, Nook). I am in love with Brianna here. She is coming into her own as a confident woman, as a Fraser daughter. They finish dinner with the joy of Brianna, the joy that Jamie has his child. She's thankful that Laoghaire's accusations of Jamie were untrue. He was the man her mother said he was. Brianna asks if they know where her mother and Jamie are. They basically do, and Ian offers to show her a letter from her parents. Following Jenny, Brianna stops and notices a portrait on the wall with her father as a child in it. Jenny shows her a painting of her mother, Ellen. Brianna gasped when she saw it. Brianna looks remarkably like Ellen MacKenzie. The painting will hang in the National Portrait Gallery in two hundred years. Ellen painted the portrait herself. Brianna's talent for drawing and painting comes from her grandmother. Jenny explains how she came into possession of the painting. Ned Gowan brought it to her from Leoch. Brianna feels a stab of grief for those lost. We learn that Jenny never saw Leoch for herself and now it's gone. Brianna follows Jenny into the bedroom. Jenny finds the letter and explains they live in the Colony of North Carolina but not near any towns. She explains it's difficult for him to write since his hand was broken “that time.” Brianna knows the whole story behind the broken hand; Jenny does not. Brianna recognizes the writing. The letter is from the prior September. Young Ian sent a porpentine (porcupine) skull for Young Jamie's boys. Jamie included a gift for Jenny. He explains Claire's manner of communicating with the elderly Indian woman who made it (p591, Nook). He goes on to document his homesteading work and the local bear population. Fergus acquired a new large kettle, and a hearty stew was made in it (p592, Nook). Tomatoes have an interesting and rich history. The white sow is close to birth, so he placed her in the pantry. This does not please the sow or Claire. Tuscarora hunters came looking to hunt the bear. Young Ian and Rollo accompanied them on their journey. There was quite an adventure in the night of the 22nd (p593, Nook). Jenny interrupts Brianna's reading to ask if she still plans on going to such a wild place and to show her the leather bag that Jamie sent. She is relieved Brianna is not afraid to go to the Colonies and on to Fraser's Ridge, but she wants her to stay for a couple of days. Now alone Brianna rereads the letter slowly, and she can almost see the man in the letter in front of her. She gets to the part she was interrupted by Jenny (p595, Nook). There were still two more pages to go. By now it was mid-October. Jamie and Ian wrote (p597, Nook). Young Ian told of his measles illness and his restored health. Brianna thought Lallybroch to be primitive, but the Colonies were indeed a more wild and dangerous place. Ian takes Brianna on a tour of the farm and the property. She sees all is in good condition and the animals healthy. Ian was sporting his kilt to the surprise of Jenny and Young Jamie (p599, Nook). Brianna thinks about how the kilt, swords, pistols, and bagpipes were hidden away after Culloden. At first, she thinks of the items as symbols of pride conquered, but that wasn't quite right (p599, Nook). Ian was pleased Brianna asked to see the property. She'd be leaving in a week's time to board a ship to the Colonies. She thought it was a beautiful place. Brianna thinks she sees a cairn (p600, Nook). They walk a long way and up to the top of a hill. They can see the whole valley. Ian pulls out a stone bottle and remarks it was Claire's doing he has teeth (p601, Nook). Ian thinks Claire knew what she was about seeing how braw Brianna is. Ian wishes he could see Jamie's face when he meets Brianna. She is so much like him. Ian explains there wasn't much time during his last visit with Claire to Lallybroch to tell them about her and there was a great moil. He lets her know why Jenny is anxious for her to leave (p602, Nook). Brianna asks what Jenny had to do with Laoghaire. Oh, GIRL, your hair is going to curl when you hear what she had to do with it. Ian is surprised at how much knowledge Brianna has of Jamie's history. He goes on to explain Jamie's countenance when he returned from England after being in Ardsmuir and the contrast to him after Culloden (p602, Nook). They climbed up to where Jamie had lived as Dunbonnet. Brianna entered the cave and immediately felt entombed. She had no idea how Jamie lived there for seven years but thinks maybe she could if she had to. She was a Fraser after all. She sat outside the cave becoming part of the nature surrounding it. This is something her mother and father do. She connects to it and thinks she understands why Jamie could tolerate his time in the cave. One word explained it, solitude (p604, Nook). She leaves a small memory offering before heading down to Ian. She asks Ian about the legality of wearing his kilt. Soldiers hadn't come in a long time. There was nothing left of value to the soldiers; only the land was left. Ian asks Brianna to have a question answered by Jamie when she finds him (p605, Nook). Brianna assures him Jame wouldn't want to change who has Lallybroch and Brianna doesn't want it. Ian thinks she knows an awful lot about what Jamie will do even though she hasn't met him. Of course, Claire would have told her all about Jamie (p605, Nook). Claire was indeed special. Brianna asks about something Laoghaire said. She had used the word fetch when going on about Brianna's mother Claire interfering with her marriage to Jamie (p606, Nook). Getting back to why Jamie married her, Ian tells her Jamie was like a ghost with no spark in him (p606, Nook). Jenny made the match with the intention of helping Jamie (p606, Nook). Brianna is relieved at hearing the tale of Laoghaire and Jamie's response to Claire's return. There's much to unpack in this chapter. First, Jamie has a child, and his family is shocked. Second, the Laoghaire incident. Brianna was brilliant! Third, the worry over Jamie wanting Brianna to have the property. Four, Brianna finding her connection and realizing she's no longer alone. She has a huge family. Five, the letter from The Ridge and the realization it is a dangerous and precarious place she will be going. Six, Jamie and Claire are together and happy. Seven, Jenny has guilt, and she's terrible at direct communication when it counts. Thankfully Ian is excellent at deciphering and communicating what is necessary. Eight, Jenny Murray is a sensitive person underneath her steel. Nine, Brianna has come into her own as a woman. She has matured and has the combined strength of her mother and her fathers. There are so many literary elements at play and excellent depth of character development as we see through Brianna's eyes the family she's only heard of and her realizing her mother did an excellent job in relaying who they are.  I think Claire prepared Brianna extraordinarily well without meaning to for her journey back in time. We cannot forget about Frank being an expert on this time in history. Brianna certainly would have read his works.   What's Coming up? Chapters 35-36 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.

Drums of Autumn Chapters 28-29 Week 16 “Friend or Foe” Summary: Claire tends to the ill men. She tells the stories of their Jamaican adventure. Jamie and William are to be away for a few more days. She and Lord John make conversation. They slowly engage and begin to bond. John is on a personal mission. A visitor brings alarming news. John serves as a protector. They wish Jamie were there. Claire returns to the chores of the Ridge. John and Claire deepen their connection. Another visitor, maybe friend or foe arrives. A terrible and painful discovery is made. The village is burned. Jamie cautiously investigates. The survivors move north. Jamie makes his way back to the hiding boy.   Inside the Chapters: Chapter 28: Heated Conversation Claire diagnoses Young Ian with the measles. To more easily care for him and the still-ailing Lord John, she tucks him into the trundle bed in the cabin. Claire gives a strong cup of willow bark brew to Young Ian to help ease his headache, fever, and general pain. Lord John offers to help Claire, but he is still too unwell to do anything of need, like empty a chamber pot. Claire massages Young Ian's head in the manner Yi Tien Cho taught her (p514, Nook). Claire is glad he was never caught and prosecuted for the murder on Jamaica. Young Ian insists on hearing the story, and Lord John wants to know who the murderer is. Claire is apprehensive to tell the story, but all the players are dead or missing. She also worries for Ian since Geillis had abused him. Nonetheless, Claire couldn't keep the information to herself with the desire in the two male's eyes for the story. Claire proceeds to tell the story of Rose Hall, the witch called Geillis Abernathy, Reverend Campbell, his sister Margaret, the Edinburgh Fiend, Fraser's Prophecy, the crocodile, and the slave rebellion. Ian is stunned by the telling of the crocodile (p516, Nook). There could never be a dull life for the Frasers? Certainly not. They are locked and loaded for adventure at every turn. Claire scans the room for weapons and to ensure the door is locked. She's on high alert caring for two sick men and Jamie away with William. Claire is concerned over the severity of Ian's headache. Could it be something more dangerous like meningitis or encephalitis? Ian tells Claire how Geillis used stones for different treatments (p517, Nook). Lord John doesn't know what Geillis did to Ian. Claire offers Ian watered down wine instead of ground amethyst. He gratefully takes it. Ian explains further what Geillis wanted from the young boys. If a boy were a virgin, then a proper stone would grow in his intestines or stomach. Ian never learned what she'd wanted it for. There's an unexpected knock at the door. She and Lord John each grab a pistol. It turns out it's Ian's dog, Rollo at the door. He enters the cabin with great joy (p519, Nook). The dog dismisses Lord John at Ian's urging. Rollo snuggles up to Ian. Claire bids them a good night. Claire moves about the cabin tidying up from the day's work. She must be exhausted by the number of tasks she has going at once. She finally sits by the fire with her wool basket. It's only been two days since Jamie and William left. If nothing hinders them, they'll be back in four days. She notes the marked contrast between the wool Jocasta spun and the wool she had spun. She reflects on Jamie's shock over her lack of knitting abilities (p520, Nook). She is, in turn, shocked herself to find that Jamie knows how to knit (p521, Nook). Claire knows the basics now but it's not her favored task, and it is in no way soothing like Jamie and Ian claim it to be. She decides to roll up balls of yarn. An easy enough and mindless task. The smell of the newly dyed yarn mingling with the scents and bodies in the room is overwhelming to her. She wants nothing more than a sponge bath and bed. There's an Englishman in her bed and a sick Ian with Rollo in the other. She gets a pallet of quilts and such to sleep on if doctoring Ian doesn't take her attention in the night. Claire suddenly feels pity for all the work she's putting in caring for the ill men and taking care of the Ridge on her own. Then just as suddenly she looks at Lord John, and her ill mood fades. She sees grief and pain on his face. After he recovers, and Jamie returns with William, they will leave. Life on the Ridge will go back to normal. John and William's life will not. His wife is dead. Claire's ashamed of the unkind thoughts she had had toward him. She offers him tea. They sipped silently for a while. Claire breaks the silence offering condolences on the loss of his wife. He says he was thinking of her then. Claire finds satisfaction in being able to read John's thoughts.   John is grappling with his feelings for his dead wife. It's why he came to the Ridge. Claire doesn't understand. John thinks Claire is good with children and asks if she has any of her own (p524, Nook). It's getting real up in here. John sincerely tells her his motive was not to put the boy in her face to make her jealous. She believes him, but why then did he come? John is taken with Claire (p525, Nook). They seem to have personality in common. When the conversation lulls for a moment, she makes an infusion of valerian (for sleep), catmint, and wild ginger. It's the same infusion she'd made for John four days earlier. He discloses they heard of Claire's doctoring as they traveled away from Wilmington. Apparently, she's quite well known (p525, Nook). John asks if Jamie and William will be safe (p525, Nook). Now we're getting deep, deep. Claire thinks John is brave for having sent the boy with Jamie (p526, Nook). Jamie has known John's secret about his sexuality for years. That's how he has held his life in his hands.  They sit in silence while the infusion steeps. Claire winds more yarn balls. John breaks the silence speaking of his feelings for his wife (p526, Nook). John believes his wife was content and happy in the life she had led. He further explains or tries to their lack of children wasn't his fault (p527, Nook). The claws are out. It's a catfight. Claire allows him to see everything she is thinking with a bold look. When his wife Isobel died, he felt nothing. They had shared a bed, a life, many years together and yet… (p527, Nook). Can he still feel? That's powerful. Without the aid of a telephone or other means of communication, seeing Jamie would tell him if his heart still lived. She tends to a restless Ian then hands John a cup of the freshly brewed infusion. Claire wants to know now that he's seen Jamie, does he still have feelings. He does, God help him. This admission of John's, his need to know if he is still alive, touches me in such a personal way. I had to go through this type of exercise when I was going through a difficult divorce a lifetime ago. Claire's fitful sleep is interrupted by a noisy Clarence the Mule (p528, Nook). John is sitting in his shirt at the table and has a startled look in his eye when he sees Claire get up. It isn't Jamie and Willie returning; it's Pastor Gottfried from Salem. This must be an emergency visit since it is a two-day ride for the pastor to reach the Ridge. He asks for Jamie. He becomes more upset and starts rattling off German phrases Claire doesn't understand. Lord John jumps in asking questions of the pastor in German. Claire is thankful he put his pants on for the conversation. The pastor is scandalized by a man being in the house. Lord John quick fires many things to the pastor. The pastor, in turn, apologizes to Claire. John translates the Mueller baby and daughter are dead from the measles. Claire is sad and upset. The pastor wants Jamie to reason with Gerhard Mueller. Claire explains Jamie and Gerhard aren't friends (p530, Nook). After a lengthy back and forth in German with the pastor, Lord John can translate the outbreak also entered the backcountry, Indians showed up asking for a drink and kindness. Mueller gruffly sent them away. The Indians obliged but seemed to have hexed the house on their way off the premises. Mueller believes it is the fault of the Indians measles showed up the day after their visit. When Petronella and the baby died, Mueller vowed revenge. He and his sons went looking for the Indians and brought back scalps which he hung from, his barn door. Mueller intends to come to the Ridge next. Claire is horrified by this knowledge and becomes as pale as the pastor. After more translation, the pastor has no idea why Mueller would want to see Claire. The pastor set out after Mueller and found him by the road passed out from drink and no food. Instead of rousing Mueller, the pastor flew like the wind to Fraser's Ridge to warn Claire and Jamie. He's a hero this pastor. Seeing Jamie gone, the pastor is worried for Claire. The pastor urges Claire to leave right away, but she cannot because of Lord John and Young Ian. To make it worse, the pastor hasn't had measles and is in danger if he enters the cabin. Claire thinks about the scalps on Mueller's barn door, and her hair actually stands on end. Claire's scalp is rippling with horror. Lord John assures the pastor he has been a soldier and will take care of Claire. The pastor will not leave without John's assurances. The pastor blesses them as he rides away. Claire pauses to notice the autumn morning and what nature has to offer. Who did Mueller exact his revenge against? Did he go into an Indian village? Likely those he murdered would have family who would want revenge in return. Those who might seek out the killers may only know white men were responsible. Fraser's Ridge is between the Indian villages and the Mueller's farm. Claire utters aloud a thought (p534, Nook). Looking at John, she orders him back to bed. He is still weak and not ready to be up and about. John doesn't protest. Claire tends to Young Ian and listens for another announcement more company has arrived. Claire is paranoid at every sound, but eventually, she gets into her normal routine on top of taking care of Young Ian. Lord John helps with shelling beans. Claire would like to simply walk into the woods to be surrounded by nature within its confines. She could recharge and be unafraid. She doesn't give in to temptation as the sun sets on the Ridge with no signs of Mueller. John asks for details about Mueller as he eats a meal, though refusing the greens. Remember Jamie pulling greens in Voyager while at Ardsmuir and John being baffled?  Claire explains Mueller's physical and personality dispositions. She likens the man to a mule (p536, Nook). Though Claire hadn't been present for the altercation at the mill, Young Ian had described to her what happened in detail. He had insisted Felicia Woolam, one of the daughters of the mill owner, shorted him on flour.  Young Ian unable to dissuade the man fetched Jamie to help. Jamie tried to reason with him to no avail. Jamie resorted to physical violence to stop him (pp536, Nook). After dragging Mueller outside to one of his waiting sons, Jamie spoke to him while Woolam rebagged the flour into five sacks. Claire doesn't believe Mueller held any ill will and was kind to her when she attended Petronella's labor and birth. She nearly chokes on her food remembering Petronella and the baby are gone. John gives her ale to drink. She counts her blessings from the small pleasures around her, the warmth of the sun, the smell in the fresh air, and the reality these things were abruptly taken from others who barely knew them. She opens her eyes and thanks John. He looks at her with sympathy. She thinks she shouldn't be so shocked at how precarious life is there for the young especially. She finds herself with a tear rolling down her cheek. John gives her a used handkerchief to blot it away with, but she doesn't care. John makes a statement to Claire (p537, Nook). I hope beyond hope this is shown unfettered on screen.  The rest of the day wore on without incident. Young Ian is in full rash with a lessening fever. Claire is reminded its milking time. Up she gets and opens the door and steps right in front of Gerhard Mueller. Mueller is looking at Claire with great intensity. He looks shrunken, older, and weary. He appears without horse or mule and standing up takes effort. They greet each other. He sounds desperate. Mueller says, “they are dead,” with tears welling in his eyes. Claire wants to reach out and comfort him. Leading her to the bench near the door, they sit. John has come out to see what is going on, pistol in hand. He hugs Claire, weeping silently into her. Claire puts her arms around him. She notices the varying stench on his person. All she can do is hold onto him even though she is repulsed. When Mueller let's go of Claire, he starts at the sight of John. The rash on John's skin is what causes the alarm. Mueller frantically checks Claire's skin. He thanks God her skin is clear. John further translates the words (pp539, Nook). Babbling in the German tongue, he places the item on her lap. John continues to translate. Mueller thinks Claire a fine woman and like a daughter-in-law. John's voice trails off as the item is fully unwrapped. Claire shudders and cannot make a sound (p539, Nook). Claire can only hear Nayawenne's translated words in her ears (p539, Nook). Claire has spent the last days caring for John, Yong Ian, and the entire homestead alone. A possibly firm foundation is built between John and Claire. They now have something outside of Jamie that is solely theirs. The alarming appearance and news from the pastor further bind them together. She needs John's translation and protection regardless of how weak he still is. When Mueller shows up broken, in sorrow, and with a gift of protection, the outcome is an utter surprise. Claire not only mourns the death of Petronella and the baby but her Tuscarora friends, especially Nayawenne. Her heart must be breaking into many pieces. The final reminder of the old woman's prophecy rings in Claire's head. Chapter 29: Charnel Houses The smell of smoke hits Jamie before the Indian village comes into sight. He sends William to hide off the path with the horses, so he can investigate what is happening. Jamie instructs William with directions to leave if he is not back by dark. He further instructs William to leave toward the Ridge if he doesn't meet him up in that spot by morning. William is scared but only listens. Jamie sends him on his way. The smell of fire is something out of the norm. Jamie cautiously investigates. He sees the remnants of the village with smoke still rising from the leftover buildings (p541, Nook). His heart sinks. Who could do such a thing? The winds shift pushing the smell of burned flesh into his face. He vomits. This smell and scene are too familiar to Jamie. A known dog comes from the distance. Jamie asks him where the people are. The dog's owner Onakara walks toward Jamie. The man doesn't answer Jamie, rather has him follow into the forest where survivors are a half-hour walk away. Some faces are familiar, others are not, and far too many were missing from this camp. Their faces remind him of the Highlands during the cleansing (p542, Nook). The difference is this had been an orderly exodus from Anna Ooka. Jamie finds Nacognaweto. After composing himself the old man asks after Gabrielle and Nayawenne in a descriptive manner rather than name. Jamie shakes his head. They share a strong drink. Jamie understands the customs of conversation, nevertheless, asks what happened. The village had succumbed to the measles. Nayawenne tried to stop it and went into the woods looking for a charm or plant. Berthe and Gabrielle went with her, and none of them returned. There had been a search for the women with no results. Nacognaweto believes they are cursed. He explains the burning of the bodies and buildings. The tribe will now go north to become part of another group. Jamie leaves with grief in his heart and thankfulness his family is safe. He walks quickly to cover the distance back to William as the dark comes. Jamie is grieving and in shock like Claire though he knows not the extent of the situation. He is lucky to have hearth and home intact. He has lost a friend in Nacognaweto as the Tuscarora move north to a new home. I wonder how he will respond when he learns the whole story from Claire and John.  These chapters show the value of openness of heart and mind. The value of friendship and family. How grief touches us on the periphery and up close. They highlight how we cannot outrun the inevitable too. Nayawenne knew her time of death and illness were coming. What's Coming up? Chapters 30-33 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.

Drums of Autumn Chapters 26-27 Week 15 “Plagued” Summary: Claire treats the ill man. John and Jamie play chess into the night. Claire is disturbed. Her feelings and thoughts run amok. She's jealous, but of what? There's an omen in the night. The sick man prepares to die. Claire performs the ritual. What will they do with the body? John takes ill. To keep William safe, Jamie takes him on a road trip. The journey is bittersweet and filled with the language of the heart. Inside the Chapters: Chapter 26: Who: Claire, Tuscarora Man, Jamie, John, William, and Young Ian. What: Measles, Claire's doctoring, and jealousy. Where: Fraser's Ridge, NC. Plague and Pestilence Claire attends to the ill Tuscarora man. He's stable but no better. He holds the amulet she left him and wants her to sing to him. She sings “Onward, Christian Soldiers” three times to his satisfaction. Concerned about spreading the disease, Claire pauses to rinse her hands with alcohol. She recalls Lord John mentioning a small outbreak in Cross Creek (p483, Nook). Lord John is surprised by Claire's knowledge. He asks if she subscribes to the miasma theory. She doesn't and changes the subject. The evening wore on pleasantly with conversation and the boys playing chess. Young Ian and William retire to the herb shed to sleep. Claire ponders bedtime and the issue of Lord John (p485, Nook). Jamie and John play a lengthy chess match. Claire notes John is a far better player than she is. John remarks on living in the backcountry. John makes a final chess move that wins the game. Jamie fills John's empty cup with the raw whisky he's been making. John is astonished by Jamie having twelve barrels of it. It will take ten years before it's truly palatable. What's Jamie planning to do with it (p486, Nook)? Jamie knows the Indians cannot handle alcohol well, so he's only giving it to them in small amounts. John brings up the Regulators and Jamie's presence as a means to quell lawlessness p487, Nook). Claire is unable to sleep as she lay awake disturbed by the conversation. She knows she's safe in this house that Jamie built, but her jealousy is getting the best of her. She is trying to parse out the why in her jealousy (p487, Nook). She knows part of it is the presence of William, Jamie's second born who looks so much like Brianna. She, the child Jamie would never see. And why? Why had John brought him here? Claire's brain is running at full speed trying to figure it out. It is a risky move bringing the boy to Fraser's Ridge. He resembled Jamie so much that even Young Ian had noticed. Claire peeks at the chess game in progress. She describes John's fair and attractive looks. His feelings locked down tight with no evidence of his feelings for Jamie, but Claire knows all too well what John feels for her husband. She also knows Jamie's feelings (p488, Nook). Now Claire gets to the bottom of her emotional spiral, Frank and his actions were there. Even though Claire had no right, she was jealous of Frank's affairs. She would demand he sleep with her after some of the late nights he spent out. Frank didn't have a consistent lover, and there were long gaps between women sometimes (p489, Nook). It bothered Claire his attentions weren't for her even though she didn't want the attention. Claire finally falls asleep after hearing comforting words from Jamie's mouth (p489, Nook). Claire has insecurities like every woman. She rebuffed Frank and seemingly bedded him out of jealousy and anger. Could it have been loneliness? To his credit, Frank was private about his philandering. I think he loved Claire until the end. I also think some of the late nights were part of ongoing intelligence work and his research. In the morning, Claire's patient is preparing to die. An owl was heard in the night. It's a sign or omen of death. Young Ian explains the death ritual of the tribe to Claire (p491, Nook). All painted up; Young Ian explains she mustn't say his name for fear of calling demons.  She sings Tantrum ergo since he thinks that's the style of music for such an occasion (here's a link to a beautiful choir singing the song with the English translation close captioned). I love the blend of religions and traditions here to sooth the dying man. Claire has never witnessed a death such as this; he waited until she finished singing the song, turned his head toward the door, and simply left his body. Jamie, Claire, and young Ian are trying to decide what to do with the body. Since he was diseased, and Claire cannot remember how long others could become infected from his body or clothing, they cannot take him wrapped to his village. The man was from a northern village, so the people could hear of the burial and think they killed him and buried him to cover it up. They decide to put him in a cave until they can get advice from Nacognaweto at Anna Ooka. Willie returns from picking strawberries explaining his papa has taken ill. Lord John likely picked up the illness in an inn or Cross Creek where a measles outbreak occurred. Claire exams John and tells Jamie to keep Willie away. Claire forms a plan. Wait a day or two to see if either boy comes down with symptoms. If not, Jamie will take Willie with him to see Nacognaweto, while Young Ian stays behind to help Claire. Jamie agrees to the plan but is worried. Claire assures him if the boy hasn't remembered him yet, he won't.  Her only request is for him to get the pig out of the pantry before he goes. Thankfully Claire, Jamie, and Young Ian are taking cultural need into account before simply doing what they would do with a dead body. This also shows how ahead of time Jamie and Ian have become because of their dealings with another culture of people. Jamie used to think they were Savages. Chapter 27: Trout Fishing in America Jamie has several things to complain about before starting the journey to Anna Ooka with William. It's raining. He doesn't want to leave Claire. He's worried for John. William, ninth Earl of Ellesmere just hit him (p496, Nook). William certainly has the Fraser stubbornness. After nearly having to tie William's feet into the stirrups, they were on their way. Riding in silence until they stopped to eat, the boy remains sullen in his defeat. The boy is still without signs of the measles. William finally asks Jamie his version of “are we their yet.” Jamie knows he needs to take it slower than usual because Claire instructed him to keep the boy away for six days. Being on horse afforded them to carry extra items along, including a gift for the Indians. William finally breaks the silence asking if the Indians are friendly. Jamie assures him they are. They are nicer than English people. Jamie tells stories and points out the animal markings as they pass. Jamie prefers this to the quiet. He can't help himself wondering what would happen if John died. He'd probably never see the boy again. John and Claire are the only two people who know the truth about William's paternity even if William's grandmother suspects. He says a prayer to St. Bride for John. The forest smells of fresh leaves and leaf mold. Jamie points out a tree with bear slashes on the trunk. Jamie's internal dialogue continues. If John dies, this is it. He'll never see or hear from William again, and he'll lose his closest friend on top of it. They continue to ride and come out into a valley. William is gobsmacked at what he sees (p500, Nook). I can imagine the mostly untouched land with a brilliant rainbow.  Do you suppose Diana Gabaldon put a rainbow here as a sign of Lord John's impending survival or that Jamie will see William after this visit? Rainbows hold significance to Catholics and Protestants. Jamie awakens from light sleep to the sound of William crying. Jamie could tell the boy is trying to conceal his crying, but Jamie worries something serious could be wrong. Jamie asks after his wellness and asks if his belly is griping. William calms and says that's the problem. It's lovely for Jamie to give him an out and accept help without bruising his pride from being overheard.  He gives him an infusion blend Claire sent with him. He wonders how she knew it would be needed. He decides he gave up long ago in questioning her ways of tending to heart and body. The thought of Claire grips him, and he has a moment of immense gratitude for her. How must she feel seeing William in the flesh? To know he's been in bed with another woman? She flipped out when she learned of Laoghaire, but not Geneva. What's the difference he wonders? Maybe it's because Geneva is dead. OMG. Dear Jamie, Laoghaire ill-wished Claire, tried to have her killed and had an unhealthy obsession with you. Geneva was a conniving young sexual aggressor who took advantage of her position (aka sexually assaulted you). Can you not see the difference? As for the boy, it makes her pang for Brianna and you not knowing her. Please put yourself in her position just a moment. Thanks. And P.S. Heck you are jealous of Frank and the time she spent with him, him raising Brianna, and YOU SENT HER BACK TO HIM. Okay, I'll stop yelling for a minute. Jamie's stream of consciousness thoughts moves back to William. William's mothers, step and real, are both dead. Now his father is gravely ill. No wonder the boy is upset.  The measles killed the Indian just days before. The boy is in a state of grief. William loves John and couldn't bear to lose him. Love is what caused his stubbornness. Love is what caused his tears in the darkness. This thought of the love of a father stabs Jamie with a small bit of jealousy (p502, Nook). The water is boiling, and the brew is steeping. Claire warned Jamie not to drink it because of the lavender in it. Remember Black Jack used lavender scented oil when raping Jamie? The good news is it doesn't bother Jamie if he knows lavender is in something, only when he's caught off guard. William is feeling better, but the signs of grief are still upon him. He tells William Claire is a fine healer (p503, Nook). William is curious what Claire did for the Indian (p503, Nook). William feels better about Claire caring for his father. He is feeling overall better as well, thinking the apples didn't cause the problem. Jamie successfully distracted him. Jamie brings up fishing for their dinner the next day, William is ecstatic. Jamie talks about fishing in England and instantly regrets it. He'd taken William fishing when he was only 5. Is he trying to get the boy to remember? William thinks this place is nothing like England and is excited. He'll miss only a few things about it (p504, Nook). Jamie thinks the girls will like this lad fine. William says Claire is very pretty. Sweet boy. The infusion is doing it's calming on William. Jamie asks if the boy would rather sleep close to him for warmth. William jumped on the offer and fell asleep snuggled next to Jamie. At the time status wouldn't allow Jamie to take William into his arms, but for warmth, men were socially allowed to sleep near each other. The next day, we find Jamie and William making lures for the fishing poles. Jamie says hungry fish matter most when trying to catch them. It's the early evening, and the pond is waking up. Jamie says it's fishing time.  Jamie shows William how to cast and waits for a fish to bite. Jamie gets a bite the first try (p507, Nook). The fish got away this time, but they kept at it. William loses his pole and uses Jamie's. He also gets an education on how to do the small steps it takes to get a fish. In the process of casting, we learn William is left handed like Jamie (p508, Nook). They get onto the subject that John was a soldier who fought in the Scottish Rising. William stops himself seeing Jamie's tartan. Jamie tells William that is where he and John met (p509, Nook). William will get a full education in sword fighting when he's a bit bigger. Casting with his left hand, William catches a fish. By the time the sun is setting, they have a nice string of fish for dinner.  William thinks the fish is delicious. The boy is naked under the blanket while his clothes dry. Jamie is still in a wet shirt trying to get warmed by the fire (p509, Nook). Jamie watches William without seeming to look at him. Gazing upon the thin, wiry handsome boy, Jamie takes in the moment and forges a memory that would last his whole life. He has no idea why a particular moment imprints this way over any other. The phenomenon reminds him of the photographs Claire showed him. He has thoughts like this of his father, Claire, Jenny, and Ian (p511, Nook). Nature speaks to him like it does Claire. There's an awareness of the life surrounding him. Jamie thanks the Lord for this moment, “Deo gratias,” and it startles William. Telling William its bedtime, Jamie is surprised at a physical behavior William does that is exactly like Jamie (p511, Nook). To distract his hands, Jamie decides to make more flies for the breakfast fishing in the morning. William comes over to him and helps without being asked. Growing tired, William asks Jamie questions about the Indians. Jamie assures him there's never been a scalping in the village though, like the Highlanders, the Indians don't take kindly to someone harming one of their own. William starts to comment on Scottish people (p512, Nook).  Does Jamie have many children? When Jamie says no, William wonders if he had had children, but they died of an illness. Jamie explains his daughter is living in Boston, all grown up (p512, Nook). Sniff, sniff.  Though I still don't believe William wouldn't recognize Jamie or at least believe he was familiar by this point. Regardless I love the dynamic here. Poor Jamie must have incredible restraint to manage not grabbing the boy and snuggling him up. He's bonding with him and teaching him something. It's the best he can do given the situation. He's also helping William feel less stressed about John and the other grievances he has. I wonder how Claire is faring with John. I can only imagine their conversations while Jamie and William are away. What's Coming up? Chapters 28 and 29 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.  

Drums of Autumn Chapters 24-25 Week 14 “Rattled” Summary: Roger is baffled. He assures himself all is well. Deep down he knows something is amiss. Just maybe he's stopped Brianna from looking back. A rattlesnake takes up residence in the privy on Fraser's Ridge. There's also a guest with measles taking up space in the corncrib. Claire searches for greens. A boy and his stepfather unexpectedly arrive. Claire's emotions and thoughts go wild. It's Lord John and Master William. William recently inherited lands in Virginia. A crappy mishap in the privy leads to much mirth and wounded pride. Young Ian doesn't get off cleanly either. Inside the Chapters: Chapter 24: Letter-Writing: The Great Art o' Love Oxford, March 1971 It's been six months since we've seen Roger. With Brianna in the United States, the rainy weather of Oxford seems cold and dreary to him. He's heading to the office to see if there are any letters for him. Among the letters, there's one from the States.  Roger involuntarily grins. The clerk asks if Roger will be seeing his young woman soon. Roger hopes to see her in the summer. They are planning on visiting in July, but that is four months away. Roger might die from the ache of wanting her. Brianna wrote to Roger every few days, though the tone has changed. They are no longer passion filled. He thinks she is holding back in her letters. That something seems off and different (p457, Nook). Roger absentmindedly eats his sandwich and thinks about the interest Fiona is taking in his love affair with Brianna. She sends him clippings from woman's magazines detailing the ways a woman should be acting. Think about all the ridiculous Cosmopolitan or name your woman's magazine articles. Roger doubts Brianna is reading the equivalent magazines in America. She's not a game player.  She isn't playing games, right? (p459, Nook). He believes he's deflected Brianna from the past, but he's now downright obsessed with it (p459, Nook). The lady next to him annoyed told him to bugger himself. He thinks he may already have.   This chapter brings more questions with only Roger's point of view. We haven't heard from Brianna for a more than a year since she visited over that fateful Christmas when Roger proposed. What has she been up to besides finishing her studies? Has Roger found any new information? This chapter succeeds in building tension, sowing doubt, and creating worry in Roger and the reader. Chapter 25: Enter a Serpent Fraser's Ridge, October 1768 If there's one thing Claire doesn't like is a rattlesnake preventing her from using the privy. In fact, it's sitting on the privy seat rattling away. She spends a decent amount of time trying to figure out what to do without riling the snake to attack her. Jamie comes along and wants to know what she's doing (p461, Nook). Jamie hits the snake with a rock and knocks it into the privy. Claire says it sounds like a “hollow thwuck.” I would be terrified to use the privy even if the snake couldn't jump that high. Would all the human waste kill it? Instead of hanging around, Claire runs into the woods to empty her bladder. She returns to find Young Ian and Jamie peering into the privy hole with a torch in hand (p461, Nook). Young Ian and Jamie accidentally clang heads, leaving both greatly pained. Jamie is annoyed Claire doesn't comfort him (p462, Nook). Jamie clarifies the difference between poisonous and venomous to Young Ian. They banter about how to get the great thing from the privy. No one wants to sit on the seat with that beastie down below. Claire's plan strikes Young Ian as funny (p463, Nook). The amount of time spent on the snake in the privy must mean it holds importance to some future event. They have a hearty breakfast, no thanks to the white sow feistily commandeering the pantry. Jamie is reading his only book, Natural History of North Carolina, to brush up on rattlesnakes. Claire's more interested in how to deal with a rude pig. Jamie is still hungry, but the rest of the eggs are going to the ill Tuscarora in the corncrib. He'd been part of a hunting party but became too ill and was brought back to her by his companions. Claire is sure he has the measles.  Too bad Claire doesn't have extra vitamin A on hand. Measles is highly contagious, so the man must stay segregated from everyone who hasn't had the disease before. The man is so ill he is barely able to eat or drink. Claire tries another tactic, appealing to the spiritual so the man might accept her aid (pp467, Nook). Claire not only doctored him, but she also helped him emotionally, and maybe spiritually. Sometimes when treating someone, all that can be done is to make them feel well cared for and understood. Clare goes hunting for any edible or medicinal plants. She wades into the icy cold stream. The mere act of being alone in nature gives Claire a sense of peace, calm, and being grounded. She notices the abundance of life forms surrounding her down to the gnats (p468, Nook). She allows herself to become part of the natural order. I wonder how she centered herself in Boston all those years. Before she married Frank, she spent many years living rough and being outdoors traveling with her uncle. It makes sense she needs nature.    Her communion is broken by the sound of shriek and a voice from the bank above her. There is a familiar looking frantic boy in front of her (p469, Nook). The boy has leeches all over him. And he's mortified. Claire sits him down to remove the many leeches from his legs. She wants him to tell her where he comes from. Claire is outwardly calm, but her hands are shaking. Asking after his stepfather, William wants to know how Claire knows him. He gives his full name (p470, Nook). They head to the cabin so that she can salt the rest of the leeches. Claire realizes Lord John left William by the stream to go ahead and warn Jamie. I sense more than an annoyance in Claire. Jealousy perhaps? Claire is stunned to have William and Lord John surprise them with a visit. Maybe only the King would be less probable. Claire's thoughts and emotions are careening around her head. She's like a bomb with a hair trigger switch (p471, Nook). Claire finally reveals why she dislikes Lord John (pp472, Nook). She IS jealous. She wants to stop and stare at William. The idea of seeing the boy next to Jamie gives her a thrill of sorts. As she eyes William, she has an intense observation (p473, Nook). Poor Claire, this is a gut punch. The knowledge of a son is one thing, but to see him in the flesh is staggering. Claire doesn't even have the solace of having Brianna near. This also brings to roost the years they spent apart. Clear admission of a life lived without her. Claire is a whirling tornado of internal feelings. She finds Jamie and Lord John sitting on the bench conversing. Greetings commence, and she takes William into the house for final leech removal. The poor boy trembles as she takes care of the left behind wounds (p475, Nook). Claire also attends to his disheveled looks. Reluctantly he relaxes under her too familiar ministrations. She feels a sense of ownership over the boy (p475, Nook). And fresh annoyance at Lord John.  Jamie enters seeking refreshment for their guests. Jamie looks calm, but he's strung tight. Claire gathers the necessities, except for the butter because the white sow is holding it hostage in the pantry (p476, Nook). Lord John apologizes for the unexpected visit and hopes it's not too much inconvenience. Claire mentally tallies the sleeping arrangements (p476, Nook). Can you feel the tension in the air? My goodness, they need a full bottle of brandy and maybe some marijuana to relax. Where's the good Father Fogden when you need him?   Young Ian comes in like a bull in a china shop. Claire sends him to show William around the property with snacks in hand. This is a ploy to get the three of them alone (p476, Nook). What do you get with a cheeky Englishman, an angry Scot, and an emotionally charged wife? I'd say a terrifically awkward time. Oh, to be a fly on the wall.   John gets to the point at hand. His wife died aboard ship on the way to Jamaica. Poor Willie had been traveling with her. Claire reminds us that Lady Geneva was Isobel's sister and the biological mother of William. Lord John married Isobel to raise William together. Claire apologizes to John for more than the death of his wife. His appointment as the Jamaican Governor was coming to an end, so settling his family there seemed a good idea. With her death and William's grief, coming to the Colonies to distract him was in order, after John learned William now owns land in Virginia. John catches Claire thinking Fraser's Ridge is an out of the way destination. Glass faced Claire strikes again. The subject of William arises. John had told him Jamie is an old soldiering acquaintance. Certainly, William would recognize, the groom Mac he had loved so much? Jamie doesn't think William will connect the groom with him. Claire suddenly inquires how John's wife died. He calls it the bloody flux (dysentery). Claire wonders if that's where Willie saw leeches used. His reaction to having them on his body was quite severe.  They are interrupted by Young Ian standing in the doorway. There is a situation (p479, Nook). This scene KILLS me every time I read it. Thankfully the privy isn't empty or full. It's so disturbing and gross nonetheless.  Jamie and Lord John go swiftly to the privy with Young Ian and Claire not far behind. Apparently, the snake is no longer in the privy (p480, Nook).  William is unhurt except for his pride. He had fallen face first into the sewage. Lord John takes the first stab at William (p481, Nook). The jig is up. Young Ian knows exactly who fathered that boy. Jamie takes his turn adding fuel to John's earlier remarks (p482, Nook). Everyone except for William is quivering with laughter. Then Claire sees the Fraser rage about to come forth from William. She deftly corrects the situation with soap and direction given to water. With William off to wash, the question of the gun's whereabouts comes up. With quick judgment passed, Young Ian is sent naked to retrieve it from the bog of eternal stench (p482, Nook). The hilarity of this chapter does not offset the undercurrents and the gravity of the truth. It's also worth noting there is an Indian ill with measles on the property. What is Lord John's true aim in coming? How jealous is Claire of the life that came before she returned? What does Young Ian think of his new-found cousin? Will William ever recognize him? Can Claire accept the boy? Can Claire get along with Lord John and become his friend? What is going through Jamie's mind? This chapter is told from Claire's point of view. We see continued story building and character development. Humor was used as an excellent avenue to diffuse the tension and awkwardness. The privy scenario also provided an escape for the snake.  What's Coming up? Chapters 26 and 27 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.

Drums of Autumn Chapters 22-23 Week 13 “Perspectives on Protection”   Summary: Roger finds a horrifying historical fact. A sin of omission is not a lie, is it? Fraser's Ridge is growing with new tenants. Claire rides into a storm. Her traitorous horse leads her astray. A friendly ghost visits Claire's resting place. Rollo proves himself a worthy hound. Jamie, Young Ian, and the dog find Claire well. They find a visitor upon return to the Ridge. Duncan greets them at the door. Jamie tends to Claire. He was frightened Claire was dead.  Jamie puts Claire to bed. Duncan has news to share. Claire makes a startling discovery.   Inside the Chapters: Chapter 22: Spark of an Ancient Flame Oxford, September 1970 Roger's research turns up a horrifying “fact” about Jamie and Claire. He cannot easily bring himself to believe what he's reading. A notice in a newspaper says they died in a house fire on February 13, 1776, in North Carolina (p411, Nook). All the pieces point to this being THE JAMIE AND CLAIRE. One blessing is the assurance that Claire had found Jamie when she left Roger and Brianna that Feast of All Saints morning almost two years prior. Roger liked and loved Claire; he hopes the years were happy before the fire (pg412, Nook). Roger feels newly orphaned as he processes what he's read. He believes he cannot tell Brianna this piece of information. He knows she will be newly devastated. Roger wants to destroy all evidence of this revelation. He takes the page from the book. He has no idea how many of these books are in circulation, but Brianna knows how to research and if this is the only one, he can keep the information to himself. Roger is running the scenarios through his head. Roger doesn't believe history can be changed. Brianna might.  He remembers she asked him “How do you mourn a time-traveler?” This would be the vehicle to allow her to mourn if it wasn't for Craigh na Dun being available for transit services. The mere thought of the stone circle gives Roger a cold chill. He shivers at the horror and remembers the day Claire went through (p415, Nook). Roger and Brianna had been unconscious and woke on the ground in the late afternoon. The impact of the event on them had been physical and psychological. Imagine how terrible it must be for the person going through the stones. When Brianna awoke, Roger promised to take care of her. He vowed to protect her. Does this remind you of someone else? He would do anything to save her from pain, grief, and those awful stones. Back home, Roger ponders the timeline. Brianna might too and could calculate the opportunity to go back and try to change things since the time jump is 202 years back. Could he convince her the past couldn't be changed? She's a determined and fierce sort of person. I don't think he has a chance of convincing her to do nothing. He does not want to lose her before he ever gets the opportunity to be with her. He plans to dissuade her from looking into the past any longer. He wonders if it is okay to suppress the information (p417, Nook). He tears up the page from the 1906 book. His decision is made. This is a pivotal moment of insight into Roger and his motivations. It's also a point of climax for his character and how he develops from here. How might this one decision cascade into a myriad of problems or good? I don't think he should hide it from her. He could help her make any decision based on trust and love, not only protection. Brianna is an adult and is tremendously strong-willed. Her father IS Jamie Fraser. Chapter 23: The Skull Beneath the Skin Summer 1768 Fraser's Ridge This giant chapter opens with Claire lightly recounting the past eight months on Fraser's Ridge. Duncan had brought 20 Ardsmuir men and their families to settle the land. Her doctoring skills are required again. She's even catching babies as part of her duties. Her fame becomes known to the whole area, and she finds herself traveling all around the thirty square mile mountainous region. She even makes occasional visits with Young Ian to Anna Ooka to see Nayawenne. In the beginning, Jamie or Young Ian would go with Claire for safety, but as time wore on, she ventured out solo by horse to tend those in need. She was adding more cases to Dr. Rawling's casebook. Though Claire never asks her patients for payment, something is always offered and gratefully received. Many of her patients don't speak English or French, but body language proves to be enough for her to get the jobs done.  Now that Claire has caught us up, it's August 1768. She's been at a lengthy delivery at the Mueller's for a few days and is trying to ride through a heavy storm back to Fraser's Ridge. Claire describes it as a harrowing task. The creek is rising quickly. Claire's horse swims across to the other side. Claire is taking the risk because she doesn't want to stay several more days with the entire Mueller family. She wants to go home. The language is incredibly descriptive in this section. It makes me a bit anxious reading about the storm. I don't want Claire riding in it. As Claire rides away, she thinks over the three-day labor and delivery she attended with 18-year old Petronella Mueller. It was a slow and difficult process, but she did it. She and her 17-year old husband now have a daughter. Claire fondly thinks of the delicious meals during her time with the extended Mueller family. Claire moves on to Jamie and Young Ian. She hopes they fed themselves decently and took good care while she was away (p421, Nook). The terrain is getting slick and muddy in the heavy downpour. Claire reassures the horse. Apparently, he hasn't a name yet. Jamie says it will be revealed in good time. The horse comes to a stop as the trail is washed out on that side of the mountain. Claire must find a place to crossover for safety. At this point, she thinks she would turn back if the creek wasn't flooded. She found a place to get through and cross over to the other side of the hill before finding the trail again. The wind lessens, but it is cold and still raining. Claire describes the landscape, oak, red-berried mountain ash, and blackberry brambles. She distracts herself with thoughts of her pantry and what to make for dinner when she gets back to Fraser's Ridge. Hail starts to pelt her, and she finds shelter under a chestnut tree. Here's a link to the most common trees in North Carolina. Claire talks to the horse to keep him calm. Then the lightning starts. Horses do not ever like lightning. Though the hail storm passed, the rain continued with roaring thunder and lightning (p424, Nook). The horse had thrown Claire down a 30-foot cliff. The wind is knocked out of her, but she's surprisingly unharmed, except for a banged up knee. The horse had stopped abruptly at the edge. Claire yells at the horse, then tries to get up. She cannot go back up the cliff face. She starts to worry. No one knows where she is, and she has no food, horse, or weapons. She is determined to find shelter (p425, Nook). She finds a place under a fallen tree (p426, Nook). Just last Christmas Claire had to find Jamie in the snow. At least she knew a general sense of where he was. He has no idea where she might be because she had to go off trail.  She sleeps after placing her wet shoes next to her. She has fitful dreams of childbirth. Frank and Jamie are both present. She continues to wake and sleep. She wakes a final time to the smell of smoke. A lightning strike had hit a nearby balsam poplar tree. Claire cannot find her shoes, but she heads toward the warmth of the smoldering tree anyway. The tree provides her much needed warmth (p427, Nook). Now she aches and her empty belly rumbles. The horse is nowhere to be seen. Claire's clothing is near dry, though she wishes to stay warm, they're too many predators who could harm her, so she returns to the shelter. She crawls in and doesn't find her moccasins; she finds a complete human skull (p428, Nook). She wonders how the man arrived there. Was his death by violence? She concludes since the Cherokee and the Tuscarora bury their dead, someone must have disliked this man very much. She also wonders where the rest of him is. She finds a stone with a carving on it near the skull, but the rest of the remains are not there. Claire feels somehow comforted by the skull (p429, Nook). This scene brings the memory of Fr. Fogden's coconut and his sheep skull collection. Claire names the man Yorick and for some reason thinks he was an Indian and not a European. She recites various poetry to him. She recites Ode to the West Wind insofar as she can remember.   I am curious why Diana Gabaldon chose this poem for Claire to say. At the end of her recitation, Claire sees a light coming toward her from the ridge above (p430, Nook). She holds the skull tightly in her hands. She knows the thing coming toward her would be unaffected by weapons.  The light seems to float in the air with a steady pace of a man walking. She is terrified inside of her hiding place. She wants to run, and she sweats. She knows what St. Elmo's Fire looks like, this is not that nor is it marsh gas. She sees the specter (p431, Nook). Though hidden, the ghost knows she is there. Claire stays still, and he looks directly where she is through the dark. His torch is steady and soundless without the wood being consumed. She calls it a corpse candle. Claire realizes she is not scared any longer (p432, Nook). Claire experiences her surroundings anew. The four elements of earth, air, fire, and water are present, like in the Shelley poem. She asks what he wants (p432, Nook). Claire sits and cradles the skull. She decides to stay put until morning. She is cold and hungry, but not scared. She thinks about what happened and can make no sense of it. She finally falls into an uneasy and dream filled sleep (p433, Nook). Does her dream tell of how the man died? Or is she processing through cold and hunger? She wakes and sleeps again. Again, she dreams of death, pursuit, and blood.    Something brushes her skin, and a pair of yellow eyes are staring into hers. It's ROLLO (p434, Nook)! Jamie grabs her out of the hiding place and checks her for injury. She breathes in the smell of him. She starts to cry from the relief of being found. He picks her up and carries her toward the stream (p434, Nook). Young Ian finds the skull. Jamie tenses in response (p435, Nook). Claire drinks the Brandywine and trembles all over. Jamie asks how long she's been there. Claire explains what happened and says the horse's name is Judas. She asks how they found her (p435, Nook). Claire doesn't understand how Rollo tracked her down. Jamie asks her where she lost her shoes. She points to the lightning ravaged tree (p435, Nook). Rollo couldn't be calmed, so Jamie had Young Ian let him out in case he had gone completely mad. Her shoes were on the doorstep. Rollo ran looking for an intruder. Jamie and Young Ian searched the area around the cabin, but there was no one. Rollo came back to her shoes and ran off tracking the scent. Jamie puts the shoes on her frozen feet (p436, Nook). Young Ian is proud of Rollo. Claire ponders the fact if Rollo could track the scent to her, someone had to have worn her shoes and walked to Fraser's Ridge to place them on the doorstep to be found. Young Ian and Jamie saw nothing along the way, but Jamie looks exhausted and drawn. He had been worried stiff. Jamie and Young Ian take turns carrying Claire to where the horses are. He continues to ply her with a drink (p437, Nook). She is getting quite inebriated. Rollo is too interested in the skull. Jamie wants to know what Claire plans on doing “with Prince Charming?” Should they bury him and if so how? Claire thinks the man was a pagan and shows the stone she found alongside the skull (p438, Nook). Young Ian explains his mother Jenny's thoughts on opals and how they take on the aspect of their owner. Collectively they decide to keep the large opal because of its worth. Claire wants to show it to Nayawenne so that she can decipher the carvings. Nearing the horses, Claire feels too drunk to walk to them, so Jamie and Young Ian go to bring the horses to her (p439, Nook).     They arrive home in the late afternoon. Claire is cold, wet, lightheaded, and starving. She is viewing everything through a haze of unreality. She thinks the smoke coming from the chimney is a hallucination. Then she realizes it's real (p440, Nook). Claire's horse, Judas is in the penfold without his saddle, alongside an unfamiliar horse. It must be a friend because the goat's been milked, and the animals have been fed. Duncan Innes opened the cabin's front door (p440, Nook). Jamie is trying to get Claire into the cabin to bed. She insists on a bath first (p441, Nook). Jamie sends Duncan and Young Ian to do a task so that he can wash Claire properly. He must undress her because she's so stiff and unable to do so herself. He sits her on a stool, feeds her some stale bannocks, and gathers all the necessary supplies. He washes her feet first. She's in heaven. He eyes her seriously bruised and swollen knee (p442, Nook). He sounds angry while they talk. He is mad because it scared him that she could have been dead. He continues to argue with her. Claire is baffled (p443, Nook). That's how most people act when they have been terrified a loved one is hurt or dead. Claire offers him to scold her in Gaelic, so she'll only understand some of it. She ignores him until she hears the things he would like to do to her (p444, Nook). I wouldn't like being talked to that way in any language. Claire is certainly understanding. Cleaned, warmed, and relaxed he sneakily rubs in the ointment of peppermint and camphor to her chest. It turns out he does it to keep her from getting ill. She explains the theory of germs to him again. He's not totally convinced (p445, Nook). Jamie feels too good in Claire's arms for her simply to go to bed. She rubs on him and holds onto his bum. He tries to tell her, no, but she is insistent (p446, Nook). He's losing the battle. This reminds me of her insisting on sex in Voyager when she was fevered. A little while later, as she stares into a cup of barley crowdie (I cannot find a reference or recipe for this), she remembers a story of the Earl of Montrose saved after a battle by ingesting something similar. She thanks, Young Ian for making it for her and asks him to go out to hunt for a squirrel or other animal for dinner. He's delighted to go hunting. Apparently, he and Jamie haven't been eating well while she was gone.  Claire is highly relaxed in bed. Jamie had done a proper job of warming her up and thoroughly released her tension. He is not a candidate for hunting today. Camphor and peppermint would easily be scented by the animals. Jamie left Claire to sleep while he spoke to Duncan. The sight of her casebook as she looks around the room reminds her she hasn't posted the details of Mueller's birth. Her dizzy head quickly moves on to thinking about a hearty meat broth for dinner. She does hope Young Ian catches something. She decides to get up and pour the barley stuff back into the pot. She eyes the damp barley bag and moves to spread the barley to dry so it won't rot. This is every woman's thought when she starts a task, sees another task, then another. She hears Jamie and Duncan talking about the horse. Jocasta purchased the horse for Duncan. Jamie is wondering about the purpose of his aunt gifting it to Duncan (pp449, Nook). This is an interesting development. Duncan changes the subject to those of men who could settle on Fraser's Ridge. Duncan brings up planting season, and Jamie continues to be sharp (p449, Nook). Duncan changes the subject again. Jocasta has sent a bottle of whisky for Jamie. Jamie apologizes to Duncan for his harsh tones and accepts the offer of a dram or two. Duncan accepts the apology, and they walk together. Claire watches from the window. She thinks what life would be like for one-armed Duncan had Jamie not found a place for him. Jamie did find him, and the Colonies are a second chance at life. The choice between a cooper and a farmer is not clear-cut. So far 20 Ardsmuir men are under Jamie's sponsorship on Fraser's Ridge. Claire recalls, Jamie borrowing money from several men he knew and gambled enough winnings to quadruple the amount. He proceeded to pay the men back with interest and had extra left over for his use. Claire put him to bed after his three-night adventure. She watched him sleep (p451, Nook). Fergus and Marsali with baby Germaine lived a mile away in their cabin. Claire loved having them around to help ease her heart as it longs for Brianna.  Claire sits down at the desk to record the labor and delivery. She intermingles the dream of Brianna she had while sleeping under the tree and the true events of Petronella's delivery. Brianna had been born in the caul (p452, Nook). There are many beliefs surrounding babies born this way. I have the special privilege of catching two babies en caul. Claire cannot think of any special powers Brianna has from her birth. Claire adds a sketch of the baby to her charting. Though competent to document medical occurrences, Claire is not an artist like Brianna. Claire's mama's heart is missing her daughter. She thinks about Jocasta having no living children to leave her legacy. Claire stares out the window as twilight rises (p453, Nook). This is a time we find Claire in throughout the books. I wonder what she's connecting to within the space between light and dark. At this moment, she misses Brianna but doesn't want her in this dangerous place.  The charting notes are finished, and Claire longs for bed, but dinner needs to be made. She picks up the skull finding beauty in it and has a flashback to Master Raymond's back room filled with skulls and bones from many types of animals. She hears Master Raymond's voice in her head (p453, Nook). She wonders if the skull summoned the ghost of the Indian man she met. She examines the skull again noticing the teeth are shattered on one side, but well intact on the other. She notices the wear and tear on the teeth; then she turns it over to examine the molars (p454, Nook). I would get the chills too at finding fillings in a skull in the 18th century. Who was he? He was a fellow traveler no doubt. Claire immediately shows Jamie her discovery. They surmise there must be another stone circle nearby.  Jamie will bury him after dinner. Speaking of dinner, Jamie contends they can eat the leftover barley concoction. Claire refuses outright. Jamie agrees. Claire tells him the rest of the barley needs to be spread to dry. He takes up the sack. As he's getting to the door, he asks Claire why she doesn't think the Indian was a Christian. She cannot answer the question. Jamie responds, “Aye, well. We'll give him the benefit o' the doubt.” Holy chapter batman! This could have been two chapters. So much action and discovery. Who was the apparition? Why did he help Claire? What does the stone mean? When did he travel from and why? What is Duncan up to taking a gift from Aunt Jocasta? I do love Claire needing to sexually communicate with Jamie to ground herself once safely back at the cabin. She needs his physical presence to feel secure and well. This chapter has conflict, flashback, figures of speech, figurative language, imagery, and plot. There are multiple threads of storylines being eluded to. The literary devices are leading to resolutions in the future. What's Coming up? Chapters 24 and 25 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Join the weekly Twitter chat Wednesday nights at 6 pm PT/9pm ET using the hashtag #ADoO. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! Facebook,  Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ To financially support the podcast, go to my Patreon page. Call 719-425-9444 listener/reader line to leave your comments.

Drums of Autumn Chapters 20-21 Week 12 “Oh Snowy Night”   Summary: The small cabin is completed. Visitors come bearing gifts. Claire makes a friend and receives a prophecy. Young Ian is on a hunting trip. Jamie goes to check the traps. Claire tends to the business of home. Jamie doesn't return. Claire tracks him in the snow. Jamie has injured his back. Claire stays with him. They see a band of Mohawk. Young Ian and friends rescue Claire and Jamie. Back home they are safe and sound. Jamie has a vision. Inside the Chapters: Chapter 20: The White Raven October 1767 This chapter opens with Jamie and Young Ian building the cabin together. Jamie is reciting the translated version of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. Once they get to a difficult log placement, Jamie can no longer continue his recitation. Jamie wants Young Ian to be educated. Rollo alerts them to a visitor. It's Nacognaweto, a friend of Young Ian's, with three women in tow. They are dressed for visiting and were bearing gifts. Jamie declares it's an ambassage and wants Claire in her finest (p372, Nook). The formal greeting ritual is performed by the men. Once it concludes the second woman acknowledges Claire (p373, Nook). Gabrielle is Nacognaweto's wife. The elder woman, Nayawenne, is his grandmother. Claire looks her over, noticing the leather pouch hung around her neck. The younger of the three women is Berthe, Gabrielle's daughter not by her husband it seems. The girl has the look of an American Indian and European. The introductions are complete; the girl opens the bundle she carried. There's a variety of foods; Claire makes an exclamation about the return of Squanto. It's about two months' worth of food.  The bear meat was received well in the village; this is a small gift in return. The women giggle at Claire having heard the full exploits of the bear attack including Claire hitting Jamie with a fish. The old woman moves closer to Claire. She pats her all over talking to herself during the proceedings. Her reaction to Claire's hair is pure sweetness (p375, Nook). Jamie shows Nacognaweto the construction. The women chat. Claire learns Gabrielle is Nacognaweto's second wife and him her second husband. Her first husband was a Frenchman and died ten years earlier. They live in a village called Anna Ooka, two days northwest of Fraser's Ridge.  Claire and Nayawenne are having a conversation without words. Claire felt the unspoken conversation, though the woman said nothing to her. Across the clearing she sees Jamie offer a gift of brandy to Nacognaweto. It's time to offer gifts. Claire gives an item to two of the women but has something different in mind for Nayawenne. She gives her four large ginseng roots.  The old woman hands Claire a small bag from her waist; it's ginseng roots. This confirms she and Claire speak the same language. It takes a healer to know one. Claire asks about the amulet Nayawenne wears (p378, Nook). The woman hands Claire her amulet; the bag feels heavy and almost alive. Nayawenne offers to show Claire plants for use in the area. Claire's impressed by the old woman's spryness. The two younger women followed behind interpreting as needed. The old woman tells Gabrielle something astonishing about Claire (p377, Nook). The old woman is a shaman. She needed to meet Claire and give her the message. I wonder how long it will be for Claire to be in her full power. She's almost 51. What do you think of the prophecy of illness to come that's not Claire's fault? I wonder what else Nayawenne knows.   Chapter 21: Night on a Snowy Mountain December 1767 It's been a couple of months since the Indians visited Jamie and Claire. The snow arrived at the end of November. Life on the Ridge takes on the rhythms of winter (p379, Nook). They had few animals to care for and no sheep to have wool to spin and no cloth to weave or dye. Myer's had brought a small bag of useful tools. Jamie and Young Ian had gotten a roof on the cabin before the first snow. Young Ian and Jamie spent time carving wood. He already had made a stool. Myer's had also brought a bag of woman's tools for sewing and mending clothing. Claire's not a fan of sewing, but Jamie and Young Ian's clothes are in constant need of repair. Jamie sits bolt upright in bed when a drop of water hits him in the ear. There's a leak in the roof. Jamie refuses to wait until daylight to fix the shingle (p381, Nook). With Young Ian's help on the inside, Jamie replaces the split shingle on the outside (p382, Nook). Claire reflects on their meager but successful existence. They have enough food to last until spring. They spend time talking, telling stories, and Jamie even carved dishes and a chess set. Young Ian and Rollo spent time going to Anna Ooka and going on hunting trips with the men. Young Ian learned to speak the Indian language. Claire is happy Young Ian goes on the trips. Threes a crowd when you ache for a feather bed, a fire, and a lover without an audience. When alone Claire and Jamie could continue deepening their relationship and knowledge of each other (p382, Nook). Jamie often asks about Brianna. Claire shares a story about visiting Brianna's school on Career Day (p383, Nook). It turns out her school visit became quite a scene (p383, Nook). It turns out Claire had taken the job the boy's father desired. That's our Claire, always making friends and influencing people. Brianna has the fire of the Frasers in her. Interested in Brianna's career path Jamie asks about her plans. He's surprised to find out children in the future often change their minds many times before settling on a vocation (p384, Nook). Claire goes over a litany of 20th-century occupations. Jamie's nipple distracts her from the telling. Claire thinks Brianna chose history for the love of Frank and after he died, she stayed in the program.  She has no idea she changed her major after she left for the 18th century. Jamie says she loyal. He wonders if she sticks with history if she finds them in her research. Claire doesn't think so. They'd have to do something worthy of widespread news. And Brianna would have to be looking for them. Jamie points out something else about loyalty (p385, Nook). Then they turned to the language of their bodies intertwined. A slow, peaceful, “knife and sheath together.” The last thing Jamie says before they drift to sleep, “She'll look.” A couple of days later, Jamie takes advantage of the improved weather to hunt. Claire is worried about him going, but they do need meat. Claire tends to the cauldron on the fire. They have an ingenious way of using the boiling water (p386, Nook). She sits down to reads Daniel Rawling's casebook and mends stockings. I would find it scary having Jamie go out alone in inclement weather. As time goes on and Jamie hasn't returned, she openly worries. The daylight is dimming, and she's on high alert. She goes about her work but is increasingly concerned. She now takes on a more clinical view of her tasks. The way she gets the firewood and plans every step of use until morning. She's frightened now (p387, Nook). The dinner stew is ready to eat, and the cabin has an inviting aroma. Claire's without appetite. It's now dark. She forces herself to eat, she smoored the fire and tries to rest. Her mind is reeling. She worries he's injured. She also knows he can live outdoors quite capable, and yet... (p389, Nook). She cannot stop thinking of the what if's out there in the dark. She longed for him (pp389, Nook). That sums it up right there. He's her world. Her everything.  She gets up, dresses, and prepares to go out searching for him. She knew the general direction he'd been planning to go. She hears him in her head reminding her how to track. She finds the snares and follows his footprints from one snare to the next. The fourth snare wasn't empty, so he hadn't gotten that far. She thinks he must be between snare three and four. Claire calls for him. Picks a direction and promptly loses her footing sliding down a hill. She finds him partially covered in leaves on his belly. She throws herself on him. He groans loudly from pain. First, she assesses him for damage and injury. He tells her “back,” but she thinks he's been shot. She looks for a wound (p393, Nook). He's injured his back, it's out, and he cannot move because of the pain. It should take only a couple of days to mend itself. Ahem. He's lying face down on the frozen ground, and it's snowing. Claire can't think of what she can do to remedy the situation given the location Jamie crawled and ended up. She stops trying to figure out how to get him back to the cabin and alarms with a fresh concern. Hypothermia might already be setting in. Jamie could freeze to death. Claire goes into doctor mode alpha. She makes him stay awake and move whatever body parts he can. She has him moving and in a bad temper (p395, Nook). I'd say Claire's in a bit of a bad temper too. He tells her to cut hemlock branches to cover them. He's warm, so she goes off to cut the branches. The task is difficult with her cold hands and the branches being fresh and spongy. Claire completes the job and snuggles in behind him. It's her turn to shiver from “relief and fear.” As Jamie does, he tries to reassure Claire and tells her what happened (p397, Nook). She finds the area of pain. It runs from his back down his leg. She thinks it's severe muscle spasms. She has none of the things to treat it. She offers acupuncture, but he declines (p398, Nook). To some people cooking is love, to Claire clinical care is love. Well, and sex is love (p399, Nook). They lie together in quiet Claire asks what time it is. It's just past solstice, so it's one of the longest nights. It's very late in the middle of the night. He explains to her they can sleep and be okay. The snow is insulative like a blanket. They have a serious and humor-filled moment during the discussion (p400, Nook). She tells him a Christmas story revolving around a tradition she, Frank and Briana had with A Christmas Carol.  During one Christmas the three of them were traveling to a relative's home. They skidded off the road. They were holed up in the car until morning when they could be rescued. Frank told A Christmas Carol from memory until Brianna had fallen asleep. He and Claire finished the story while holding hands beneath the blankets. Frank had always loved her hands. Claire came to the last words of the story (p402, Nook). Claire isn't cold-hearted. She loved Frank and still has a place of mourning for him. Jamie invites her to place her hands underneath his shirt and assures her he won't let her freeze. The difference between Frank and Jamie is Jamie can hear of Frank and be okay. He can even be appreciative even when jealousy might rise for the time he did without Claire and Brianna. He understands Claire is made up of her experiences, including Frank. I think Frank wanted Jamie banished and refused to let him into their marriage. Claire doesn't have to apologize for Frank or her life; she can simply be who she is with Jamie. Claire and Jamie sleep until dawn nears. They hear voices. The men are speaking an Indian tongue, but it isn't Tuscarora. Are these men safe or raiders? The situation could be dangerous. Their hiding place becomes less secure as snow melts and falls away. Jamie grips Claire hard. The Indians are across the grove. The men come closer to their shelter. Claire's fear rises. There are several armed men in the party. Jamie and Claire are sweating with worry. They are upwind from the men, so their adrenaline scented sweat is not going to be detected. As the last man comes through the grove, another large chunk of snow falls from their makeshift shelter. The last man is a Jesuit priest. Claire thinks it's safe to call them men as they are Christian. Jamie doesn't believe these Indians are safe. The men pass without incident, but Jamie and Claire receive no help. After the danger passes, Claire inquires about Jamie's back. It's not in good shape, and he has no idea how to get down the mountain. Then the matter of hungry bellies makes their needs known. He wants Claire to go to the cabin; there's the small issue of Claire not knowing how to get back (p405, Nook). It turns out Jamie had shot an elk before hurting his back. He thinks anything dangerous is eating the elk. Claire thinks it's crazy to leave him here on his own. She insists she'll get supplies and return. She's not leaving him alone. He agrees for her to come back if she returns with whisky. She snuggles up to him kissing the hollow of his throat (p.406, Nook). He tries nibbling on her to see what will happen (p407, Nook). Then she goes into an explanation about vampires and their seductive qualities. He finds it completely disgusting. Claire wants him to nibble some more. Jamie changes his mind and would like her in the flesh, cold or not. In the process of getting busy, Claire gets the sense of being watched. She looks out of the shelter. He doesn't want her to stop, but now she hears something (p408, Nook). Hallelujah, they're rescued by Young Ian and some Tuscarora. They come across the dead elk. The sight of its frozen form assures Claire she'd done the right thing going out in the night to find Jamie (p408, Nook). The Tuscarora would help Jamie get back to the cabin for a share of elk meat. After the animal is properly prepared, they set out with Jamie is dragged on a travois. Claire asks Young Ian about the other band of Indians who had a priest along. He and the Tuscarora were following them when they found Jamie and Claire. The Indians were Mohawk from the north. The young Mohawk men were looking for wives (p409, Nook). Jamie wants to know why Young Ian and the others were following them (p409, Nook). Nacognaweto is a smart man. They return to the cabin by sunset and are joyously greeted by Clarence, the mule. He's a very social creature. Everything looks normal. Claire wants to get into the cabin. They invite the Tuscarora men to stay, but they decline (p410, nook). It's Christmas evening, and after a few drams of whisky, Claire and Jamie lay in their own bed listening to Young Ian snore (p410, Nook). So, it seems Jamie travels in his dreams. I think he astral projects. This is important to note. Tuck it in your cap or pin it in your mind. This section tells us again of the very real dangers Claire and Jamie face settling in the mountains. This chapter is filled with figurative language, rising action, conflict, and resolution.  Diana Gabaldon's use of bantering humor bring their relationship off the page into reality.  What's Coming up? Chapter 22 and 23 Drums of Autumn (DOA). How can you participate? Send your comments to contact@adramofoutlander.com or call the listener line at 719-425-9444 by Friday of each week. If you're reading ahead, you can leave comments for any part of the book too. Join the weekly Twitter chat Wednesday nights at 6 pm PT/9pm ET using the hashtag #ADoO. Comments or messages may be included in the podcast or a written post. The Outlander book series is written by Diana Gabaldon. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook All images are Wiki Commons. Click on picture for attribution link. Follow A Dram of Outlander Thank you for sharing posts, joining the discussions, and following this website or pages listed below! 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