Outlander Book Club: The Fiery Cross Chapter 1 breakdown
Just the Outlander chapter
The chapter starts with Claire waking from a dream about Frank. It’s clear that there are still feelings for him. Sure, she doesn’t love Frank in the way that she loves Jamie, but he was still an important part in her life. He is still there in her dreams now and again.
Jamie also wakes from an “interesting” dream as we learn about a story Roger told people the night before. It was all about how Kings of Ireland would prove their virility, and Jamie was one to prove that a black mare was good enough for the proof.
This starts the day of activities. It’s time to get breakfast going, but throughout the chapter, more and more people are added to the Frasers’ list. Claire has to keep mentally finding a way to split up the items available for breakfast, and eventually, Jamie suggests that he’ll go to Jocasta to borrow some items.
Throughout the chapter, the focus is on Archie Hayes’s announcement. He has an announcement from Governor Tryon, who is looking for the people responsible for the attacks at Hillsborough. Archie wants to speak to specific members of the community, including Jamie. We also find out that he wants to speak to Duncan, and Duncan was at Hillsborough at the time although not involved.
Jamie suggests to Duncan to avoid Archie. He doesn’t want his friend to get in trouble. There is a lot of tension in the camp because of the request for anyone with information to come forward. Will anyone turn against their own? After all, not everyone agreed with the attacks at Hillsborough.
We also have a moment of Germain rolling down a hill and landing in the stream. A soldier pulls him out, leading to an extra person being invited to breakfast.
This chapter is all about life. Claire thinks about how things are different in the 18th century compared to the 20th century when it comes to getting coffee ready and making breakfast. She also gives us a look into life with Jemmy, who she and Jamie spend some time looking after during the chapter.
It’s just the beginning of a very long day!