Jamie learns how the Bugs have the gold in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 124
After finding the gold ingot, Jamie and Claire need answers in Outlander Book 6, Chapter 124. It brings the Bugs story to an end…or so we think.
The last chapter of A Breath of Snow and Ashes continues the way Diana Gabaldon finishes her books. There are a few elements of the story wrapped, but it’s clear that things aren’t over for everyone. Then there’s a quiet moment between Claire and Jamie, reminding us that what they have is strong.
What’s important in this chapter is the supposed end to the Bugs story. They are released from their oaths to Jamie, and that’s it. They get to leave, but we’re left with the reminder that these two are nothing that they seemed to be.
The chapter certainly offers some foreshadowing of things to come in the next book, but it does a good job of wrapping things up for the novel. I’ll get to this in the foreshadowing section.
Will we see this chapter play out in the story? I’m not too sure but we have to see something, and I’ll get to my thoughts on that in the adaptation section.
Let’s dive into A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 124.
Just the Outlander chapter
The chapter starts with Claire noting how everyone is now in the cabin. It’s uncomfortably full with everyone who lived in the Big House now in the cabin. Fortunately, everyone is safe, though. We also learn that Swaney manage to make it out of the fire, and Jamie is holding that close to him.
Later on, Claire goes outside with Adso to let him roam a little. She overhears a conversation between Jamie and Arch Bug. It’s time to find out how Arch and Murdina ended up with the gold ingots. They were the ones to rob Jocasta, taking it all from Hector Cameron’s tomb.
Arch even shares why he did it. He had a good job with the Grants, but then things went downhill because of Culloden. He and Murdina lost everything, and he’s bitter about that. Having his life and his wife isn’t enough for him like it is for Jamie. He wanted more, and Jamie couldn’t give him everything that he once had.
We learn that Arch and Murdina never did anything out of goodness. There was always some sort of plan behind it, and Claire wonders just how much they actually did. How much did they deceive people? All this time, we were left to like the two, and now we find out that they were villains of the story. It’s some brilliant writing on Diana Gabaldon’s part.
Jamie decides to release the Bugs from the oath of loyalty to him. They are free to leave, and the two pick up the gold ingots they have and go. It’s clear that they just care about money. Claire wonders where they will go. Will they remain in the Colonies or will they head back to Scotland?
The end to the chapter—and the book—has Jamie questioning whether fighting for freedom is worth it. Is he fighting on the right side? Claire confirms the Patriots will win, but she can’t say that Jamie will survive the battles. She does promise to be with him until the end, though. That’s all Jamie needs her to promise.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
The chapter certainly foreshadows things. It’s clear that things with the Bugs isn’t over. The French gold is hidden somewhere, and Claire has no idea where. She assumes the Bugs will leave for Scotland, but it would be best to keep an eye on the two of them. They are clearly able to work behind the scenes, so why would they not expect the two to come back?
Adapting A Breath of Snow and Ashes chapter
I do hope we see this chapter used in the series. I’m not sure we’ll see the whole thing, though. With the way TV shows need to do things, I wonder if we’ll get all of this and then future chapters involving the Bugs together. It would make sense to keep it all together in one episode.
It could also be used and have the next chapters used in a second episode. Keeping it all contained in one season makes sense. Not only is there a chance that Outlander Season 7 is the last, keeping scenes involving guest stars close together is best to avoid problems if they get other projects. Just look at how Laura Donnelly wasn’t available when needed in Outlander Season 4.
What did you spot while reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes Chapter 124? Let us know in the comments below.
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