Outlander Book Club: An Echo in the Bone Chapter 97 breakdown

Just the Outlander chapter

This chapter jumps between a few characters at first. We get to see Rachel, who is with Rollo in the woods. When Rollo starts to go off, Rachel assumes that Ian is back. However, a hand pulls her back and Rachel comes face to face with Arch Bug while Rollo heads off in the direction of Ian.

Yes, Ian is back. He runs into some soldiers who aren’t sure about him, but he finds a German soldier who he can ask about Denzell Hunter. This is the best way to find Rachel. It’s clear that people are scared of him, though. When he’s punched and falls flat on the floor, Rollo greets him with licks. I love this imagery from the story.

We also get to see where Fergus is. He’s currently paying a woman to allow him to stay. It’s someone who makes an income laundering for the English. She informs him that a fine Scotchman is looking for him, and Fergus immediately knows that it is Jamie. Off he goes to find Jamie.

Back to Rachel, Arch wants to know if she loves Ian. Rachel gets a glimpse of Arch’s small ax and knows she’s in trouble. She manages to scream, which alerts William to her struggle. Arch throws the ax and hits William in the head.

It’s okay; it’s just a concussion. Claire is able to take care of William, and she is so sweet with him. It doesn’t matter that Jamie’s son isn’t hers. This is a young man who needs her attention and reminds her of a young Jamie. He is family, and she’s going to look after him.

When she sees Rachel, Claire tells her everything. Rachel wants to know if Ian will kill Arch, and Claire makes it clear that is likely if Rachel’s life is in danger. Rachel doesn’t like the answer to that question. She doesn’t like that Ian is a violent man, especially as she’s a pacifist. However, we’re reminded that this is the way of the world.