Ian and Rollo are reunited and Rachel is attacked in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 97
With Ian back in America, it was only a matter of time before he and Rollo would be reunited. However, Rollo going off means that Rachel is left alone in Outlander Book 7, Chapter 97.
Okay, so Rollo going off isn’t the reason Rachel ends up taken away. Arch Bug is the reason for that, and he was always going to get his hands on Rachel one way or another. He has seen how Ian looks at Rachel.
One thing I wish is that some of these side plots were filled out better. It’s been a problem for me in other books. They run in the background, but they don’t appear enough to feel that much of a threat and them BAM! there they are. I felt that reading this the first time.
There isn’t much in the way of foreshadowing in this chapter, though. It’s all about plot development, as we see Arch Bug’s storyline come to an end. This is just the beginning of it.
I fully expect to see this storyline play out in the series. I’ll get to my thoughts on that in the adaptation section.
Let’s dive into An Echo in the Bone Chapter 97.
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.
Foreshadowing in the Outlander chapter
This chapter certainly pushes the Arch Bug plot forward. I think it’s clear from Claire’s words that Ian is going to kill Arch. This is the only way that the storyline can come to an end. If Ian doesn’t kill Arch, he will always go after the man responsible for his wife’s death. Arch wants revenge.
Adapting An Echo in the Bone chapter
I would like to see this chapter used in Outlander Season 7. I can’t tell if the Bugs’ storyline is going to play out in full, but I feel like it should do now that there has been a mention of the gold in Season 6. We need to see Ian constantly feel threatened by this man who is out for revenge.
Plus, it’s a storyline that pulls Rachel and Ian together. Ian tries to keep Rachel at a distance, but he just can’t. He needs to let her in and let himself love her. The heart wants what the heart wants. It’s huge for Ian, who has been mourning the loss of Emily for so long. I love that he’s able to find someone else to love and start a family with.
By the way, I also want the humorous moment of Rollo licking Ian’s face after Ian has been punched. There was just something about that scene as it played out in my head.
What did you spot while reading An Echo in the Bone Chapter 97? Let us know in the comments below.
Like Claire and Jamie on Facebook for the latest from the Outlander Book Club and much more.