Outlander: Blood of My Blood (2025) s01e03 Episode Script

School of the Moon

1
[Ellen] Previously
[Ned] Your father died
without naming someone
to follow in his stead.
Most of the tanists and the chiefs
arriving for the gathering seem torn,
which of you to choose as laird.
[Colum] We'll stand
before all Clan MacKenzie,
and they'll swear
allegiance to one of us.
[Ellen] MacKinney's not hiding
his intentions very well.
He's not here to pay respects.
On occasion, our laird
can be most attentive.
Try not to linger in his presence.
Won't be showing for a few more months.
[Julia gasps] No!
Father, it wisnae her.
I convinced her to go.
Dinna fash, Ma. 'Tis only a few lashes.
There'll be more obstacles ahead.
Many, nae doubt.
Where do we go from here?
[Ned] Your father promised
her she'd never have to marry
for the sake of the clan.
My father is dead, and so is his word.
[dramatic music plays]
Tell me this is real.
There.
You feel that?
What do you think now?
That I am yours forever.
You stole me away.
[Brian chuckles]
Did I no' tell you I would?
I'd go to the very ends
of the Earth for you,
Ellen MacKenzie.
Tell me what you want,
how to please you.
There.
Are you ready?
[Ellen breathing heavily]
Truly ready?
[Ellen breathing heavily]
[moaning]
Time to say your daily prayers.
[Mrs. Fitz]daily prayers.
Oh, Glenna!
Oh, Lord, over the coming
days at this gathering,
bless Clan MacKenzie.
Bless Lady Ellen, who's still abed
though she should be readying
herself to tend to her guests.
Bless Colum and Dougal, and please,
I beg you, let one of
them be chosen as laird.
Alright, your turn.
And hurry. There's much to be done.
[sighs]
'Tis more than fitting for the occasion.
Pure and chaste.
Beautiful.
Mm, I was thinking something
a wee bit more daring.
- The crimson.
- [Mrs. Fitz] The crimson?
It is becoming, is it not?
It is indeed.
Then the crimson it shall be.
[Ellen laughs]
[Mrs. Fitz] Here.
This good cheer wouldna
have anything to do
with the attentions of a certain suitor,
now, would it?
Glenna Fitzgibbons,
why would you think that?
Oh, such blessed tidings, my dear.
He's a good man.
[laughs] I was worried you'd disapprove.
You willna tell anyone, will you?
Oh, lass, 'tis a wee bit late,
I'm afraid.
All of Leoch is alive
with the happy news
that Ellen MacKenzie is to be betrothed
to Malcolm Grant.
[dramatic music plays]
Long the way ♪
O'er the bridge I crossed ♪
For my love ♪
For my love that's lost ♪
By the brae ♪
In the verdant moss ♪
Where I watch Where I wait ♪
For my love that's lost ♪
Hi a bho ♪
Hoireann eile o ♪
Hi a bho ♪
Fair a leo fair a lč ♪
Hi a bho ♪
Hoireann eile o ♪
'S tu mo run 'S tu mo ghrądh ♪
Agus m' eudail o ♪
[dramatic music plays]
Tell me it isn't true.
Be thankful.
There are worse suitors.
It will do much to mend the
damage between our clans.
How could you do this to me
without consulting me,
without asking me?
Dougal is to blame for
the Grants' displeasure.
Why am I being punished for his sins?
Da's passing weakened us.
And Dougal beating Malcolm Grant
only diminished our position further.
I am more valuable to you here.
Can you not see that?
I can offer counsel, guidance.
I'll help you as I helped Da.
'Tis no secret that he favored you.
But you're a fool to think he
did anything but humor you.
Counsel?
And what counsel can you offer?
[Ellen] I'll think of a way
to improve our position
- through trade, I swear.
- [scoffs]
To align ourselves with the Grants,
cut any challenge from
MacKinney off at the knees.
You're not yet laird, Colum.
Da hasn't been gone for a month,
and you're going against
all that he promised.
He would never have agreed to this.
And you know that full well,
Colum MacKenzie.
Da's promises died with him,
and so did your privileges.
What happened, mo bhrąthair?
Of all of us, we were
closest of heart and mind
in all matters.
I thought we remain so.
I took care of you.
I nursed you when you were broken.
You stand here because of me.
He's dead.
And I'm grateful to you.
But now I must do what's
best for the clan.
And so should you.
Where have you been?
Went to find some food at the gathering.
There's a woman by the river
selling a fine clootie dumpling.
We should leave.
There's no reason to linger.
Tried your damnedest
to persuade me to come.
Now you want to leave already?
Can we not stay a wee bit longer?
And what was it you told me?
For the feasting and the lassies?
Aye, lassies.
Like I said, there's
no reason to be here.
Not anymore.
What's ailing you?
How would you feel if you discovered
the woman you're in love
with was promised to another?
As if I'd been stabbed
through the heart, but
Exactly.
[Brian] Oh, but you canna mean
Ellen MacKenzie?
Who else? Have I ever wavered?
Have I ever spoken to
you of any other lass?
No, but you have not said
as much as good day to her.
Not yet.
I was biding my time
till I found the courage.
When you say promised to another
Betrothed, sworn, pledged,
call it whatever you like.
My auntie told me Lady
Ellen is to be married
to Malcolm Grant.
[door opening]
[door closes]
Thank you.
Clean as a whistle.
Have I done something wrong?
- I can make a bed.
- I'll ask you to your face.
Have you anything to confess?
Nothing.
But surely, in your position,
you'll be wanting to [sighs]
"bring down the flowers," so to speak.
The flowers?
Oh, my dear.
You say you hail from London,
and yet you're as innocent
as a newborn babe yourself.
I ken you have a bellyful.
Why would you think that?
To be here more than a
month and never once
bloody your skirts or bedclothes
you're with child.
Every woman's different.
There could be plenty of
reasons why I haven't bled.
Come with me.
[door clicks open]
'Tis used to flavor the gin.
And in quantity, us women can use it
to "bring down the flowers."
Savin.
You think I need to restore my blood?
'Tis worse the longer you wait.
[sighs] Well, then you should let me go.
Go?
Go where?
Think of your station in life, my dear.
A servant without a penny to your name.
Husband disappeared.
But he [sighs]
[Davina] Perhaps one day,
you'll marry again.
Who's to say?
Rare is the man who wants to
raise another man's bastard.
Folk will assume you're unmarried,
that the bairn was born out of wedlock.
Be treated no better than
dirt on folk's shoes.
Would I be treated better here?
There'd certainly be no chance of it
if you don't take matters
into your own hands.
Another mouth to feed
and a hindrance to you and your work,
not to mention the scandal.
The laird wouldna find that
the least bit desirable.
You didn't bring down the flowers.
I've heard Brian call you Ma.
He is your son out of wedlock.
Brian is the laird's son.
Lord Lovat's son.
And he kent it.
'Tis your only choice.
I've no doubt he'll want to keep you.
And if you choose not to take it,
he'll get rid of the bairn himself.
I have no use for that.
I'm not with child.
[indistinct chatter]
[Dougal speaking indistinctly]
Lady Ellen, I-I was taking my leave.
Oh.
Seems we're all of us unlucky in love.
You can blame yourself
for your bad luck.
How dare you?
If you weren't so reckless,
attacking Malcolm Grant
I was acting for your honor.
- [Ellen scoffs]
- I swear it.
And exactly how far would
you go for my honor, Dougal?
Save your breath to cool your parritch.
Dinna add insult to injury.
You despise that family.
You would have used any excuse
to pick a fight with them.
I did make a mistake,
aye,
but that was Colum who
promised you to Malcolm Grant.
Does it matter?
I'm the one paying the price.
But as it stands, Colum has no right
to commit Clan MacKenzie to
an agreement with the Grants.
He's made their injury
a problem so that he
can provide the solution.
- I see no problem to solve.
- [Ellen] What are you saying?
If you were chief,
you'd rescind the offer he made?
Break his word?
You have a bonnie face.
And Malcolm wants ye. I'm certain of it.
And the Grants have money.
But they dinna stand to gain
much from an alliance with us
aside from a hopefully modest dowry.
Glad you think so highly of
me and our family, Dougal.
[Dougal] I'm saying what
more are the Grants after,
huh, agreeing to this alliance?
They canna be trusted.
Do you believe you'll become
laird of Clan MacKenzie?
[dramatic music plays]
Are you not concerned
the line of men trailing
MacKinney grows by the day?
My men will back me.
And the clan will back my men.
You'd do well to recognize that.
[indistinct chatter]
[aristocrat] Rank beggar,
oyster-dredger,
dismal debtor on the lawn,
bard baiter, thief of nature,
false traitor, devil's spawn.
[crowd jeering]
[White Rose] The Earth should tremble,
the firmament should shake,
and all the devils of
hell for terror quake
to hear what I shall
write with pen and ink.
For when I flyte,
this man for shame should sink.
Marcus MacRannoch.
[crowd jeering]
[speaking Gaelic]
[speaking Gaelic]
Long live the Stuarts.
Craven coward and
common thief, thou purposed
The Jacobite faithful
will miss Seumas Ruadh.
Your father's contributions to the cause
were greatly appreciated.
[White Rose] High sovereign lord
Am I right to assume that Clan MacKenzie
will continue in their loyalty?
[Dougal] I will fight to
restore a Catholic king
- to the throne, aye.
- [crowd yells]
My brother's sentiments, however,
are changeable as a weather vane.
[White Rose]carry this cankered
He has extended his favor
to the Grants, ye ken.
[crowd jeering]
Promised our sister
Ellen to Malcolm Grant.
For shame none such should
e'er be called a Scot
A great shame.
A radiant face such as
hers could have healed
a thousand hearts for our cause.
[aristocrat] Thou begged with
a pardon in all the kirks
- while under night
- It still could.
[aristocrat]stole
thou stags and stirks.
Because of that
If I were to be made chief,
I would have the power to select
a more suitable match for our Ellen.
[aristocrat]in all the kirks
while under night thou stole
thou stags and stirks.
Because of that,
Scotland of thy begging irks.
Can Clan MacKenzie afford to
make an enemy of the Grants?
[White Rose] English and loyal
shall squeal and skirle
Wars have been fought over less.
[White Rose] Foul mismade mytting,
give here your purse.
I do not fear war.
[White Rose]
devoid this loathly lown
'Tis the lengths to which
my brother would go
to maintain peace that worries me.
[White Rose] Judge ye
now who got the worse.
He canna lead our clan to glory
if he's bent at the knee.
[crowd jeering]
[aristocrat] Deceitful
Jacobite serpent's tongue
I will make it known.
Any clansmen who desires a Stuart king
champion you as the laird.
[White Rose] English and loyal
shall squeal and skirle.
Foul mismade mytting,
give here your purse.
Leave off thy flyting,
come kiss my erse!
[crowd yelling]
Judge ye now who got the worse.
Eh!
[wolf howls]
From Malcolm Grant,
that you may be fitted for a gown
in his clan's colors.
Grant ladies wear this in their hair
on special occasions.
[Mrs. Fitz] It's not so dreadful.
[both laugh]
[Ellen] Do you think you could
make it look half decent?
Oh, left to my own devices, there'd be
birds nesting up here.
You'll take me with you
when you're married?
Aye if I marry.
Oh, Colum's of the mind
that a Grant alliance
earns him favor.
But if MacKinney is made laird,
could he not offer you
to the Grants as well?
What choice do you have?
None, perhaps.
Not really.
Like a piece on a chessboard,
I'm stuck in this game
with the duty to play it.
But there are still moves to be made.
[dramatic music plays]
Spoken as a true MacKenzie.
[MacKinney] That's a good question.
As laird, I'd serve you
with courage and compassion,
for my heart is made of the
same steel as my sword.
Now, as you know, I'll be looking
for as many votes as possible.
And anything you can
bring in my direction
would be well appreciated.
[indistinct chatter]
Enjoy the rest of the day, gentlemen.
Has MacKinney won you over, then?
I'm surprised he'd take the time
to speak with the women.
The men are already converted.
But if any of them are still wavering,
their wives will be
convincing them tonight.
I'd like to see him try to convince me.
He's cunning.
I doubt he'll keep his promises.
He's not the man to carry
on our father's legacy.
The clan comes first.
You may resent Colum for
offering you to the Grants
to secure an ally to the south.
But Dougal is no better.
My John is intimate with the
Jacobites and their leaders.
And he heard this morning that Dougal
offered you in secret to MacRannoch
to form his own alliance.
Surely our brother wouldna be so brazen.
Well, suppose we'll have to wait and see
who will be laird
and which alliance will be honored.
- [MacKinney] Gentlemen.
- Mr. MacKinney.
[MacKinney] How are you?
It's very good to see you.
[Davina] Welcome home.
[Brian] I hope you've
something for us to eat.
- I'm starving.
- [Davina] No surprises there.
But it pleases me that you laddies
still have an appetite.
Murtagh.
[Davina] I was worried
when the laird sent you
to the MacKenzie gathering.
Relieved to see you untouched.
[Murtagh] Dinna fash, Mistress Porter.
I wouldna see him harmed.
[Davina] Bless you, Murtagh.
You two lads must look
after one another.
I've done as the laird asked.
There's much he'll want to hear,
much we're eager to share.
We are?
[Davina] He'll be
pleased with you, Brian.
We must no' keep him waiting.
I'll have Julia follow you in
with a tray of refreshments.
I, uh I dinna want
the laird distracted.
All the septs were in attendance.
And of course, some clans
came to pay their respects.
The Camerons, uh, MacDonagh, MacLeods,
many Jacobite supporters.
[Lovat] Seumas Ruadh was always
sympathetic to the cause,
happy to bleed his clans dry.
Have his sons taken
up the cause as well?
Dougal, uh, spoke with
several Jacobites.
But Colum received each guest in-
in equal measure,
including the Grants.
Aye. [chuckles]
Was my old friend Isaac there?
[chuckles]
Well, he was never truly
bound to the Stuart cause.
He commits only to what's
advantageous to himself.
It's why we get along so well.
[Brian] Aye, he was
and his son Malcolm.
Dougal's attitude being what it is,
he managed to affront the Grants.
Right, believing his sister
was taken by Malcolm Grant,
Dougal beat him mercilessly.
He was wrong, but the damage was done.
Isaac would have wanted
his head, I'm sure.
Aye, but Colum devised
a way to appease Isaac
by promising his sister
Ellen to Malcolm.
Isaac Grant is my ally.
If the MacKenzies dare
turn him against me
The marriage will only serve
to strengthen their bond.
Aye.
But they're not married yet.
An engagement can be broken.
There must be a reason
why she hasn't wed
as her sisters have.
A stain on her reputation?
I'll write to Isaac at once.
[Brian] The loss of a reputation is
is no small thing.
[Lovat] Well,
you think I don't know that,
that the MacKenzies cared about that
when they saw me fall from grace?
I'll see her name dragged
through the mud before I feel
an ounce of compassion
towards that family.
But, Father, there must
be another way, a
a more honorable way.
You have much to learn, boy.
[Murtagh] I couldna tell
why you were so keen
on speaking to your da.
But now I understand.
Wouldna have thought of it myself.
You kent your da wouldna
permit the marriage.
I didna think he'd tarnish
a lady's character.
[Murtagh] I know it's a great shame
for the lady to lose her reputation.
But if Malcolm refuses Ellen,
I may yet have a chance
of winning her hand.
Suppose I should be thanking you.
[Ellen] Ken you had
to do as Colum asked.
Will you do the same for
Dougal if he becomes laird?
Arrange all the
particulars of my marriage
to Marcus MacRannoch?
Dougal offered your hand?
To secure his own alliance
with the Jacobites
and undermine Colum.
[Ned] Those damned fools.
Now that your brothers
have divided their support,
MacKinney has an even clearer path.
I-I was at your father's
side when he ousted Donald
and took over Clan MacKenzie.
And it was as peaceful a process
as such things tend
to be on the surface.
But
whenever a new laird is installed,
mysteriously their adversaries,
they seem to fall away.
My brothers,
our family,
we're the ones who will disappear
if MacKinney becomes laird.
I have been trying to
persuade one of your brothers
to concede to the other,
but neither will yield.
Stubborn as mules.
I promised Red Jacob I would
serve his family well.
I hope I haven't failed him.
[chuckles]
I must say,
sometimes grief,
it feels a lot like fear.
[horses neighing]
[hooves clopping]
Are you not joining the
cattle raid tonight, Da?
Your brothers have
been learning the ways
of the cateran since they were wee.
Now they must succeed on their own.
But without you there to guide them,
to light the way
Young men are transformed
into true caterans
under cover of darkness.
School of the Moon.
Well, perhaps there's room in
this school for one more pupil
and I can go and fetch my horse.
[laughs]
Aye, you're a fine horsewoman,
a leannan.
But I wouldna want you to lose
one of your pretty little ears
on a raid.
Colum's task is clear.
He must lead a band of our warriors
to another clan's land
and lift their cattle
without any hindrance.
Colum's eager to display his courage.
Ah, the endeavor shows his bravery,
but a safe return proves his skill.
We'll ken his worth soon enough.
If Colum can demonstrate
he has the qualities
of a true cateran,
we'll have proof of his valor.
Should he become chief,
he will be held up by the
warriors of our clan.
Never fear the darkness, m'annsachd.
Sheds a light on who we really are.
[clicking tongue]
[Colum groaning]
[groaning continues]
What the hell happened?
[Colum grunting]
Colum's horse startled,
threw him clear off.
[Alec] I think his leg is broken, sir.
He canna walk.
Alec helped him back on his horse
and we rode straight back.
Are you telling me you
abandoned the raid?
[Colum panting]
We didna make it to where
we were meant to go.
You didna make it?
[forcefully] You didna make it?
Why is it whenever I
pair you two together,
everything turns to shite?
I'll go fetch Davie Beaton.
Stop your squealing.
[Colum screams]
Help your brother to his bed.
You can manage that, can you no'?
- [Colum whimpering]
- Go.
[Colum groaning]
[bird chirping]
I knew from our walks how much
you'd miss observing them.
[both chuckle]
Resilient creatures, eh?
Always a song to sing.
A full moon past, and you're
still not out of your bed?
'Tis naught but a scrape.
You should be out on your feet by now.
Beaton says my leg is still healing, Da.
But he swore I'd be well by Hogmanay.
I intended to heed your advice, Da,
and lead us towards the Lowlands.
But Dougal wanted to capture
a bounty from the MacDonalds.
When he broke off,
many of the raiders followed.
As we neared the MacDonalds' lands,
they rang the kirk bell and gave chase.
In the valley, they caught up to us.
Why did you no' tell me this before?
Would you have thought any better of me?
And when they caught up with you,
did you stand and fight man-to-man?
One of the MacDonalds shot a fusil
and my horse reared.
I couldna stand, much less fight.
If Dougal hadn't led the men astray
Why did the men choose to follow Dougal
to MacDonald's lands?
Did they have no faith
in you as a leader?
It's of no consequence now.
You're naught but a cripple.
Da.
Da!
[Ellen] Colum, no.
- No, no!
- [Colum] I'm fine.
[Ellen] Let me help you.
I'm not a cripple.
[grunting]
Da.
Da?
[grunting]
Colum!
[Colum] Da?
[groans]
Da!
[groaning]
Help your brother back to his bed.
[Colum groans]
Da!
[screaming]
[Ellen] Shh.
[Colum groaning]
[Ellen shushing]
[crowd cheering]
[laughter]
Think you can do better
than your taxman, Colum?
Come, we'll have a go.
Enjoy your win.
I'd take a moment to catch your breath.
I'm needed in the great hall.
[MacKinney] I'm teasing, Colum.
I'd never expect you to face
me in a game of strength.
[laughter]
[crowd cheering]
Who's next?
[crowd yelling]
[laughter]
I'll walk with you, Colum.
You must be enjoying this.
Seeing me humbled when
promising you to Malcolm.
Your callousness wounded me.
I'll not deny it.
But I understand why you need the Grants
to side with you over MacKinney.
Invite Malcolm to the oath-taking.
Do what you can to improve your
standing before it's too late.
I dinna need your aid.
Pride goeth before a fall.
Mind what happened the last
time you refused my help.
Dinna fash. I'll never forget.
Nor the way Da looked at me.
As if I might as well be dead to him.
So leave me be, and take
your pitying looks with you.
Colum, that's not what I meant.
I don't pity you.
I never have.
How could I?
Because I canna compete in a
simple game of maide-leisg,
as you damn well know,
much less expected to be named as laird.
Being a warrior is not
what makes a good laird.
Cattle and commerce, tenants, dues.
You know this.
What use is a sword when
what's needed is a pen?
I'm glad you think so.
Was it Da who told you that
or your precious Aristotle?
[crowd cheering]
Explain it to them,
the folk backing MacKinney.
Let's see how your powers of
persuasion serve you then.
See how it feels to be found lacking.
Colum.
[crowd cheering]
I should drag you in front
of all of our kinsmen
and have you atone.
But I'll no' humiliate us both.
Should you ever put our kin
or clan in danger again,
then God help you.
[Dougal] How many lashes have I earned?
I'll no' stop until you've bled.
[whip cracking]
[Dougal grunting]
[Red Jacob grunting]
[Dougal whimpering]
I don't understand.
[breathing heavily]
How have I disobeyed you?
Huh?
Are the MacDonalds no' our rivals?
Should the MacKenzie name no' be feared?
Feared, aye, but no' disgraced, son.
By stripping them of their dignity,
you only deepen their hatred of us.
Aye, but a dozen or so kine.
If Colum had been more capable,
that's what we would
have gotten away with.
No?
You blame your brother?
Aye.
You're a fool, Dougal.
You're a bloody fool.
Come on.
I couldna beat any sense
into you if I try.
[panting]
Well, have you heard?
Seems Colum was humiliated by MacKinney
in a game of maide-leisg.
What I would have given
to have seen his face.
If you're not loyal to
your own family, Dougal,
how can we trust you to lead the clan?
I heard about your
arrangement with MacRannoch.
[chuckles]
Well, Colum's no' the only MacKenzie
who kens how to snoove his way.
Always putting your own
selfish whims first,
no matter the cost to anyone else.
What are you talking about?
The School of the Moon.
The cattle raid.
Marauding MacDonald land.
What's that got to do with it?
[chuckles]
Are you blaming me for Colum's fall?
I-I canna help it if God made him lame.
Better that Da should learn then
that Colum wasna fit to be laird.
Well, you ken that Da never
made his thoughts known.
Never declared that Colum
should be his successor.
Aye.
That raid served another purpose.
'Twas also when Da decided
that you weren't fit to be laird.
He kent you'd never learn to
put the clan above of yourself.
Da lost faith in you.
Did he tell you that?
[Ellen] 'Twas plain to see.
Da didn't name you his heir either.
Yeah, well, 'tis up to the clan now
who they want as their chief.
How can you be so blind?
You're so busy trying
to prove Colum wrong,
you haven't noticed that MacKinney's
been courting the Grants as well.
If MacKinney prevails, where will we be?
He'll be the Grants' puppet.
They'll have charge of us all.
Is that what you want?
[knock at door]
Enter.
You wanted to see me?
I need you to reason
with my brothers again.
They might be more receptive now.
Receptive to what, exactly?
The matter concerning MacKinney.
I have a notion of how to resolve it.
I need to know if it's possible.
[Mrs. Fitz] Lady Ellen, here.
I'll say another wee prayer for us.
[Malcolm] Lady Ellen.
You look well.
I'm glad to see the color
in your cheeks returned.
Thank you.
I'm feeling much better now.
I see you received my gift.
I assume the new arrangement
is to your liking?
Aye.
I couldn't have dreamt of
a more favorable match.
I should join my sisters
up in the balcony.
[Malcolm] Of course.
Shall we?
I hope your wedding
is this well attended.
No sign of our brothers yet.
Not yet.
My father has sat at the head
of Clan Grant for so long,
I havena been to an
oath-taking ceremony.
It's a true testament to your
your father's sway and fortitude.
Whoever is named your laird today,
I hope we can both keep our heads.
MacKinney.
May I introduce you to Malcolm Grant,
who is, of course,
betrothed to our Ellen.
[regal bagpipe music playing]
Tulach Ard.
[crowd] Tulach Ard!
[Colum] I stand before ye,
as the eldest son of Seumas Ruadh,
to pledge myself to you
as the laird of Clan MacKenzie.
[crowd] Aye!
My body is broken.
My spirit never will be.
Therefore, I ken I am a leader.
My strength is in what I have learned
and what I continue to learn.
It is in Clan MacKenzie.
[crowd] Aye!
I'll no' lie to you.
I'm brave, but I canna be a warrior.
My legs willna allow it.
Though I can protect the
clan from crises we may face,
I canna lead the clan alone.
Should the day come when our
fighting men must draw iron
[dramatic music plays]
I will defer to my brother,
Dougal, as war chieftain.
[crowd murmuring]
My brother speaks honestly.
So I will do the same.
Our fighting men ken my valor,
but they may no' ken my loyalty.
Let this prove where my allegiance lies.
I vow before all MacKenzie
men here today
to be my brother Colum's legs
and sword arm in the field.
I swear to wield my holy iron
to defend the clan's honor
in wartime and in peace.
I give you my fealty
[crowd murmuring]
pledge you my loyalty in
the name of Clan MacKenzie.
[Dougal smooches]
Help me, brother.
And I give my fealty to you,
in times of war,
in the name of Clan MacKenzie.
- [Colum smooches]
- [crowd] Aye!
[Colum grunts]
With my brother and I at the helm,
'tis a foolish man who would
threaten Clan MacKenzie!
[crowd] Aye!
[MacKinney] There can be only one laird
of the Clan MacKenzie.
[crowd murmuring]
And as I am capable of
fulfilling all the duties
of chieftain,
I call into question the legitimacy
of the brothers' arrangement.
I- I believe I could help
shed some light on the matter.
It-it is possible for
Colum and Dougal MacKenzie
to share leadership
through separate duties.
Peacetime laird and war chieftain
are titles that have
precedent in other clans.
But for Clan MacKenzie,
it is the oath-taking here today
that will determine
whether we do the same.
[person clears throat]
[Alec] I swear by the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ
and by the holy iron that I hold
to give you my fealty and
pledge you my loyalty
to the name of the Clan MacKenzie.
If ever shall my hand
be raised against you
in rebellion,
I ask that this holy
iron pierce my heart.
[liquid pouring]
[people murmuring]
I swear by the cross of
our Lord Jesus Christ
and to the holy iron that I hold.
And you will be our trusted
counsel, MacKinney.
[person speaking Gaelic]
Is this your handiwork, Ellen?
[person speaking Gaelic]
I believe it was Ned who
verified the legality.
You've managed it artfully,
as Da would've.
[indistinct chatter]
[laughter]
[Ned] The MacKenzies
will stand by their word.
Colum wouldn't have
made the offer lightly.
[Henry] Good.
Well, Isaac now sees
value in the arrangement,
and his son is determined
to have Ellen MacKenzie's
hand in marriage.
Yes, well, he will not be disappointed.
It will be a beneficial union.
[Henry] Mm.
Are you lonely?
Would you like some company?
You'll no' find yourself
a good woman here.
I do not expect to find a
good woman here, Mr. Bug.
I'll be waiting outside,
then, whilst you
carry on with your business.
Mr. Henry Grant, I present Una Hay.
Uh, Mistress Hay has the finest
collection, shall we say,
of ladies in the Highlands.
- [laughter]
- Right.
If there's a woman alone in Inverness,
she will have come across her.
Describe the woman you seek.
[Henry sighs] I
She is an Englishwoman.
She has fine features: uh,
soft brown hair;
pale, piercing blue eyes,
but they are kind eyes.
She can make everything
seem right in the world
when she looks at you.
[clears throat] Her name is Julia.
A woman like that, she'll stand out.
It may take a wee bit of time
and a wee bit of money.
Well, whatever the cost, I would pay.
I'll send word when I find her.
Right.
Well, I mustn't keep Mr. Bug waiting.
[clears throat]
A bit different, that one.
- Aye.
- Mm.
So your usual?
Oh, that would be lovely.
[both laugh]
[Julia] "The best stories always have
the most unexpected twists and turns,
including this horror story
I am living, apparently.
I don't think I can hide
the baby much longer.
The housekeeper has a keen supposition.
I've kept her at bay thus far,
but I'll have to tread carefully.
Every day brings with it incessant toll,
drudgery with no relent.
But it is not being forced
to work that will break me,
for I believe I'm strong
in spite of my somewhat
delicate condition.
Rather, it is the strain of
worry that takes its toll,
of being watched,
fearing punishment for my mistakes
or anything that comes
remotely close to defiance
or disobedience
in whatever ways that
is defined by my keeper.
I am in a prison.
It may not be the conventional kind.
It has no walls as such.
It is made not of stone
or bricks or bars
but of vast moors,
unpredictable weather
[Davina] Hurry, lass.
There's still much to
be done in the kitchen.
[Julia]and more so by the rules
that govern this time,
a world that is unkind-
hostile, even
to a woman who dares
find herself alone in it.
[breathing deeply]
I was foolish to think I could
escape from here, Henry.
I've tried more than once.
But where can I go?
To a worse fate elsewhere?
[crying]
I want so desperately to
believe what I told you
about the raindrop
that becomes an ocean.
Yet I am drowning in a
monsoon's worth of tears.
But I am determined
that our baby will live
and that Claire will one
day meet her sibling
and that somehow we
will all be reunited.
It is hard to foresee a happy
ending in these circumstances,
but we've overcome so much.
I will keep writing to you,
keep putting one foot
in front of the other,
keep holding on to hope
until that time comes.
I can't bring myself to let
go of the only piece of you
I have left here, my love.
So, forgive me
for what I'm about to do."
[knocking]
Come and warm yourself, my English rose.
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