Season 2 Episode 12   

"The hail Mary"   

   

WRITTEN BY: ANNE KENNEY AND IRA STEVEN BEHR  

 

 

 

 

FADE IN: 

1POST. A GROVE OF TREES - DAY1  

NEAR THE body of a HIGHLANDER SOLDIER lying dead in a grove of trees near a waterfall. The corpse has remained there for several days, and its face is frozen in a smiling rictus of death, while the body lies deformed in the final and eternal stirring. It's not a pretty sight.

WIDE SHOT to include CLEAR, standing on the body.

CLAIRE (V.O.)
How many men had I seen killed in battle? This Highlander, no doubt one of the many deserters from the Jacobite army, who had encountered a patrol of red coats, was only the last. I stood there helplessly, looking at this poor young man, a boy, really, and marveled at the hopes he once had, his dreams shattered. And I thought of our crumbling rebellion and our evanescent dream of victory.

JAMIE (O.C.)
(call) Claire, what's holding you back? How much time do you need for a simple piss?

CLAIRE
(reminder) I'm coming right away.

Claire casts a last prolonged look at the body.

CLAIRE (V.O.)
A lot, a lot, too much.

She turns around and walks away, walks behind a tree gathering her skirts and squats.

 

2EXT. MAIN JACOBITE CAMP - DAY2 

Not the happiest place on Earth. The Highland army is exhausted, wet and hungry. Claire, JAMIE, MURTAGH, DOUGAL, RUPERT, ROSS and FERGUS, newly arrived, enter the camp. They don't look very good either. They are tired from a long journey. Fergus, half asleep, looks around the camp.
FERGUS
Where are we?

CLAIRE
Outside Inverness.

Murtagh puts the boy on his feet, and Fergus looks around, rubbing his eyes.

FERGUS
Is this a good thing?

Claire and Murtagh look into the Highlanders' camp at the tired, wet, hungry and demoralized troops.

CLAIRE (V.O.)
It was hard to believe that these were the same brave Highland warriors who had defeated the British army at Prestonpans and Falkirk. Who had marched triumphantly in England. Five months of retreat with not enough food and a brutal time had left them broken and demoralized. Our worst nightmare was coming true, and I felt completely helpless in the face of it.

MURTAGH
We can at least rest here.

FERGUS
Very good. You look like you need to sleep.

Claire watches Fergus bring his horse back to the others, passing Ross and Rupert as she goes. Rupert, who wears a patch over one eye, stretches out his sore back while trying to stay steady on his feet. Ross, always an optimistic presence, no matter how serious the circumstances, puts a hand on Rupert's shoulder to stabilize him.

RUPERT
Take away your dirty hands!

ROSS
(sarcastic) I'll say this for you, Rupert, losing an eye didn't improve your disposition.

RUPERT
What is the use of a rebellion fleeing a fight? You know what poor Angus would say?

ROSS Like poor Kincaid, I guess, "It's
time we turned around and show them our faces."

Rupert puts on his vest and pulls out a small vial.

RUPERT
There's only a little supper left, but I'll drink from it.

He takes a small sip and hands the bottle to Ross, who gratefully accepts it and drinks the rest.

BACK WITH Jamie, Dougal, Murtagh and Claire.

JAMIE (to Dougal)
I know your men are falling asleep, but I need you to go on patrol and locate the enemy. Find out how close they are behind us.

DOUGAL
We will need food for the horses before leaving.

JAMIE
Take what we have left. But find the British Army for us.

DOUGAL
Make sure there is food waiting for us when we return. The strength of men decreases with only one bannock a day.

Jamie nods as Dougal walks out.

JAMIE
Murtagh, Lord George will soon convene a council of war. I need you to go to Inverness to look for the Prince. You'll find him at Thunderton House on Batchen Lane.

MURTAGH
A Council of War, you say? I think all three of us know where this will lead. Culloden Moor is only a few kilometres east of here. (to Claire) The 16th day of April, you said, is the moment when history records the battle?

CLEAR
Yes. (to Jamie) In three days.

Murtagh returns to the Fraser men, leaving Claire and Jamie behind.

CLAIRE (continued)
All this work, all this conspiracy, how did we get here?

JAMIE
As you say, Sassenach, it wasn't for lack of trying. But dinna is waving the white flag for now. There is still time to avoid the fight we can win, if I can make Charles hear reason.

CLEAR
If anyone can, it's you.

They kiss, clinging to each other for a sweet moment, two people at the end of the world. Then--

JAMIE
I have to look after the well-being of men. Hopefully there is something to eat in this abandoned place of God.

CLAIRE
I would also like to go to Inverness. see if I can restock my medical supplies. Trvouve a way to save us.

Jamie tenderly touches her face.

JAMIE
The best I can find.

They kiss again, and then walk away in different directions.

 

3INVERNESS INTERNATIONAL APOTHECARY - DAY3 

Claire, carrying a BASKET, empty except for her MEDICAL BOX at the bottom, enters the small shop. Shelves are not as well stocked as they would be under normal (i.e. peacetime) circumstances. As the CLERK finishes waiting for a little woman at the counter, Claire takes the opportunity to look around.

CLERC
(to women) Ginger, chamomile and arsenic. Will there be anything else, mademoiselle?

WOMAN
A bottle of laudanum.

The woman is English. This, along with something familiar about its hesitant cadence, makes Claire look up.

CLERC
This is the second bottle this week, miss. It's very strong.

WOMAN
A bottle of laudanum. Please.

The clerk goes away to fetch the laudanum. Claire stares at the woman's back, the light rises.

CLAIRE
Mary?

The woman turns around. It is actually MARY HAWKINS. She has shadows of fatigue under her eyes, older than when Claire last saw her a few months ago. Claire's face lights up with pleasure at this surprising encounter, but Mary's features harden when she recognizes Claire.

MARIE
Claire.
CLAIRE
What the hell are you doing in Inverness?

MARIE
I guess you came with the Jacobite army. Everyone seems to think that there will be fighting soon.

CLAIRE
Yes... I am afraid that is true.

She is still trying to protect Mary in this place.

CLAIRE (continued)
You still haven't told me why you're here. We sent you home to England, after what happened with the Duke...

MARIE
Yes. And then Alex contacted me.

Claire is unable to hide her surprise and shock.

Marie (continued) (provocateur)
You heard me right, I'm here with Alex Randall. He obtained a position as assistant to the overseer of a large English estate near Inverness. I decided to join him.

CLAIRE
What about your family...?

MARIE
does not approve. But Alex and I are getting married.

CLAIRE
is... wonderful.

MARIE
Really? You pretended to be my friend.

CLAIRE
I am your friend, Marie!

MARIE
Alex told me how you convinced him that leaving me in Paris would be in my interest.

CLAIRE
He was not in good health and had no job prospects.

CLERC
Here is your laudanum, mademoiselle.

MARIE
Thank you.

She picks it up and walks to the door. Claire stops him.

CLAIRE
Marie. I am sorry for any pain I may have caused you or Alex. I was wrong to intervene. The situation was... Complicated.

Mary looks at her, not yet ready to forgive her.

CLAIRE (continued)(Subject: Medication)
Is Alex okay?

MARIE He's
going to be fine. I'm taking care of him now. Our owner has a sick child and she advised me on proper medication.

CLAIRE
I see. Maybe I could stop? Say hello and apologize to Alex?

Mary's desire to be strong and her disappointment with Claire are at odds with her anxiety about Alex's true health.

MARIE
If you wish. We took a room at McGilvrey's pension.

And she hurries before losing her temper, Claire looking at her worriedly.

CLERC
Can I help you, Madam? My reserves are a bit low, with all the hustle and bustle...

CLAIRE
Oh yes. I have a list. Let's see what you have.

 

R4EXT. CULLODEN HOUSE - DAY - ESTABLISHMENTR4 

4CULLODEN INTERNATIONAL HOUSE - FORTUNE HQ - DAY4 

The furniture was set aside and a map of the surrounding countryside was placed on a table. Unlike the staff scene in episode 210, there is no buffet with food and drink, and with the exception of Prince Charles, everyone in the room seems to be able to make do with a bath and laundry.

Jamie, PRINCE CHARLES STUART, GENERAL GEORGE MURRAY, QUARTERMASTER COLONEL JOHN WILLIAM O'SULLIVAN, ANDREW MACDONALD, DONALD CAMERON OF LOCHIEL and the same group of CLAN CHIEFTAINS we saw in episode 210 are gathered around the table.

O'Sullivan insistently taps a spot on the map with his index finger.

O ' SULLIVAN
gentlemen, I have carefully studied our situation, and our choice is clear: the best place to fight the enemy is a few miles from where we are - Culloden Moor.

(beat)

O'SULLIVAN (continued)
Do we agree?

With Jamie and the others, WE LOOK DOWN to the point on the map indicated by O'Sullivan - it reads CULLODEN MOOR.

JAMIE
Yes, this is the perfect place - for the British.

MURRAY
I agree with that.

Jamie talks to Prince Charles as much as he does to others.

JAMIE
Culloden Moor is flat, plain, sir. Without enough cavalry and artillery, our lines will be broken to pieces before our troops can even engage the enemy.

MACDONALD
Yes, Clan Fraser, maybe. But the MacDonalds will do the job.

JAMIE
With all due respect, why fight? (to Prince Charles) I implore you to march into the camp, Your Royal Highness, and see for yourself the poor form of your army. The men are too exhausted to fight a major battle.

O ' SULLIVAN
I refuse to listen to such cowardly remarks...

Prince Charles raises his hand to O'Sullivan, silencing him so Jamie can continue.

JAMIE
(urgently) There is always the question of French gold - a large cargo, you may remember, would have left the continent. With such funds, we can get food and weapons. While waiting for his arrival, we divided the army into smaller units, which makes it more difficult for the British to follow. And then, when our men are well rested and have the supplies they need, we can choose the best terrain to fight and defeat the enemy once and for all.

A moment of silence as everyone reflects on Jamie's suggestion.

PRINCE CHARLES
James, you have been a most faithful companion and friend. But I'm not a hare afraid of being crushed by a pack of British dogs. I'm a man. A soldier. And I'm tired of retirement. (a decision is made) The men will rest, and then we will march to Culloden. Mark me, gentlemen, God will provide for our needs. We obey His orders.

MURRAY
May he have mercy on us all.

Prince Charles and O'Sullivan turn to leave, but Jamie can't let him go. He makes one last desperate attempt to turn the tide of history:

JAMIE
My wife is a seer, Your Royal Highness, The White Lady -- a White Lady. Ask her, and she will tell you, we must avoid Culloden Moor at all costs.
Murray looks at Jamie, more than slightly embarrassed.

O ' SULLIVAN
A white lady? By God, the boy not only lacks courage, he is a real madman.

Jamie's hand wanders to the hilt of his sword - he'd like nothing better than to pass O'Sullivan right there, but Charles gives him a soothing pat.

PRINCE CHARLES
Rest, Fraser. You will see things clearer with a little sleep. (then) Gentlemen, to your messages.

And just like that, the tide of history is getting closer and closer to disaster for the Jacobite cause.

 

5EXT. INVERNESS STREET - DAY5 

Claire walks down the street. His basket is now full, a loaf of bread and some leafy vegetables gushing from under the scarf draped over the basket.

CLAIRE (V.O.)
Although I used most of what little money we had left for the apothecary's medicines, I was able to exchange a few hours of medical care for several loaves of bread and three bunches of kale. Unfortunately, gossip about British soldiers was rare.

Claire walks past McGilvrey's boarding house saying this. She stops.

CLAIRE (V.O.)
Mary Hawkins and Alex Randall were also on my mind. I kept seeing that bottle of laudanum and the packet of arsenic in my mind... Two common but misguided treatments today for advanced tuberculosis. Making a decision, Claire enters the rooming house.

 

6OMIS6 

7INTERNATIONAL ROOMING HOUSE - ALEX'S ROOM - DAY7 

The room is long and narrow. Someone tried to give it a warm touch, but it's still pretty dark. ALEX RANDALL is at one end of the room, lying in bed, lined on his side in a coughing fit. Mary is at a small table by the fire, trying to pour TEA, her hands trembling badly. She rushes to bed, battling her growing panic, offering Alex tea.

MARIE
I dissolved a little more arsenic in the tea. If you can only...

Alex raises his hand, which is holding a BLOOD-SPOTTED CLOTH, to get ahead of her as Claire enters the room.

CLAIRE
Arsenic will bring color to her cheeks, Mary, but it won't help the cough.

As she speaks, Claire crosses the room, puts down her basket and quickly helps Alex sit up, making it easier for him to breathe. As her cough slows down, Mary's relief is palpable.

ALEX RANDALL
Mrs. Fraser... How good it is to see you.

Mary wraps her arms around him, offering a sip of water.

CLAIRE
I'm happy too.

As he takes a wild breath, preparing to speak again...

MARIE(
to Alex)

Keep your breath.

CLAIRE
Good advice. I will prepare a poultice that will relieve the muscles of your chest and back.

Just then, Alex's face lights up, his eyes fixed on something above Claire's shoulder.

ALEX RANDALL
Johnny!

Claire turns to see BLACK JACK RANDALL, dressed in civilian clothes, standing in the doorway. Jack moves to the bed to kiss his brother. As he walks past Claire, stunned...

JACK RANDALL
Claire.

Claire wants nothing more than to put distance between herself and Jack Randall. She starts packing her things.

ALEX RANDALL
(to Jack) You didn't say anything about another visit in your last letter. And where is your uniform?

Jack casts a worried look at Claire.

JACK RANDALL
I was given a short leave to see you, and I did not want to attract the unwanted attention of the Jacobites who might roam the streets of Inverness.

ALEX RANDALL
It's so good to see you, Johnny.

Marie leaves them to speak quietly and joins Claire. Jack takes over Mary's services to Alex, demonstrating an uncalculated level of tenderness that is new to us and Claire.

Claire looks up at Jack and Alex. Mary follows his gaze.

MARIE
I don't know what we would have become without John.

CLAIRE
What do you mean?

MARIE
(a bit guilty) I didn't quite tell you the truth to the apothecary this morning. We would be completely helpless if John didn't pay our bills. Do you think it will be a long time before Alex can work again?

Mary is clearly in serious denial.

CLAIRE
Marie, perhaps... You should begin to reconcile with your family. So you have a place to go, when Alex...

Mary looks at her, horrified.

MARIE
When Alex what?

CLAIRE
Alex will not be returning to work. He cannot be healed, Mary. Sorry--

Mary unconsciously places her protective hands on her belly. Claire signs Mary's gesture. The light is rising.

MARIE
But... He must be cured.

CLAIRE
Oh my God, Mary, you're pregnant, aren't you?

Mary cries and nods.

CLAIRE (continued)
Does Alex know?

MARIE
Yes. And John.

Claire reacts when Jack approaches them.

JACK RANDALL
(to Marie) Alex asks you.

Mary wipes away her tears and then walks away to Alex. Jack turns back to Claire, but she ignores him, instead of picking up his basket and walking out.

 

8EXT. INVERNESS STREET - DAY - MOMENTS LATER8 

Claire walks out of the rooming house, her mind swirling with Mary's revelation and Jack Randall's appearance. Her thoughts are interrupted by a hand that brutally grabs her arm - Jack Randall, who followed her.

JACK RANDALL
Claire.

She shakes her arm away from him, furious.

JACK RANDALL (continued)
Please, Claire. Do not pass on your animosity for me to my brother. Alex hasn't taken an easy breath for weeks. His youth and vigor melt into blood globules and phlegm... Please. Heal him.

CLAIRE
As I explained to Marie, Alex cannot be cured.

JACK RANDALL
But you can at least relieve his pain. Please. I am not asking you for me, but for my brother and the mother of his child, whom you have always considered friends.

Claire considers her plea, her options.

CLAIRE (V.O.)
Even though I knew I couldn't save Alex, I wondered if maybe by accepting Black Jack's plea, I could save the lives of thousands more...

CLAIRE
If I go to your brother's house, I want something in return.

Now Jack's eyebrows rise in surprise.

CLAIRE (continued)
Tell me where Cumberland's army is.

JACK RANDALL
Are you going to trade for the suffering of an innocent man? Mistress Fraser, you have changed...

CLAIRE
The woman I am now is no longer the woman I once was.
A sad smile plays on Jack's lips, recognizing his own words that are sent back to him [Ep 106]. Right now, Jack Randall both despises and admires her. As he considers his options...

 

9EXT. HIGHLANDER CAMP - NIGHT9 

Rupert, slumped on the ground with the rest of Jamie's men, watches a COACH approach, guarded by half a dozen HIGHLANDERS.

RUPERT
I don't need two eyes to recognize this coach.

He stands up. In doing so, he kicks a sleepy Murtagh.

RUPERT (continued)
On your feet, you lazy.

Awakened with a start and not happy about it, Murtagh pounced.

MURTAGH
Injured or not, it's my foot in the ass that you arua.

RUPERT
I'm shaking, that's for sure.

He points to the cariole that stopped nearby.

RUPERT (continued)
But first, would you be so kind as to tell me what the hell the MacKenzie is doing here?

Murtagh looks over, recognizing the Laird as well.

MURTAGH
If I knew, I would.

The two men, along with other Highlanders, approach the opening door and, with the help of TWO ATTENDANTS, enter COLUM MACKENZIE. This is not an easy task - the Laird has aged a lot since we last saw it. His body is fragile, his posture hunched with pain.
Murtagh and Rupert are shocked to see Colum's health.

COLUM
God's sorrow, aren't you both a sad sight. Don't they feed you in this man's army? Even Rupert looks like he's dropped a stone or two. Still, it's good to see familiar faces. I was sorry to hear of the death of little bastard Angus.

Rupert looks away. It is always a painful subject for him to recognize it. Colum understands.

COLUM (continued)
I thought that if he fell, you would be sure to fall with him.

RUPERT
Me too.

There is an awkward silence. Colum looks down, a moment of quiet respect for Angus Mhor.

COLUM
Well, do you expect me to stand here on these rickety sticks that are mine? Find me a bed to rest. And then bring me my brother and nephew.

And as Colum is taken...

 

10INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S ROOM - NIGHT10 

Jamie paced around, chewing a piece of kale. Claire has just finished telling him what she learned in Inverness. He spits out the piece of cabbage.

JAMIE
It's like we're never going to get rid of this man.

CLAIRE
Maybe this time his presence will be good for us.

Jamie sniffs in derision, then...

JAMIE
Nairn. Are you sure that's what Randall said? Cumberland's army encamped at Nairn? It's only 12 miles from here...

CLEAR
Yes. And that in two nights, a celebration for Cumberland's birthday will take place there.

JAMIE
That's very interesting information, Sassenach. If true.

CLAIRE
I believe so. Normally, I wouldn't, but... I have never seen him so desperate. And his information would be pretty easy to confirm, wouldn't it?

JAMIE
(come to think of it) Yes.

CLAIRE
Jamie, I know it's a small act, in light of what we're dealing with here, but I'd like to go back and take care of Alex.

This brings Jamie's thoughts back to her.

CLAIRE (continued)
I think I owe them a lot, and at least I feel like I'm making a difference somewhere.

JAMIE
What if Alex dies in your care? What stops his evil bastard of a brother from sending you to the other world after him?

CLAIRE
Murtagh could come with me.

Before they can discuss it further, Murtagh comes to the door.

MURTAGH
You are both wanted. Colum arrived.

OFF Claire and Jamie exchanged WTF expressions --

 
11COLUMBUS ROOM INT. - NIGHT11 

Claire examines Colum, who lies on a small cot, grimacing in pain. Jamie watches.

COLUM
You're wasting your time with all those bites and flare-ups. The healer who took his place in Leoch. It has been getting tougher and harder in recent weeks.

CLAIRE
With good reason, I fear so.

COLUM
I've been dying for years. It's a tedious process. I welcome its conclusion.

JAMIE
Is that why you've come all this way, in your weakened state? To hasten your death?

COLUM
It seems that my brother always gets satisfaction from making me wait.

JAMIE
Dougal is not at camp right now. He leads a scout.

To Claire and Jamie's surprise, Colum laughs with joy at the news.

COLUM(
with a conscious nod) I've always said you're a smart boy. You invested my brother with enough authority to keep him happy. But not enough to allow him to grasp more.

JAMIE
(bowing in gratitude) It's like you're reading my mind.

COLUM
Well, while waiting for my brother to return, I will speak with Claire privately.

Claire and Jamie exchange a look - what is it? But Claire nods in agreement.

JAMIE
I'll be nearby, if needed.

Jamie walks out of the room.

COLUM
Good boy. I must congratulate you, Claire, on such an admirable marriage.

CLAIRE
I remember when you found our union less pleasant.

COLUM
I was wrong. It's one of the pleasures of dying, I can finally admit it when I'm wrong. It is also easier to ask for favors. And I need it from you, Claire. My pain is becoming more and more tedious day by day.

CLAIRE
Sorry. I can give you laudanum.

COLUM
Laudanum dulls the senses. (then) I would prefer something stronger. Something more... final.
As Claire realizes what Colum asks of her:

CLAIRE
Isn't suicide a mortal sin?

COLUM
What is one more sin for a sinner? Geillis Duncan gave her husband a quick death. I would be happy to do the same.

CLAIRE
It may be quick, but I assure you that death by cyanide poisoning is a scary way to end one's life.

COLUM
I'll leave it to you to work out the details. I hope you will give me a kinder death than this gave poor Arthur.

CLAIRE
I'd rather not talk about my friend Geillis Duncan.

COLUM
The memories remain even more vivid than the wounds. But I have news to reassure your mind: the life of geillis.

This revelation stops Claire in her tracks.

CLAIRE
How?

COLUM
Geillis was not burned until the baby was born.

CLAIRE
And where is the child now?

COLUM
It was given to William MacKenzie and his wife Sarah. They had no children.

Is CLAIRE
Dougal aware of this? I never heard him mention the existence of the child.

COLUM
The bairn is just one more mistake my brother has to live with.

After a beat, Claire reaches out into her MEDICAL BOX and pulls out a vial of liquid.

CLAIRE
Yellow Jasmine. It will be no different to drift into a deep sleep.

Colum's shoulders slump in relief as he takes Claire's vial, feeling the weight of it in his hand.

COLUM
For what this is worth, you have my deepest gratitude. Now I think I will rest until my brother returns.

Colum closes his eyes and soon falls asleep.

 

2OMIS12 

13INTERNATIONAL ROOMING HOUSE - ALEX'S ROOM - DAY13 

Jack holds Alex in a sitting position, while his brother coughs violently, struggling to breathe. Claire, grace under pressure, carefully wraps the herbs in a pipe. A thick roll of PARCHMENT paper that she uses as a primitive stethoscope rests on the table. Mary flies between Alex and Jack and Claire.
Murtagh stands aside, watching. Jack is tight as a spring, but tries to stay calm for his brother.

JACK RANDALL
is fine, Alex. Help is on its way...

MARIE(
to Claire) What do you do?

Alex strangles on his own blood and phlegm, his throat squeezing into bronchial spasms, far worse than the day before.

CLAIRE
Light me a taper, Mary.

The young woman walks to the fireplace, doing as she is told.

CLAIRE (continued) (re: herbs)
It is a mixture of coltsfoot and thorny apple. He should open his airways.

As Claire takes Mary's cudiness, carrying it with the hose to the bed...

JACK RANDALL
Are you crazy? He can't smoke that...

CLAIRE
I will help him. This will make it easier for him to breathe.

Claire uses the flame to light the herbs in the pipe. She takes a puff, then uses the rolled scroll as a conduit, placing it on Alex's nose and mouth, and blowing smoke into it [a kind of primitive inhaler]. He struggles at first, but slowly begins to relax.

After a few moments, his breathing subsides and he falls back against the pillows, breathing lighter but still wet, sweaty and exhausted. He smiles faintly, but it is clear that he is still suffering.

Mary rushes to his side and begins to mop up his face and chest with a damp cloth. Jack extricates himself and approaches Claire.

JACK RANDALL
He is still suffering. There must be something more you can do.

MARIE
Maybe a little more arsenic?

CLEAR
No. More arsenic. It will not do anything positive. Laudanum if he wants to sleep, but if not, there is really nothing more to do. I'm so sorry. Filled with despair and frustration, Jack grabs the needle and hits it against the wall.

JACK RANDALL,
"Sorry?" Everyone can be sorry. We're all sorry! We had an exchange. You're supposed to do something.

CLAIRE
I told you I couldn't...

Murtagh stands between Jack and Claire, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

MURTAGH
If you need to vent your frustration, I will be happy to oblige you.

CLAIRE
Stop it, both of you!

Alex reaches out to his brother.

ALEX RANDALL
Johnny--

Jack moves quickly by her side, Mary at the other. Claire walks away to make tea (or make a poultice).

JACK RANDALL
Sorry. Everything is fine, Alex. Don't worry.

Alex looks at Mary, then Jack.

ALEX RANDALL
I have to ask you to do something for me. For us. Please know that I do not ask this lightly. But for the sake of your love for me...

He interrupts himself with a cough.

JACK RANDALL
is fine. (re: Marie) I will not let anything miss from Mary or the child.

Alex smiled at him.

ALEX RANDALL
Thank you. I brought in the minister.

Jack looks struck.

ALEX RANDALL (continued)
No, dear brother, not for the last sacraments. Not yet. (a look at Mary) For your wedding.

Claire and Murtagh exchange a confused look.

JACK RANDALL
(stupidly) My wedding?

Alex takes Jack's hand and joins her at Mary's. Although Mary is not happy about this, she and Alex have obviously talked about it. She fights tears, trying to be strong for him.

ALEX RANDALL
You and Mary, dear brother.

Jack is speechless. Claire falls on a chair, her knees suddenly weak.

CLAIRE(
In a breath)
My God.

ALEX RANDALL I need you to take care of her,
Johnny.

He looks at Mary, who tries to give him a reassuring look.

ALEX RANDALL (continued)
We want to... that our child is named Randall.

Jack finds his voice, which reflects his horror at this request.

JACK RANDALL
But... You can accomplish this by marrying her yourself. And then, of course, I'll make sure she takes care of her...

Alex shakes his brother's hand and implores him.

ALEX RANDALL
As her husband, you can give Mary and our child a certain position in the world. So much more than I could do it.

Jack tilts his head, shaking it slowly.

CLAIRE (V.O.)
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Was this how Black Jack and Mary Hawkins would become the parents of Frank's ancestor?

ALEX RANDALL
(re: Mary and the baby) I salute the well-being of those who are most precious to me... (ref.: Jack)... to the one I've loved the longest.

Jack looks at the ground, almost frantic, not knowing how to say what he thinks. Alex says it for him.

ALEX RANDALL (continued)
Dear brother, do you think I'm not aware of the density of the dark wall you built to protect yourself from the world? But I have testified to the depth of your tenderness. Been the beneficiary of your generous soul. This inner man is the one to whom I entrust my dearest Mary and our child.

Jack jumps on his feet as if he is suddenly on fire. The dissonance between the man his beloved brother sees and the man he knows he is too much to tolerate.

JACK RANDALL
I'm sorry Alex. I... Sorry.

And he's walking out of the room. Claire begins to pursue him.

CLAIRE
Captain Randall --

MURTAGH
(to Claire)

Where the hell are you going?

But Alex's coughing fit pulls her back.

MARIE
Claire, please!

CLAIRE(
to Murtagh)

Keep going. Please. I have to talk to him.

Murtagh hesitates, then does as he is asked. While Claire packs the pipe again...

CLAIRE (continued) (to Mary)
Get another taper, and the laudanum.

 

14EXT. HIGHLANDER CAMP - DAY14 

Jamie holds the reins while Dougal gets off his horse. Behind them, the rest of the tired CAVALRY PATROL watches over their mounts.

DOUGAL
The British camp at Nairn.

JAMIE
That's what I was told.

DOUGAL
(surprised) Well, I wish someone had told you before I did all this difficult driving.

JAMIE
I am told that the British intend to throw a party to celebrate Cumberland's twenty-fifth anniversary.

DOUGAL
We have not seen such preparations. How did you find all this information?

JAMIE
It was given to Claire by an English officer. (then, admit) Jonathan Wolverton Randall.

DOUGAL
Black Jack Randall? There is a story behind this meeting, that's for sure. But should we give credence to the word of this bastard?

JAMIE
Not only. I sent scouts to Inverness. It seems that the officers of the British commissary bought wine and sweet meat.

That doesn't do much to allay Dougal's distrust of intelligence, but he chooses not to pursue the matter further. For now.

DOUGAL
Food and drink are all I could think of on my way back from Nairn.

JAMIE
There's little food here, I'm afraid of it. And you will have to postpone even that.

DOUGAL
Why? My belly longs to be filled.

JAMIE
Your brother has arrived.

And as this news lands on Dougal...

 

15EXT. INVERNESS STREET - DAY15 

Claire and Murtagh walk from the rooming house to a tavern, where Jack Randall drowns his sorrows.

MURTAGH
I believe you are encouraging this madness. All this to save the cursed Frank Randall.

Claire stops, rolling over him.

MURTAGH (continued)
Haven't we had enough suffering in the name of saving this mythical sting?

CLAIRE
Frank is neither a myth.

MURTAGH
Oh, well, then, let's put the lamb back on so that it becomes the plaything of this crooked wolf with a black heart.

CLAIRE
It is the welfare of the lamb that concerns me, not Frank's. Mary Hawkins needs a husband, otherwise she and her baby will end up destitute and starve to death on the streets.

MURTAGH
Then I will marry her!
Claire looks at him, momentarily speechless.

MURTAGH (continued)
She's not the kind of woman I imagine myself to be – not that I spend a lot of time doing that, mind you. And I'm not the kind she imagines, if this soft Alex Randall rag is her kind. But... We could get along. People do. I was never a father, but Jamie's parents chose me as their godfather. And I watched over him. He didn't fare so badly.

CLAIRE
You have been a wonderful godfather to Jamie. Mary and her baby would be lucky to have you.

His eyes narrowed, hearing in Claire's voice the...

MURTAGH
But?

CLAIRE
(gently)
But... We are at war. You could be dead tomorrow or the next day, and then where would they be?

MURTAGH
Captain Randall could share the same fate, God willing.

Claire thought it through.

CLAIRE
(softly) Yes, but Captain Randall's widow will be entitled to her property and officer's pension. He also has a family pedigree and a position that his father might find acceptable enough to let Mary go home.

MURTAGH
You mean, more acceptable than a broken down Highlander with no house and no sticks to rub together?

CLAIRE
I'm sorry to say, but yes.

Before the moment gets too sentimental...

MURTAGH
(subject: tavern) This is the place.

Murtagh nods. He starts walking past her to let her in, but she stops him.

CLAIRE
Do you want to wait here? I think it will be better if we are alone. There is nothing he can do to me in such a public place.

Murtagh reluctantly agrees. Claire enters the tavern alone.

 

16INT. INVERNESS TAVERN - DAY16 

Claire is sitting at a table with Jack Randall, who has drunk a considerable amount. Claire bids her time, waiting for it to open.

JACK RANDALL
What kind of Being creates a world where monsters thrive, and beauty and purity are rewarded with poverty and atrocious death?

CLAIRE
A Being who also offers the possibility of redeeming oneself.

Jack makes a mocking and dismissive noise. Then he focuses on
Claire.

JACK RANDALL
You have to help me persuade Alex to give it up. He must marry the girl himself, give the child a father and a name, and I will see to it that she is taken care of.

CLAIRE
And what happens to Mary if you're not there to do it?

He looks at her, a bitter smile curling his lips.

JACK RANDALL
April 16, 1746. You cursed me knowing that this would be the date of my death.

CLEAR
Yes. As your sister-in-law, Mary would be entitled to nothing. But like your widow...

JACK RANDALL
What if your miserable curse turns out to be false? What if the world continued as it always has? Pure hearts suffocating to death with their own blood. (haunted) Helped there, perhaps, by the monsters that walk among them...

CLAIRE
Have you ever hurt your brother?

JACK RANDALL
(appalled) No. Never.

CLAIRE
Perhaps this immunity would extend to those who are dearest to her.

JACK RANDALL
"Maybe." Is that enough for you?

CLAIRE
Sometimes that's all we get.

Jack considers Claire, then tries another tactic to remind her who he is, why she should dissuade Alex from marrying him off to his beloved Mary.

Has JACK RANDALL
ever told you the things I did to him in that little room in Wentworth?

Claire freezes - unprepared for this turn of phrase in the conversation.

CLEAR
Yes.

JACK RANDALL
I know the smell of his sweat and the roughness of the hair on his thighs. I know the sound he makes at the end, when he got lost...
Claire stands up, knocks over the stool, trembles with anger and repulsion. He grabs her wrist, holding her there - his eyes desperate, panicked.

JACK RANDALL (continued)
Do you really want to imagine Mary Hawkins in my bed? You must help me persuade my brother to give it up.

Claire struggles to stay focused on her goal.

CLAIRE
He will not listen to me about this, and you will send your brother to his grave with a broken heart.

Jack releases her wrist, knowing she is telling the truth.

CLAIRE (continued) (softer)
If you love Alex as you seem to, then I trust that his belief in you will be enough to hold back your impulses with Mary Hawkins.

Jack looks up at her, the image of misery, wishing he could believe it was true.

 

17COLUMBUS HALL INT. - DAY17 

Jamie and Dougal stand in front of Colum's bed. After months of separation, Dougal sees his brother and his state of disrepair.

DOUGAL
It pains me to see you so sick, my brother.

COLUM
Congratulations on your ability to hide it so well.

DOUGAL
If this is the case, it is because I also feel joy at your change of heart.

COLUM
And what change would that be?

DOUGAL
Did you not come to join the MacKenzies of Leoch with our righteous rebellion? To restore the king across the water to his throne?

COLUM
You think I became Jacobite? (barking a laugh) That I'm going to lead the MacKenzies over the cliff, with you a lot? I may be dying, but I haven't become simple.

JAMIE
If you didn't come to help us, why come?

Colum struggles to find the air behind his words.

COLUM
There are questions -- clan issues, that need to be resolved while I'm still breathing. I have declared my wish that my son Hamish be the next chief of Clan MacKenzie.

DOUGAL
Hamish? It's just a boy... Who will guide the clan to its majority? Teach him what it means to be a chef?

COLUM
Ned Gowan can teach him the law of clans. And I have chosen a guardian whom I believe the clan will follow until Hamish comes of age. A man whose task will be to guide the boy to adulthood. To see him, he learns to choose what is best for the future of Clan MacKenzie, and thus demonstrate his dignity as chief. (then) James Fraser, I offer you this guardianship.

Before Jamie can answer...

DOUGAL
Are you in favour of a Fraser rather than a MacKenzie to lead our clan? On your own brother? Do you even refuse me the guardianship of the boy, when by right you should propose me as your successor?

COLUM
Jamie is our sister's son. He shares our blood, and you know it. And I am skeptical that my support is enough to convince the clan to choose you as their leader.

DOUGAL
Are you saying that the MacKenzies would support my leadership?

COLUM
If you were as popular as you think, there would be many more MacKenzie men here today in your army. Has this thought never crossed your mind?

DOUGAL
The bloody cross of Christ! I love Hamish, and he loves me very much. He barely knows Jamie!

COLUM
Yes, the boy is your father, as you like to remind me so much. And I know your deep affection for him.

DOUGAL
And I know the reasoning behind this repugnant decision on your part. This is your last chance to punish me for fathering the son you never could.

Colum refuses to respond in kind to Dougal's anger.

COLUM
I no longer have the strength to tackle old wounds. It is the future of the Clan that dominates my thoughts. And I will do whatever is necessary to secure that future.

DOUGAL
And what future would that be? Do you really think Jamie will act differently than me? As soon as his eyes close for the last time, he will recruit the MacKenzies to our cause. They will fight and die and damn your wishes.

Colum turns to Jamie.

JAMIE
Je suis honoré qu’on me confie les soins de votre fils. Mais Dougal parle vrai, j’utiliserai toutes les options à ma disposition pour vaincre les Britanniques. Et cela inclut la levée de la bannière MacKenzie.

COLUM
Je ne doute pas de votre esprit combatif. Mais je sais que vous ne sacrifieriez jamais vos hommes inutilement. Si la cause est perdue, vous placerez la vie de vos hommes au-dessus de tout. (à Dougal) Dites-moi que vous feriez la même chose. Dites les mots. Pensez-les, dans votre cœur et votre tête, et la tutelle est à vous.

Dougal a du mal à dire les mots qu’il ne croit pas. Finalement, les yeux sombres et la mâchoire serrée, il se retourne et sort de la pièce.

COLUM (suite)
J’ai vécu ma vie paralysé dans mon corps, mais mon pauvre frère a vécu son esprit estropié.

 

18MAISON DE CHAMBRES INTERNATIONALE - CHAMBRE D’ALEX - JOUR18 

We are halfway through the wedding ceremony. An uncomfortable clergyman stands at the foot of the bed. Alex is propped up on pillows. Jack, his face of stone, stands on one side of him, Mary on the other, their hands clasped through Alex. His hand rests on theirs in a kind of blessing. Mary is stoic, but the tears are just below the surface. His eyes are red and swollen, his face white.

Claire and Murtagh are witnesses.
PRIEST
(to Jack) ... in sickness and health; Forsaking all others, be faithful to Him as long as you both live?

JACK RANDALL
I want it.

The clergyman turns to Mary.

Priest
Mary, will you take this man for your husband; To live together forever in the convenience of marriage? Will you like it...

As he continues, Mary fights the tears, but one or two fall from his eyes on his cheeks. Jack sees this and, expressionlessly, pulls a large square of linen from his sleeve
and offers it to him. She takes it with a slight nod and touches it on her cheeks.

CLERGYMAN (continued)
- to comfort, honor and keep him in sickness and health; Forsaking all others, be faithful to Him as long as you both live?

Mary hesitates. Alex shakes her hand, encouraging her.

ALEX RANDALL
Everything is fine.

MARIE
I want it.

PRIEST
(to Clare and Murtagh)

Will those of you who witness these promises do everything in your power to support these two people in their marriage?

Murtagh gives Claire a dark and skeptical look. Claire clings by her nails to her belief that this is the right thing to do.

CLAIRE
We will.

The clergyman looks at Murtagh.

MURTAGH
Yes, I will. Go ahead.

PRIEST
O merciful and eternal God, look with mercy at this man and woman who come to you to seek your blessing...

 

19CULLODEN INTERNATIONAL HOUSE - FORTUNE HQ - DAY19 

Jamie, Prince Charles, General Murray, O'Sullivan and the rest of the usual suspects. Jamie has just presented the Prince with his desperate final plan to change history and avoid the terrible defeat at Culloden Moor.

PRINCE CHARLES
A surprise attack? During Cumberland's birthday festivities?

JAMIE
I guarantee it will prove a birthday he won't soon forget.

CAMERON
A birthday and a funeral on the same day.

PRINCE CHARLES
It doesn't sound very gentlemanly.

MURRAY
I think we've all learned that there's nothing gentleman about going to war.

JAMIE
It will mean a twelve-mile night walk.

PRINCE CHARLES
Are men capable of such an arduous undertaking?

JAMIE
They haven't let us down yet. Lord George will lead a column. Together, we will trap the British among ourselves.

While men are thinking about this...

PRINCE CHARLES
John, I turn to you, as always.

O ' SULLIVAN
The plan has its merits, I admit. I agree, with one exception, Fraser: you will ride with the general. The Prince and I will command the second column.

Jamie struggles to hold back his disdain.

JAMIE
I'm not sure that's wise...

MURRAY
We accept your terms. Well, gentlemen, it is decided.

PRINCE CHARLES
Listen to me, I will bring a bottle of my best wine. As a birthday present for Cumberland. I will present it to him when he is my prisoner. It will be a lot of fun to see his reaction.

20COLUMBUS HALL INT. - DAY20 

Dark, except for a gutter candle. Dougal walks in, clutching an almost empty bottle of wine.

DOUGAL
I brought you a little vere, my brother. Colum responds in a weak voice, unable to lift his head from the pillow.

COLUM
Will you not leave me in peace? You stink of sour wine.

DOUGAL
Yes, I do. That's all I could find. I drank enough to confuse a stallion, but I remain as sober as a bairn.

Dougal takes one last sip, realizes that he has emptied the bottle dry. He holds it upside down, watches a drop or two fall to the ground.
DOUGAL (continued)
It seems that there are no more to share. Probably for the best, God knows I don't want you to think that I would do anything to hasten your departure from this world.

COLUM
I am beyond any injury you may do to me.

DOUGAL"
Wound I do you?" Christ man, what about all the pain you have caused me in this of a life we have shared?

COLUM
Your life belongs to you. I do not take the blame for that.

DOUGAL
(ignoring the interruption) I still remember that day. The day they brought you back after you were thrown by that horse. A stallion, I remember, too wild for a ten-year-old to ride. You were badly injured, but I knew you would recover. You were my big brother. Nothing could hurt you too badly. At least that's what I thought. (then) But you betrayed me. Instead of mending, you have gotten worse. I watched your legs get more and more twisted day by day. I watched you shrink, and I hated you for it. And in my hatred, I cried. I cried like never before or since. The world has never been the same. You destroyed it.

Dougal waits, but Colum doesn't answer.

DOUGAL (continued)
Don't you have an answer? Damn your soul, answer me!

He stretches out his hand and grabs his brother, only to find his body soft, his flesh cooled. Colum MacKenzie is dead.

DOUGAL (continued)
Brother? Brother?

Dougal finds the empty vial of yellow jasmine on the bed next to his brother's body.

DOUGAL (continued)
Then you turn against me one last time. Leaving me alone in the dark... the darkness of the world. And everything I was hoping to tell you remains trapped here.

He hits her skull with a fist.

DOUGAL (continued)
Here! Unspoken. Forever. And all because you couldn't keep your ass on a bloodied horse.

Dougal falls to his knees by the bed. He clings to Colum's icy hand, kneels next to his brother's body. In silence. But not in peace.

 

21INT. ROOMING HOUSE - ALEX'S ROOM - NIGHT21 

The candle in Alex's room burns low. He is still supported, but seems to be sleeping. Mary sleeps with her head on the bed next to him. Jack is sitting on the other side.
Claire waits quietly, doing the nurse's duty and staying until her patient is out of danger or in the other world. Jack glances worriedly at Mary, fragile as a kitten, and sighs, distressed. He is surprised by his brother's soft voice.

ALEX RANDALL
She will love you as I do, Johnny.

Jack looks at his brother, whose eyes float and his breath shortens.

JACK RANDALL
(begging) Please don't leave me.

The pain in her voice takes Claire's eyes away from her task. Jack feels her gaze. He turns around, the pain on his face melting into a familiar threat. Claire hesitates, then seeing that she can't do anything else here, she slips out the door. Jack turns back to his brother. Helpless, as he watches it disappear. Alex opens his eyes, looks at his brother, his eyes full of love.

ALEX RANDALL
(in trouble) Johnny... so good for me... always, Johnny.

And he releases his last breath. Jack, beaten, rests his head on Alex's chest and cries for the first time in a long, long time.

There is a human side to Black Jack Randall. And that doesn't make a small bloody difference.

22INT. JAMIE & CLAIRE'S ROOM - NIGHT22 

Claire just told Jamie about Black Jack and Mary's wedding.

JAMIE
I think you encouraged that little slip of a girl's tongue to become his wife!

CLAIRE
I encouraged her to become his widow. Jack Randall died on April 16, 1746. At the Battle of Culloden.

JAMIE
But... If we succeed tonight, there will be no battle tomorrow.

CLAIRE
Then maybe his death will happen in another way.

JAMIE
What if not?

Claire takes a beat. She has thought about it, but that doesn't make her solution any easier to say. She forces herself to look Jamie in the eye.

CLAIRE
You have kept the promise you made to me in Paris. To spare him his life.

JAMIE
Yes, I did.

CLAIRE
Now I'm ready to keep mine for
you.

A beat as Jamie remembers his words, a little shocked by his composure.

JAMIE
To help me bleed it.

Claire nods, not happy, but resolute.

JAMIE (continued) (gently)
Remind me never to put you on the wrong side, Sassenach.

CLAIRE
It's a part of me that I didn't know I had until I met this man.

JAMIE
Yes, I know...

Then he holds her close to him, both thinking about the path of devastation — inside and out — that Black Jack Randall left in his wake.

 

23EXT. NAIRN ROAD - NIGHT23 

Jamie and Murray on horseback lead a line of Highlanders [including Ross and LALLYBROCH MEN] as they trudge through the darkness. It's an endurance test.

 

24MEETING POINT EXT. - NIGHT24 

PLAN SERRE on a worried and bubbling Murray.

MURRAY
Where is this fool Charles in the name of God?

Jamie and Murray have a conference on horseback. Their men sit or lie on the wet ground, too tired to move. And in the BG, more of the line comes to the drip. Exhausted men asleep standing.

MURRAY (continued)
He should have been here a few hours ago.

JAMIE
Our own column remains spread over miles.

MURRAY
Our army is exhausted. I fear that we trust hungry men too much.

JAMIE
I would always rate a hungry Highlander over a drunk British soldier any day. We can attack now and hope that the Prince's men arrive in time.

An uncertain Murray pondered the idea. Jamie pushes.

JAMIE (continued)
We would have a better chance here than with what awaits us tomorrow on Culloden Moor.
Murtagh gallops out of the darkness on his washed horse.

JAMIE (continued)
A sign from them, Murtagh?

MURTAGH
They turned back.

ROSS For God's
sake, why?!

MURTAGH
They strayed into the darkness. Their troops are scattered from here to Kingdom
Come.

JAMIE
(to Murray, urgent) Let me give the order to attack. We are here, let's fight.

MURRAY
With only part of our strength? That would be madness. And with dawn, we lose the element of surprise. (then) I have no choice but to cancel the attack. (then)
We have to go back to Inverness.

And with that, Murray rams his horse.

MURRAY (continued)
Tomorrow the Prince will have his battle. On Culloden Moor.

And with that, Murray trots far.

WE FOLLOW Jamie and Murtagh, Murray's last words burning in their ears. But there is nothing to be done. They exchange a passing look of defeat, subdue their horses and fly to the destiny that awaits them. In Culloden.

 

CROSSFADE. 

END OF EPISODE 

 

 

 

 

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