Outlander Book Club: Lord John and the Haunted Soldier Part 1A

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Outlander Book Club: Lord John and the Haunted Soldier Part 1A

As a devoted fan of the Lord John Grey series by Diana Gabaldon, I have read “Lord John and the Haunted Soldier” with great anticipation. The first half of this intriguing story finds our beloved character, Lord John Grey, embroiled in an uncomfortable situation: an inquisition. For those unfamiliar, it is crucial to have read “Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade” prior to diving into this novel.

In “Lord John and the Haunted Soldier” Part 1, I find myself unwillingly drawn into an inquisition during the first half. It’s not a cozy or enjoyable experience for me.

As a dedicated fan of the captivating world created by the author, I strongly recommend reading “Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade” before delving into this novel. A significant portion of the former takes place at Crefeld, where the titular character, Lord John, is unfortunate enough to sustain injuries when a cannon unexpectedly explodes. The English are then conducting an inquisition into the circumstances surrounding that battle’s events.

John manages to keep up with the challenges thrown at him, yet it’s not an effortless feat. His feisty personality remains evident as he navigates through looming legal and professional hurdles.

Breaking down Lord John and the Haunted Soldier Part 1A

In the initial portion of the investigation, John is put under scrutiny. This interrogation is being conducted by Colonel Twelvetrees, Oswald, and a Baronet named Marchmont. An intriguing development unfolds when John reveals that he knows Marchmont’s half-brother, Edgar DeVine. Consequently, the investigation veers slightly as inquiries about Edgar ensue. John is taken aback by this turn of events, but the importance of this detail becomes clearer later in this part.

I came across the intriguing detail that this cannon was named Tom Pilchard. John quipped with a smirk, mentioning they hadn’t officially met. It may not be proper protocol, but John seemed more preoccupied with sharing the story of Red Jamie outwitting him during the Jacobite uprising than anything else.

During the interrogation, the men asked about the day’s events at Crefeld, specifically inquiring about Lieutenant Lister, whom John hadn’t personally known. It was only when Twelvetrees mentioned that this commission wasn’t as routine as he had assumed that John stood up and departed.

John rushes out so quickly that he gets caught in a heavy downpour without knowing his whereabouts. Seeking refuge, he enters a cozy dwelling and is surprised by an encounter with Herbert Gormley. Delighted to see John, Gormley assumes there’s a reason for his visit other than seeking shelter from the rain. It transpires that Gormley harbors the belief that John has come in response to an invitation from Captain Reginald Jones. According to Gormley’s understanding, John is there to attend to some business with the captain.

Jones and Gormley lead John on a maze-like journey, guiding him through a labyrinth of rooms, hallways, and even the Royal Brass Foundry. They eventually reach a spacious spot, where they find scattered remnants of shattered cannons and a cluttered table.

I’ve been noticing the sound of gunfire echoing through the air throughout this ordeal. Surprisingly, I later found out that these shots weren’t random at all. The soldiers were conducting tests to ensure their weapons functioned effectively in rainy conditions. Remember when Edgar led us astray? Well, it seems there was a valid explanation for that detour. His half-brother runs a gunpowder factory in Sussex. There was a suspicion that the gunpowder might have been faulty, and perhaps even sabotaged on purpose.

John has come to the startling discovery that the gun’s components belonged to Tom Pilchard. Despite this revelation, he maintains composure, devoid of emotion. However, his hand reaches into his pocket, drawing out a leopard skin fragment. It aligns perfectly with a part on the table. He makes a mental note that another component remains within John’s possession.

Men are curious if John can recall any details about the explosion. Tired of their queries, John switches the conversation and asks instead about remnants of metal. Unconvinced by their responses, John retrieves his leopard-shaped piece and departs.

Could this chapter be used in a TV series adaptation?

I ponder over whether this short story would find a place in a collection. Although it offers intriguing insights into John’s character, its inclusion isn’t absolutely necessary. Instead, it functions as an engaging interlude between novels, deepening our understanding of who John is as an individual.

I can imagine this story being incorporated into one or two episodes of a novel series, such as “Lord John Grey,” particularly following “Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade.” If ever brought to life on screen, this tale would fit seamlessly within that narrative framework.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: If we skipped over this chapter in the game, we’d miss out on the beginning of a major storyline. The character Twelvetrees makes another appearance later on, so catching up with him now is essential to understanding the bigger picture.

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2024-07-15 18:38