8. Famous Last Words

In a flashback to the 20th century, Professor Roger Wakefield lectures his Oxford University students on the importance of last words; Brianna, dropping in, asks him what his would be. In August 1771, Roger, who managed to survive his hanging, has become voluntarily mute, struggling with repeated post-traumatic flashbacks, rendered as black-and-white silent film which gradually gain sound and color as the episode continues. (Claire and Brianna accurately diagnose the condition.) Young Ian Murray returns to Fraser's Ridge, distinctly less talkative. Governor Tryon has furnished Roger with 5,000 acres of land in an attempt to apologize for the unlawful hanging, and both Roger and Ian are sent out to survey it; Roger, looking down a sheer cliff, has one last flashback to what he saw as he dangled – the face of his beloved wife, Brianna. He then interrupts Ian, who is also seeking solace in death after some unnamed disgrace which severed him from the Mohawk. The two return to Fraser's Ridge, ready to speak.