How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Shouldn't you help [Jamie]?" I murmured to Murtagh, out of the corner of my mouth. He looked surprised at the idea. "No, why?" "He'll call for help if he needs it," said Ned Gowan. (11.151-11.153)
When Jamie finds himself in a three-on-one barroom brawl (he's the one), he has enough physical power to take all the men out… and his companions know that. It would be insulting to Jamie if they helped… he needs to show off his strength at this moment.
Quote #8
"Earn their respect before ye do aught else. And if you canna do that, earn their fear." (13.33)
This is how power is earned on the Scottish Highlands. It seems that the men who do it best, like Colum Mackenzie, take a little bit from column A and a little bit from column B.
Quote #9
"I'm a pretty problem to the brothers Mackenzie. On the one hand, if I'm a threat to young Hamish's chieftainship, they want me safely dead. On the other, if I'm not, they want me—and my property—securely on their side if it comes to war." (20.29)
These power plays between Scottish clans can be confusing. They can also, strangely enough, be lifesaving. While it would simplify one issue to just have Jamie dead, his death would complicate another—perhaps more important—matter. So all this confusion keeps him alive… or at least delays his inevitable death.