In the fourth episode of Outlander Season 8, Jamie reluctantly agrees to Roger and Brianna's plan. Roger enlists the help of the Continental Colonel, Francis Marion, known for arming militias. Jamie hopes to raise his own militia to avoid joining Cleveland's forces. As part of the deal, the Frasers hide some of the Jacobite gold in barrels of pungent sauerkraut, which Bree and Roger then transport to Fergus' place for safekeeping.
Alone, Jamie and Claire discuss the fact that most of the Ridge families are Loyalists. Jamie avoids giving a direct answer to Cunningham's offer and is busy raising his militia. Claire still believes Frank is lying in his book, but Jamie wants to be prepared regardless.
In Savannah, as Fergus, Marsali, Roger, and Bree catch up, Fergus reveals that John has contacted him for a meeting with Percy Beauchamp. Brianna brings up that Claire is a Beauchamp, surprising Fergus. Suddenly, someone attacks the print shop, leaving Bree and Roger upset to learn that both Patriots and Loyalists are taking their anger out on the shop for publishing bad news.
While recruiting men, Ian meets a strange Scottish man who claims to know Roger and Bree. It turns out to be Buck, who reveals that Cameron is no longer a threat. Jamie welcomes him and takes him back to be reunited with Mandy and Jem.
That night, the house creaks as Fanny and Claire swap ghost stories. It turns somber when Fanny wishes that Jane would haunt her. She reveals how Jane would never tell her anything serious about their family and wishes she knew more. They are interrupted by Elspeth Cunningham, who has had a fall and dislocated her shoulder. For the pain, Claire gives her whisky and sets it right. Elspeth swears like a sailor, courtesy of her first husband, and Fanny is amused. The girl lets it slip that she is from a brothel, and they discuss the skills of prostitutes and acting respectable in front of men. All of this amuses Claire, and she seems to be getting fond of Elspeth.
Meanwhile, Bree arrives at John's place to paint Amaranthus' portrait. William recognizes her and is quite enthusiastic. On learning that Bree came all the way from North Carolina, an upset Amaranthus runs off. Bree and William address the elephant in the room. Brianna insists that he is family, and William is pleasantly surprised to be accepted so readily by her.
Another family reunion doesn't go as well. Fergus meets with Percy, who reveals that his late sister-in-law, Amelie LeVigne Beauchamp, got married to the Comte St. Germain after he wanted to sleep with her. When she got pregnant with Fergus, he kidnapped and sold her to a brothel. With the Comte missing for 30 years, Fergus can publicly acknowledge him as his father and inherit all of his assets as his legitimate heir. The catch is that Percy's French contacts want to buy the old Northwestern territory from the Comte's estate and turn it into a French colony.
Elsewhere, Amaranthus is filled with jealousy towards Bree and William, but his amusement turns to delight as he decides to reveal the truth of his parentage to her. He's only ever told her because he genuinely cares for her, and she subtly confides that she feels the same way. He also confesses that he's weary of his complex past and longs to part ways with his Earl title. She suggests they marry, and he can pass on his title to their son. As Claire nurses Elspeth, she brings up Cunningham's "prophecy" and asks for her opinion. Before Elspeth can say much, Cunningham barges in to take his mother home. Before leaving, he reveals that he knows Jamie is avoiding him and subtly threatens Claire. Elspeth interrupts and quickly leaves with him.
A stunned Fergus returns home and tells Marsali that he actually knew Amelie but never knew she was his mother. The brothel was cruel to her, and in turn, she was cruel to him, blaming him for her misfortune. Her dying words to him were to be a good boy. However, having learned of her past, Fergus doesn't blame Amelie for her hatred and hates that he is the son of such a vile man. Marsali tries to reason that he can still take the Comte's land and do something good with it. He fears that he will just be switching from serving an English king to a French one, and he doesn't want to acknowledge the Comte as his father since he already has a good father - Jamie.
While catching up, Brianna confronts John for using the excuse of the portrait to have her interact with William. Partially joking, John rants about the Fraser kids being stubborn and asks Bree to help William find his footing again. Back on the Ridge, Rachel gets the news that in a clash between the Loyalists and the Patriots, Native Americans have become collateral. Over 40 villages by the Susquehanna river have been destroyed. There's a possibility that one of the villages may be Shadow Lake, where Ian's first wife, Emily, and their child live. Ian is heartbroken and worried, and Rachel offers to accompany him to check on Shadow Lake. Before they leave, she confides in Claire that she feels guilty. She's partially accompanying him so that he doesn't forget about her once he reunites with Emily. While Claire comforts her, Jamie asks Ian to ask about Jane at the Philadelphia brothel for Fanny's sake. He also confides in Ian about the battle mentioned in Frank's book. He believes Frank and Ian will fight with him.
Outside Savannah, Roger arrives at the Continental camp. He makes his offer to Marion, who is initially open to helping. However, his enthusiasm wanes when he learns that it's Jamie's militia, the same man who lost the Army's trust by abandoning his troops. On top of that, no man can leave the camp in case they are British spies. Roger can either fight or wait at camp. He gives in and agrees to fight.
