Chapter 2 Summary

The chapter opens with Thorfinn thinking about how boring his history lesson was earlier in the day. Mr. Simon taught the class about the Battle of Bannockburn, taking all the enchantment out of the story by writing long lists of names and dates and having the students memorize and repeat the facts from the lesson.

Thorfinn then accompanies his father to the smithy, where men gather in the evenings. The villagers discuss politics and tell stories. This evening, while the villagers go about their business, the blacksmith is shoeing a horse.

After several of the men present their political views, James MacTavish, the innkeeper, begins a longwinded and passionate speech about the island's history and the importance of Scottish independence. While he is talking, Thorfinn falls asleep, resting against his father's shoulder. The innkeeper's voice, along with the horse being shod, contribute to...