Edward joins Fergus’s men toward the front of the march, where he is accepted by the clan almost as warmly as Fergus is. The prince calls Fergus to attend to some English prisoners, and among them, Edward discovers a man he knows from Waverley-Honour named Houghton. Edward asks Fergus to get the injured Houghton a surgeon, but the man dies shortly after. Before his death, Edward learns from Houghton that the Waverley family seal had been stolen from him by Donald Bean Lean, who had used it to persuade his fellow soldiers to desert their regiment.

Near the town of Preston, the Jacobites see the English upon a plain where the Highlanders have the higher ground. The Jacobites skirmish with the army of Sir John Cope. Edward debates his loyalties as he sees Callum about to kill his former Colonel. There is a break in fighting at night, and Edward fears for his friends.

The Highland army starts to move in on the English early in the morning, nearly surprising them as they approach. The ferocity and courage of the Highland infantry frightens many of the members of the English cavalry and artillery, leading them to fall back.