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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When do Merlin and Nimue come to see Derfel and Cinewyn on their farm?

2. What woman rides with Lancelot to the baptismal site in Corinium?

3. Where does Merlin go after the journey to Ynys Mon?

4. How many of Derfel's men left him when he decides to follow the Dark Road?

5. How many men does Aelle take with him to meet with Arthur and Cerdic in London?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Merlin and Nimue do to protect Ceinwyn after Lancelot's Druids threaten her life?

2. How does Lancelot evade being turned down to join the Fellowship of Mithras?

3. Who does Arthur want initiated into the fellowship of Mithras and why does Derfel protest?

4. Who are Dinas and Lavaine?

5. What did Merlin pledge his life for before leaving to find the cauldron?

6. What is Derfel's childhood history?

7. How do Derfel and Igraine keep Bishop Sansum from knowing that Derfel is writing tales of Arthur?

8. What slows Arthur's troops as they go to battle the Saxons?

9. What does Arthur imply Derfel would gain if he proposes Lancelot for membership in the fellowship of Mithras?

10. How does Derfel realize that all the ruses that they had devised to make Aelle attack and the sacrifice they made were wasted efforts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using examples from the novel, discuss the conflict between the Druid pagans and the Christians.

Essay Topic 2

Taking the position of either Arthur or Derfel, argue whether Tristan and Iseult should have been turned over to King Mark or allowed to find refuge somewhere.

Essay Topic 3

Derfel frequently tells Igraine that the stories she has heard are not true. Compare and contrast the legends about Arthur and his exploits that the bards sing with the true story as told by Derfel.

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This section contains 805 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample