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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 will the Saxons hold a festival for Eostre?

2. What was the occupation of the narrator of this book?

3. Where is Nantosuelta performed?

4. Who sends Derfel an invitation to the important spring feast?

5. How many columns are the Saxon armies divided into when they attack Derfel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is included in the first chapter with the purpose of helping the reader understand the plot better?

2. What is the first thing Derfel does when he realizes that he and his men are trapped in the earthen fortress?

3. What does Arthur ask Derfel to do during the winter following the sacrificial ritual?

4. What is the price to Arthur for the alliance with Gwent?

5. What happens as Derfel and his men prepare to die in battle against the Saxon armies?

6. Why does Arthur send Derfel to confer with Aelle, and how does Derfel feel about this?

7. What warning did Bors give Derfel, and how did this affect the fight?

8. What does Aelle do before Derfel leaves his castle after delivering the message from Arthur?

9. What is the one thing Arthur does NOT do while he is fighting with Derfel against the Saxons?

10. What is Arthur's initial plan of attack against the Saxons?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Friendship is a strong theme throughout the book. Where are some places that this theme appears, and how do the characters touched by it react? How do certain friendships change over the course of the book, and what causes these changes?

Essay Topic 2

Sacrifice is a theme that is prevalent in this book. Who are the characters most affected by this theme, and how do they allow sacrifice to change their lives?

Essay Topic 3

How is this book narrated, and what does this do to enhance the plot?

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