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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. How do Arthur's men feel about putting crosses on their shield?

2. Who has asked for the use of Excalibur?

3. Who is Derfel supposed to give the gift from the Saxon king to?

4. What is Eostre?

5. Who officiates at the important spring feast?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Merlin do after Arthur puts an end to the ritual on Mai Dun?

3. What surprising news about Arthur does Derfel learn when he comes back from the Saxon king?

4. What is the message Arthur has Derfel send to Guinevere?

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

6. What does Derfel have planted while he is trapped by the Saxon army, and what does this show?

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

8. What does the Saxon army do when they have Derfel and his men trapped?

9. Why do Derfel and the other Warlords accept the invitation to the spring feast?

10. Who are Guinevere's jailers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Derfel's actual birthright, and what does this reveal about his character and his relationship to Arthur?

Essay Topic 2

This book takes place in a few different settings. Describe some of these settings and how they affected the course of the plot. Why might Cornwell have chosen these particular places for this plot to take place?

Essay Topic 3

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

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