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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. What is the forest chapel now called?

2. What does Merlin injure when he falls from his horse on a sunny day?

3. What is inscribed on the temple altar in the Temple of Mithras?

4. Where does Merlin intend to take Arthur?

5. On what day does Merlin's horse throw a shoe, forcing Merlin to stop taking the path the Old Ones had shown him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are the people concerned and apprehensive about Uther's health? Is it more than just concern for their king?

2. Merlin admits to the reader for the first time since the story began that he is apprehensive about meeting with the queen. Why?

3. Why does Merlin hide himself away in his cave for three months after returning to Bryn Myrddin?

4. Why does the hermit at the Chapel of the Green feel comfortable telling Merlin about the story of Macsen's sword?

5. The spring after Arthur's twelfth birthday brings the rumblings of war to England. What happens?

6. Why does Merlin feel that he cannot share information, even with Ahdjan, a relative, so far from Britain?

7. How does Merlin realize that the king's soldiers are closer than he thought? What does he plan to tell the soldiers when he and Ralf are found?

8. What parts of Arthur's upbringing do Merlin and Uther agree on? What parts do they not agree on? What is Merlin's solution to the problem?

9. What does Uther reveal to Merlin about his injury? How does this effect his concern for Arthur?

10. Merlin meets Morgause, Uther's illegitimate daughter, after developing a medicine for the ailing Uther. What are Merlin's impressions of Morgause? Does the author give any indication that there is more to Morgause than is being revealed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Putting aside the more magical aspects of Arthur's trip to the throne, there are a lot of politics at work within this story. Create a summary of those politics. Name the players and what they stand to gain or lose.

Essay Topic 2

After the battle against Colgrim, it is clear that Arthur has a significant amount of backing as Uther's heir. But, even as Merlin leaves Uther certain of the succession, he is uneasy. Why? What concerns are still present?

Essay Topic 3

Why is it necessary for Arthur to learn his true heritage when Merlin shares this vital information with Arthur? What impact does it have on Arthur?

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