1. Explain how the meeting between Gorfyddyd, Cuneglas and Arthur gives further detail tot he marriage plan that Arthur has and how, in general, marriages seem to be used in Arthur's time.

2. Describe Norwenna's attitude, after Uther's death.

3. Explain how Arthur winds up killing Owain.

4. How does Uther react to Arthur's name being brought up at the council meeting, in terms of being Uther's successor?

5. Describe the character of Derfel and his role as the novel opens..

6. Why does Derfel understand, and even respect, Arthur's plan to elope?

7. In general, what sort of attitude does Arthur seem to have up to this point in the story?

8. What's the difference between the story that Derfel is telling and the one that the Queen wants to hear and what does that say about the interpretation of events?

9. Explain why Arthur does not fight Owain with Excalibur and how Arthur has an advantage in the fight anyway.

10. Explain how Guinevere's discussion with Derfel about her feelings for Gorfyddyd upset Derfel and how Derfel handles the situation.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lancelot is disliked by both Galahad and Derfel, in the story, partly because he is a liar. Yet, Merlin seems respected by all, even though he lies, in a way, by concealing his identity and suddenly revealing himself before leading Galahad and Derfel to safety by boat. Using at least one example from the book per question, answer the following questions:

Part 1: Why do you think that Lancelot felt a need to lie?

Part 2: Why do you think that Merlin felt a need to conceal his identity?

Part 3: Do you think that Merlin was just as bad as Lancelot because, in a way, he was lying? Why or why not?

Part 4: In real life, do you feel that there are any situations where it's good to lie or conceal the truth? If not, why not? If so, explain and list an example fromt he story that compares to that real-life situation.

Essay Topic 2

The female characters in the story, such as Ceinwyn, are often used as pawns in a bid to win power or unite kingdoms. Write a detailed essay describing two times where that occurred in the novel and also describing how you feel about the women being used in such a way. Would you have done something differently, if you were in charge of the situation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Choose any three of the following six options and write about how they influenced the story, using one example from the beginning, one from the middle and one from the end to explain each response.

1. Love

2. Power

3. Honor

4. Betrayal

5. Greed

6. Religion

(see the answer keys)

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