1. Tishtry has always been told she has to be an excellent trick rider, so she can earn the money to buy her family's freedom. Do you think this responsibility helped her to be a better performer?

Was it unfair to expect so much from a girl of thirteen? How much should parents push a talented son or daughter?

2. Although the ancient world had no telephones or motorized vehicles, it did have fairly reliable transportation by land and sea. Do you think Tishtry's sadness each time she had to leave someone she liked was because she might never see them again? Or did she have other reasons, such as knowing she had not dared to get too close even before they parted? Will Tishtry ever be able to make lasting friendships, and even to settle down and marry? What would it take to make this...