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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. Who officiates at the important spring feast?

2. Who has asked for the use of Excalibur?

3. How does Derfel describe the day that the attack on the Saxons was begun?

4. Who do the Druids usually sacrifice in their rituals?

5. Who made the Temple of Mithras?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the climax of the battle against the Saxon armies?

3. What disappoints Derfel when he arrives at the Aelle's hall?

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

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

6. How does Arthur form his plan of attack on the Saxon armies?

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

8. What does Derfel realize when he sees Arthur with his son?

9. What is done to keep at bay the first wave of attack from the Saxons on Derfel's trapped men?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Fear is a common theme in this book that is presented a number of times by a number of characters. What are some of these instances, and how does fear affect the characters in the book?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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