1. Why does Eugenides say the Queen of Attolia is "like a prisoner within stone walls?" Does she herself feel this way?

2. What does Eugenides hope to accomplish when he sets fire to Sounis's fleet?

Does he succeed?

3. Eugenides is a master thief, but the reader never sees exactly how he accomplishes his thefts. Why not?

4. When he first comes home to Eddis without his hand, Eugenides locks himself in his room and library, not wanting to face his relatives and other members of the court. Do you think this is a natural reaction? Does Eugenides have reasons for doing so besides his pain and awkwardness?

5. How does Eugenides know that the Queen of Attolia is staying in the fortress at Ephrata rather than her capital city? Is his plan to capture and kidnap her there realistic?

6. Eugenides cannot understand the King of Sounis's desire...