Day 1
1. Q-What is a vigil, and who are Conner's vigils?
A vigil is someone who keeps watch, usually at night. Conner has two such vigils, Mott and Cregan. Mott is what would be considered a "right-hand man". Mott is tall, dark skinned, nearly bald, lean, and muscular, whereas Cregan is short, very pale with a crop of blond hair tied back at the nape of his neck, and softer in appearance than he is. Both of these vigils are loyal to Conner and carry out his work.
2. Q-Where is Conner getting the boys from, and why is this a perfect place?
Conner is getting the boys from orphanages around the country of Carthya, such as Mrs. Turbeldy's Orphanage for Disadvantaged Boys in Sage's case and from the Gelvins Charity Orphanage in Tobias's case. This is a perfect place as no one would know or remember the boys that Conner was taking, so they are perfect for whatever "secret" plan the man has in store.
1. Q-What is a vigil, and who are Conner's vigils?
A vigil is someone who keeps watch, usually at night. Conner has two such vigils, Mott and Cregan. Mott is what would be considered a "right-hand man". Mott is tall, dark skinned, nearly bald, lean, and muscular, whereas Cregan is short, very pale with a crop of blond hair tied back at the nape of his neck, and softer in appearance than he is. Both of these vigils are loyal to Conner and carry out his work.
2. Q-Where is Conner getting the boys from, and why is this a perfect place?
Conner is getting the boys from orphanages around the country of Carthya, such as Mrs. Turbeldy's Orphanage for Disadvantaged Boys in Sage's case and from the Gelvins Charity Orphanage in Tobias's case. This is a perfect place as no one would know or remember the boys that Conner was taking, so they are perfect for whatever "secret" plan the man has in store.
Day 2
1. Q-Why didn't Sage leave Conner's group when Conner offered it on their first night together?
Sage didn't leave Conner's group when Conner offered it on their first night together as Sage felt something was wrong, which was the fact that Cregan was hiding in the woods. Cregan was ready to shoot any boy who left Conner's group, as he did with Latamer. After the death of the sickly boy, Sage realized that Conner was not above killing them. Sage did not leave because of a feeling of self preservation, "a nagging voice" in his head, which is a good thing because it would have resulted in his almost certain death.
2. Q-How did each of the boys respond to Conner's question about a sword battle to the death?
Each of the boys had a different response to Conner's question about a sword battle to the death. Tobias said he would beg for mercy so that he could learn from his mistakes to be better another day. Roden said he would fight to the death as he would be honorable and not a coward. Lastly Sage said he would beg for mercy, then when the opponent had let their guard down, he would "finish" the fight. All of these answers represented a different method of thinking.
1. Q-Why didn't Sage leave Conner's group when Conner offered it on their first night together?
Sage didn't leave Conner's group when Conner offered it on their first night together as Sage felt something was wrong, which was the fact that Cregan was hiding in the woods. Cregan was ready to shoot any boy who left Conner's group, as he did with Latamer. After the death of the sickly boy, Sage realized that Conner was not above killing them. Sage did not leave because of a feeling of self preservation, "a nagging voice" in his head, which is a good thing because it would have resulted in his almost certain death.
2. Q-How did each of the boys respond to Conner's question about a sword battle to the death?
Each of the boys had a different response to Conner's question about a sword battle to the death. Tobias said he would beg for mercy so that he could learn from his mistakes to be better another day. Roden said he would fight to the death as he would be honorable and not a coward. Lastly Sage said he would beg for mercy, then when the opponent had let their guard down, he would "finish" the fight. All of these answers represented a different method of thinking.
Day 3
1. Q-According to Conner, what is the secret that none of the regents keep very well?
According to Conner, the secret that none of the regents keep very well is their wish to become king. They all aspire to this role as they want power over Carthya. Of the regents, the prime regent, Veldergrath, is the closest to achieving this, and he is gathering his supporters. Conner also aspires to the throne but recognizes the fact that many regents would become king before him.
2. Q- How did Tobias end up at an orphanage?
Tobias, one of the four orphans that Conner collected, came to be in an orphanage as his mother died at his birth, with his father dying of sickness a few years later. Because of Tobias's lack of parents, they made him go to his closest relative, his grandmother. After his grandmother teaching him for multiple years died two years earlier, Tobias was sent to an orphanage.
1. Q-According to Conner, what is the secret that none of the regents keep very well?
According to Conner, the secret that none of the regents keep very well is their wish to become king. They all aspire to this role as they want power over Carthya. Of the regents, the prime regent, Veldergrath, is the closest to achieving this, and he is gathering his supporters. Conner also aspires to the throne but recognizes the fact that many regents would become king before him.
2. Q- How did Tobias end up at an orphanage?
Tobias, one of the four orphans that Conner collected, came to be in an orphanage as his mother died at his birth, with his father dying of sickness a few years later. Because of Tobias's lack of parents, they made him go to his closest relative, his grandmother. After his grandmother teaching him for multiple years died two years earlier, Tobias was sent to an orphanage.
Day 4
1. Q-Why does Errol work for Conner?
Errol works for Conner to pay off his, and his family's debts. In the novel Errol says that he will pay off his debts in about ten more years of service. Errol is an indentured servant to Conner and has been working for him for about ten years, half his life. Errol believes Conner to be a good master if you do what he wants.
1. Q-Why does Errol work for Conner?
Errol works for Conner to pay off his, and his family's debts. In the novel Errol says that he will pay off his debts in about ten more years of service. Errol is an indentured servant to Conner and has been working for him for about ten years, half his life. Errol believes Conner to be a good master if you do what he wants.
Day 5
1. Q-What is Jaron's story, who is he, where is he, etc?
Jaron was one of the two princes of Carthya, the younger one. He was a trickster and trouble maker. Jaron even challenged a king, the king of Mendenwal, to a duel at the age of ten and barely lost. Jaron was sent to a school up north in the country of Bymar to be educated and stop embarrassing his family. On the way, his ship was attacked by pirates and he was presumed dead at the bottom of the sea.
2. Q-What did Mott tell Sage about the sword he chose?
Mott told Sage he was surprised about the way he was talking about his chances as he had picked the prince's sword. The sword was a replica made to model Prince Jaron's sword. It was a well-crafted blade. Mott tells Sage that if Conner can look at him with this sword and see a prince, Sage had better start seeing himself like one and act like one.
1. Q-What is Jaron's story, who is he, where is he, etc?
Jaron was one of the two princes of Carthya, the younger one. He was a trickster and trouble maker. Jaron even challenged a king, the king of Mendenwal, to a duel at the age of ten and barely lost. Jaron was sent to a school up north in the country of Bymar to be educated and stop embarrassing his family. On the way, his ship was attacked by pirates and he was presumed dead at the bottom of the sea.
2. Q-What did Mott tell Sage about the sword he chose?
Mott told Sage he was surprised about the way he was talking about his chances as he had picked the prince's sword. The sword was a replica made to model Prince Jaron's sword. It was a well-crafted blade. Mott tells Sage that if Conner can look at him with this sword and see a prince, Sage had better start seeing himself like one and act like one.
Day 6
1.Q-What was the note that Imogen gave Mott about?
Imogen passed a note to Mott asking if he could tell Sage to stop looking at her. Mott later explained that this was because she was mistreated by the other servants when she was singled out. The reason why Sage looked at her was because of her fright, which was, in fact, derived from him looking at her.
2.Q-What was the conflict involving Cregan and Sage?
The conflict involving Cregan and Sage was started because of Sage's arrogance. Sage said he could outride Cregan. Cregan decided to prove him wrong by giving him an untrained horse. This ultimately led to more anger from Cregan as losing the horse made Conner angry.
1.Q-What was the note that Imogen gave Mott about?
Imogen passed a note to Mott asking if he could tell Sage to stop looking at her. Mott later explained that this was because she was mistreated by the other servants when she was singled out. The reason why Sage looked at her was because of her fright, which was, in fact, derived from him looking at her.
2.Q-What was the conflict involving Cregan and Sage?
The conflict involving Cregan and Sage was started because of Sage's arrogance. Sage said he could outride Cregan. Cregan decided to prove him wrong by giving him an untrained horse. This ultimately led to more anger from Cregan as losing the horse made Conner angry.
Day 7
1.Q-Why does Sage call Tobias "the puppet master's dream"?
Sage calls Tobias "the puppet master's dream" as he is willing to follow whatever Conner tells him, and can easily be bent/manipulated by stronger wills; he is pliable. Sage is not easily controlled compared to Tobias, and Conner can't be sure about Roden's personality.
1.Q-Why does Sage call Tobias "the puppet master's dream"?
Sage calls Tobias "the puppet master's dream" as he is willing to follow whatever Conner tells him, and can easily be bent/manipulated by stronger wills; he is pliable. Sage is not easily controlled compared to Tobias, and Conner can't be sure about Roden's personality.
Day 8
1.Q-What does Sage notice about Imogen at dinner?
Sage notices, at dinner, that Imogen has a bruise on her cheek. This is because once a servant is favored the others become jealous and retaliate. The bruise was most likely from an other member of the staff at Farthenwood.
2.Q-Why did Sage ask Imogen for a needle and thread?
Sage asked Imogen for a needel and thread so that he could sew secret pockets into the inside of his vest as there was only one "useless" pocket on the outside of the vest.
1.Q-What does Sage notice about Imogen at dinner?
Sage notices, at dinner, that Imogen has a bruise on her cheek. This is because once a servant is favored the others become jealous and retaliate. The bruise was most likely from an other member of the staff at Farthenwood.
2.Q-Why did Sage ask Imogen for a needle and thread?
Sage asked Imogen for a needel and thread so that he could sew secret pockets into the inside of his vest as there was only one "useless" pocket on the outside of the vest.
Day 9
1.Q- What happened in the Dungeon?
In the dungeon Mott and Cregan tortured Sage for the location of the "gold". Mott whipped Sage to a point were it cut his back in a way that would scar. Sage was in the dungeon for two days and was in a sorry state, but he refused to give the location of the "gold". Conner wanted Sage to give him the "gold" to make him bend to his will and be "his prince".
1.Q- What happened in the Dungeon?
In the dungeon Mott and Cregan tortured Sage for the location of the "gold". Mott whipped Sage to a point were it cut his back in a way that would scar. Sage was in the dungeon for two days and was in a sorry state, but he refused to give the location of the "gold". Conner wanted Sage to give him the "gold" to make him bend to his will and be "his prince".
Day 10
1.Q- Why does Imogen pretend to be a mute?
Imogen pretends to be a mute so that she is not noticed. She believes that Conner was in love with her mother, and after her mother's rejection of him he planned on marrying her. Being mute took his interest from her very quickly. This was a way of getting to survive without being involved in Conner's affairs.
1.Q- Why does Imogen pretend to be a mute?
Imogen pretends to be a mute so that she is not noticed. She believes that Conner was in love with her mother, and after her mother's rejection of him he planned on marrying her. Being mute took his interest from her very quickly. This was a way of getting to survive without being involved in Conner's affairs.
Day 11
1.Q- Why did Mott assign Sage duties outside of the kitchen for when Amarinda visited?
Mott assigned Sage duties outside of the kitchen for when Amarinda visited as he and the cook were at each other's throats and would in the words of Mott most likely kill one another before it was over.
1.Q- Why did Mott assign Sage duties outside of the kitchen for when Amarinda visited?
Mott assigned Sage duties outside of the kitchen for when Amarinda visited as he and the cook were at each other's throats and would in the words of Mott most likely kill one another before it was over.
Day 12
1.Q- According to Mott, what was the worst thing that could happen while serving the princess, and why?
According to Mott, the worst thing that could happen while serving the princess was being recognized again at court, at the coronation. They wanted this as they did not want the princess realizing the fraud and revealing the treason to the entire court. This was a concern, but one that was not that extreme as they could say that they were in hiding.
1.Q- According to Mott, what was the worst thing that could happen while serving the princess, and why?
According to Mott, the worst thing that could happen while serving the princess was being recognized again at court, at the coronation. They wanted this as they did not want the princess realizing the fraud and revealing the treason to the entire court. This was a concern, but one that was not that extreme as they could say that they were in hiding.
Day 13
1.Q- Who did Conner receive a letter from and what was the good news and bad news in the letter?
Conner received a letter from the Prime Regent, Veldergrath. The good knew is that Veldergrath had learned of the rumor that Prince Jaron may be alive, making the attempt on the throne more realistic. The bad news was that the knowledge of the royal deaths was also spreading.
1.Q- Who did Conner receive a letter from and what was the good news and bad news in the letter?
Conner received a letter from the Prime Regent, Veldergrath. The good knew is that Veldergrath had learned of the rumor that Prince Jaron may be alive, making the attempt on the throne more realistic. The bad news was that the knowledge of the royal deaths was also spreading.
Day 14
1.Q- When Veldergrath questioned Conner about the orphans he collected, what did Conner say they were for?
When Veldergrath questioned Conner about the orphans he collected, Conner said they were to work in the fields as he was short handed. When Veldergrath asked where the orphans were, Conner said that they had run away at the first occasion.
1.Q- When Veldergrath questioned Conner about the orphans he collected, what did Conner say they were for?
When Veldergrath questioned Conner about the orphans he collected, Conner said they were to work in the fields as he was short handed. When Veldergrath asked where the orphans were, Conner said that they had run away at the first occasion.
Day 15
1.Q-Who really stole Prince Jaron's replica sword and where did he put it?
Sage really stole Prince Jaron's replica sword. This is found out when he takes it to defend himself from Veldergarth's soldiers. Sage hid it in a loose step in the secret passage ways.
1.Q-Who really stole Prince Jaron's replica sword and where did he put it?
Sage really stole Prince Jaron's replica sword. This is found out when he takes it to defend himself from Veldergarth's soldiers. Sage hid it in a loose step in the secret passage ways.
Day 16
1.Q-What trick did Sage perform that made Conner change his mind and pick him to be the prince? Why was the trick so important.
The trick that Sage performed that made Conner Change his mind and pick him to be the prince was rolling a coin over his knuckles. The trick was so important as it was a parlor trick that Prince Jaron could do and was remembered doing but that almost no one else could. The trick was something that could be expected to be shown in front of the regents when they examined him to see if he was really the prince.
1.Q-What trick did Sage perform that made Conner change his mind and pick him to be the prince? Why was the trick so important.
The trick that Sage performed that made Conner Change his mind and pick him to be the prince was rolling a coin over his knuckles. The trick was so important as it was a parlor trick that Prince Jaron could do and was remembered doing but that almost no one else could. The trick was something that could be expected to be shown in front of the regents when they examined him to see if he was really the prince.
Day 17
1.Q- What truth does Mott finally realize about Sage and what does he do?
Mott finally realizes that Sage is really Prince Jaron in hiding for many years. Mott, before figuring this out gives Sage the imitation sword, and Sage promptly throws it into a river, causing Mott to realize who he truly is. Mott kneels and apologizes for not seeing who he really was before.
2.Q- How did Jaron escape the pirates?
Prince Jaron escaped the pirates by complaining of sea-sickness and going to his room. Jaron then left his crown on his bed as a sign that he was leaving the royal family forever and climbed through the window onto the docks. Jaron hid in orphanages in Avenia. It was only later that he realized what had happened to his ship and the luck that he had had.
1.Q- What truth does Mott finally realize about Sage and what does he do?
Mott finally realizes that Sage is really Prince Jaron in hiding for many years. Mott, before figuring this out gives Sage the imitation sword, and Sage promptly throws it into a river, causing Mott to realize who he truly is. Mott kneels and apologizes for not seeing who he really was before.
2.Q- How did Jaron escape the pirates?
Prince Jaron escaped the pirates by complaining of sea-sickness and going to his room. Jaron then left his crown on his bed as a sign that he was leaving the royal family forever and climbed through the window onto the docks. Jaron hid in orphanages in Avenia. It was only later that he realized what had happened to his ship and the luck that he had had.
Day 18
1.Q- How did Conner know so much about Jaron's life?
Conner knew so much about the life of Prince Jaron as he had read the queen's diaries. Conner read these to aid in creating an accurate replica of the prince after being in hiding for some years.
1.Q- How did Conner know so much about Jaron's life?
Conner knew so much about the life of Prince Jaron as he had read the queen's diaries. Conner read these to aid in creating an accurate replica of the prince after being in hiding for some years.
Day 19
1.Q- What does Conner tell Sage his first two acts as king will be?
Conner tells Sage that his first two acts when he becomes king will be to discharge the Prime Regent, Veldergrath from his position, apparently because of suspicion that he caused the royal deaths. The next act would be to install Bevin Conner as his replacement.
1.Q- What does Conner tell Sage his first two acts as king will be?
Conner tells Sage that his first two acts when he becomes king will be to discharge the Prime Regent, Veldergrath from his position, apparently because of suspicion that he caused the royal deaths. The next act would be to install Bevin Conner as his replacement.
Day 20
1.Q- How did Jaron convince Veldergrath he was for real?
Jaron convinced Veldergrath he was for real by stealing a garlin (coin) from him and rolling it away on his fingertips,then by proceeding to explain how he had stolen the silver ring from Veldergrath's finger when he was younger.
2.Q-How did Jaron convince Kerwyn he was for real?
Jaron convinced Kerwyn he was for real by giving him the piece of "gold" and telling him that it was real just as he was. Kerwyn added that the king had given him a letter that said that the boy who gave him "the humblest of rocks," fools' gold, claiming it to be real would be the prince.
3.Q-What happened to Imogen, Roden, Tobias, Cregan, and Mott?
Imogen's father was given the status of nobleman, making her a nobleman's daughter. This caused her to have respect, and then Jaron paid her debts to Conner. Roden ran away after he was defeated, realizing that he had no chance. Tobias retrieved the crown from the underground river and gave it to Jaron telling him he would be his servant. Jaron told Tobias that he would rather have him as a friend than a servant. Cregan was killed in the underground passage by Mott when he tried to kill Sage/Jaron. Mott killed Cregan and proceeded to secure the kitchen. Mott later burst in when Sage did not arrive at the meeting of the regents.
1.Q- How did Jaron convince Veldergrath he was for real?
Jaron convinced Veldergrath he was for real by stealing a garlin (coin) from him and rolling it away on his fingertips,then by proceeding to explain how he had stolen the silver ring from Veldergrath's finger when he was younger.
2.Q-How did Jaron convince Kerwyn he was for real?
Jaron convinced Kerwyn he was for real by giving him the piece of "gold" and telling him that it was real just as he was. Kerwyn added that the king had given him a letter that said that the boy who gave him "the humblest of rocks," fools' gold, claiming it to be real would be the prince.
3.Q-What happened to Imogen, Roden, Tobias, Cregan, and Mott?
Imogen's father was given the status of nobleman, making her a nobleman's daughter. This caused her to have respect, and then Jaron paid her debts to Conner. Roden ran away after he was defeated, realizing that he had no chance. Tobias retrieved the crown from the underground river and gave it to Jaron telling him he would be his servant. Jaron told Tobias that he would rather have him as a friend than a servant. Cregan was killed in the underground passage by Mott when he tried to kill Sage/Jaron. Mott killed Cregan and proceeded to secure the kitchen. Mott later burst in when Sage did not arrive at the meeting of the regents.