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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Book 5: Thaddeus and the Emperor

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1. Thaddeus learns the Cin are ‘stuck in time’ as a result of the actions of the Westlands Sorcerers. As a member of that class, is he subject to any moral imperative to correct this condition?

2. Early on, Thaddeus decides to rescue the ancient Westlands Emperor enemy who is kept prisoner in a magic crystal dome. Does this represent a betrayal of his gracious and generous Cinnian hosts?

3. Thaddeus comes to realize his actions are leading to the ancient Emperor’s recovery. Given that Tyrannus Superbus resides in an impenetrable confinement that he cannot exit, is Thaddeus morally justified in re-awakening the ancient man?

4. To regain the major portion of his lost Sorcerous power, Thaddeus must place himself under the total control of a Daemon whose father he may have contributed to the killing of. What is his risk and can it be worth it?

5. Thaddeus’s personal need for a new kickball leads him to arouse a cow’s affection toward him though he knows he must sacrifice the animal in order to obtain the object he seeks. Even so, he cannot bring himself to kill the cow himself – yet he is outraged when his Master does this for him. How can he justify his position?

6. Thaddeus recognizes his tenuous position in the land of the Cin could be strengthened by an alliance with the young Cinnian Princess who seems to have developed an interest in him. What is the risk to him in such an alliance and does this call into question his loyalty to Marsia of Dorset Downs?

7. Anders and Rolland use Sorcerous torture on a prisoner to extract information. Is this the appropriate use of the gift of Sorcery?

8. Thaddeus receives an invitation to his brother apprentice’s wedding but decides to remain at his studies in Cin rather than attend. Is this the right choice for him?

9. The young Cinnian Emperor has killed not only his grandfather, but his brother, his sister and her handmaiden as well. Given the culture and mores of the time and civilization, are his actions in synch with his Society or is he highly aberrant? And, if so, how so?

10. -Jinge must consider sacrificing Thaddeus, his Second Apprentice, to avoid the loss of his First Apprentice and his own life as well in support of a government he loathes, yet toward which he feels intense loyalty.

11. Thaddeus and Tai-Pown seem surprised that a Cinnian Princess should have an interest in a women’s kick-ball team. Discuss.

12. Aephisto presents himself as an ally of the Cin, but his aim in fomenting plans for a war between Graecolia and Mauretesia appears to have personal elements. Discuss.

13. Ancient Ones appears to realize that young women who are sent to the Eastern Tower do not return. How is it they could know this yet do nothing regarding this?

14. Marsia appears to tolerate Thaddeus’s history of previous relationships producing children. How might she rationalize this? Would Thaddeus feel the same were their positions reversed?

15. Sim-Lea clearly has plans for her future. These seem to include Thaddeus. What might her designs include?

16. What role (or roles) does the Dragon-bone flute play in Thaddeus’s journey?

17. Why might only some of Thaddeus’s powers, but not all, return following his desert concussion?

18. Thaddeus has recovered his Sorcery while under a Daemon’s training. Will his powers going forward, therefore, be more similar to those of the Eastlands practitioners or the Westlands? Would it make a difference in his Sorcery should he return to his home?

19. Will Thaddeus be able to free Tyrannus Superbus? What did Thaddeus see in the dome and what might it mean? What might the Emperor have seen?

20. How might the Westlands Emperor be freed?

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