The Sword in the Tree

“‘He was never a kind and gentle knight, and he was never as brave as your father.’ ‘Did he live here at Weldon Castle?’ asked Shan. ‘No,’ said Lady Marian. ‘He had a castle of his own, but he sold it and quickly spent the money. Then he went away to France and Spain and other far places.’”

Lady Marian’s description of Uncle Lionel raises troubling questions about him, reinforcing Shan’s wary curiosity about this new character in his life. This quotation suggests that Lionel may be a volatile person with bad intentions toward Shan and his family, creating tension in the story and foreshadowing his later villainous deeds.

“‘You had better keep your dungeon. You may have need of it.’ Lionel sat up straight. ‘Look. What is that old man doing here?’ He shouted in a loud voice ‘Go!’”

Uncle Lionel’s cynical comment to Shan shows that he expects more conflict in the kingdom, while introducing the important motif of the dungeon (See: Symbols & Motifs). His rude treatment of Nappus, the healer, also reveals his impulsive and disrespectful personality. This quotation paints Lionel in a bad light, deepening his characterization as the villain of the story and contrasting his bad behavior with Shan’s good-natured personality.

“‘Get out of my sight!’ he shouted. ‘Get out of my sight, you bold brat!’”

Uncle Lionel cruelly shouts at Shan when he questions his riding advice. This pivotal scene cements Lionel and Shan’s poor relationship, causing Shan to avoid his uncle, whom he now dislikes. Lionel’s mean behavior helps establish the story’s theme of chivalry triumphing over brutality, as Shan increasingly represents chivalry and his uncle the opposite.

“‘I do not like these strange, rough men,’ said Lady Marian. ‘They are my brother’s friends,’ said Lord Weldon. ‘I wish you would send them away,’ said Lady Marian, ‘and send your brother with them.’”

Lady Marian’s dislike of Uncle Lionel and his “rough” friends foreshadows their evil schemes, sowing further tension in the narrative. Her characterization of Lionel as “strange” and “rough” further casts him as a violent character. By ignoring his wife’s request, the king allows his brother to get even more comfortable at Weldon Castle, increasing the suspense in the story.

“Shan was sure it was the most beautiful sword in the world. The blade was of fine blue steel. The hilt was of gold, set with small red stones. When he took the sword from the box, the stones flashed in the light. Long ago, Shan had asked his father, ‘May I be the one to care for your sword?’ His father had told him, ‘Yes, my son, because someday it will be yours.”

Shan’s admiration for his father’s sword connects with his eagerness to fulfill his duties as the heir to Weldon Castle and honor his family’s tradition. In this quotation, the sword symbolizes Shan’s right to succeed his father as heir to the castle, as well as the obligations that he must fulfill as a lord (See: Symbols & Motifs).

“Lady Marian’s face was white. She started toward the castle, walking as if she could not see. Shan helped her across the courtyard and up the stairs to her room. ‘Don’t leave me,’ she said.”

After learning of her husband’s supposed death, Lady Marian tells Shan to stay with her. This wise advice shows that Lady Marian is a perceptive woman and is eager to protect her son from his uncle’s scheming. Marian’s calm and strategic behavior helps establish the story’s theme of Finding Courage in Difficult Times, as she must be brave and stand up to Lionel in spite of her grief.

“‘Now that my father is gone,’ said Shan, ‘I am Lord Weldon. I am master of the castle.’ ‘You?’ Lionel threw back his head and laughed. ‘You are a boy!’ He started to ride away. Shan saw that he wore a stone with a gold hilt. The hilt was set with red stones.”

Shan’s confrontation with Uncle Lionel deepens the story’s theme of The Importance of Fighting for Justice, as Shan asserts his right to his father’s title and castle. Lionel’s theft of Lord Weldon’s sword, which was meant for Shan to inherit, symbolizes his coup of his brother’s title and legacy (See: Symbols & Motifs).

“‘The sword!’ cried Lionel, in a rage. ‘What have you done with the sword?’ ‘The sword is in a safe place,’ said Shan. ‘Bring it to me. Bring it at once.’ ‘The sword is mine,’ said Shan. Lionel lifted a hand as if to strike him. Shan did not move.”

Uncle Lionel’s selfish demands and threats of violence and Shan’s determined resistance add to the story’s theme of chivalry triumphing over brutality. By hiding the sword and keeping it a secret, Shan shows that he is not giving up his rightful place as Lord Weldon and all that he is meant to inherit. This simple and peaceful act of resistance is chivalrous and respectful compared to his uncle’s brutal attempts to gain power.

“He started to the door. She caught his arm. ‘Where are you going?’ ‘To settle with my uncle,’ he said. ‘How can you settle with him? You cannot fight him and all his friends and their servants. Shan, there is only one way for us to save ourselves.’ ‘What is that?’ he asked. ‘We must leave here. We must leave quickly.’”

This passage moves the plot forward by explaining Lady Marian and Shan’s flight from the castle and journey to safety. Shan’s willingness to confront his uncle over his father’s disappearance adds to the theme of the importance of fighting for justice, as Shan is eager to avenge his father’s death. Marian’s cautious advice helps Shan avoid being killed himself, adding to her characterization as a wise and loving mother.

“‘Stay and rest then,’ said the man, ‘but we’ll have your purses before you go.’ Lady Marian threw her purse at the man’s feet. ‘You are brave men,’ she said, ‘to rob a woman and a boy.’ ‘Hold your tongue.’ The robber said to Shan, ‘Quick boy, your purse!’”

Lady Marian and Shan are robbed in the woods as they run away from Weldon Castle. This passage adds to the suspense in the story by raising the stakes for these characters, as they are now exiled, penniless, and hungry. This confrontation also adds to Marian and Shan’s characterization as innocents navigating a brutal and violent world, deepening the author’s theme of chivalry triumphing over brutality.

“‘We’ve come a long way, and she isn’t used to walking so far,’ said Shan. ‘I was trying to find her something to eat.’ ‘Come home with me,’ said the boy. ‘We’ll find food for the two of you.’”

Shan accepts Magnus’s kind invitation, beginning a new chapter for him and his mother. This passage adds to the story’s theme of finding courage in difficult times, as Shan and Lady Marian’s willingness to trust strangers pays off in the form of new friendships and support.

“‘Someday, I’m going to be a knight,’ said Shan. ‘I’ll ride out with my sword and shield. I’ll find people in trouble and help them.’”

Shan is eager to fulfill his dream of being a knight. To Shan, his knighthood would empower him to help vulnerable people and act as a protector of his subjects. This passage affirms Shan’s good intentions and adds to the theme of chivalry triumphing over brutality.

“‘On two special days each month he opens his doors to them. They tell him their troubles. He listens and tries to help them.’ ‘But is it not true,’ asked Phebe, ‘that only those who are rich may take their troubles to the king?’ ‘He listens to the rich and poor alike,’ said the hunter. […] ‘If he listens to the rich and poor alike,’ said Shan, ‘why should he not listen to me? Mother, will you let me go to Camelot to see the king?’”

The family’s conversation with the passing hunter reveals that King Arthur is a fair king who wants to know people’s concerns. This passage suggests that Arthur is a good leader and foreshadows Shan’s own encounter with the king at his court, which represents justice and the rule of law (See: Symbols & Motifs).

“He thought of his mother and father and how happy they had been at Weldon Castle. He thought of his uncle. ‘He will pay for all he has done,’ said Shan to himself. ‘The King will help me, and my uncle will pay!’”

Shan’s determination to right the wrongs done by his uncle Lionel adds to the story’s theme of the importance of fighting for justice. By thinking fondly of his parents, Shan clearly wants to avenge his father and provide for his mother, making his mission more meaningful than simply regaining his own position.

“A mist had come in from the sea. Far away were roofs and towers rising out of the mist. They shone red and gold in the evening light. Shan stopped and pointed. ‘There it is, Magnus! There is Camelot!’”

The author’s description of Camelot makes it sound like a magical, beautiful place. This dreamy description helps the reader understand why Shan, in spite of his own privileged background, is so amazed and excited by the sight of this great city.

“‘This is no place for children who wish to look at the king,’ said Shan. ‘I have come a long way and waited a long time to speak to him.’ ‘What do you wish to say?’ asked Sir Kay. ‘That is for the King to hear,’ said Shan.”

Shan shows confidence and determination as he asks to consult King Arthur about his problem. This passage adds to the story’s theme of the importance of fighting for justice, as Shan knows that telling his story is the only way to unseat his evil uncle from Weldon Castle.

“The king sat for a while with his chin in his hand. ‘If this is true, a great wrong has been done,’ he said. ‘You shall have a knight go with you to Weldon Castle.’”

King Arthur’s willingness to listen to Shan shows that he is a friendly and fair king who wants justice to be done. This important passage explains how Shan is able to find support and travel back to Weldon Castle to confront his uncle Lionel. Shan’s successful conversation with the king is a part of the story’s exploration of the importance of fighting for justice, as this brings him one step closer to reclaiming Weldon Castle.

“‘Sir Gareth, do you think the king will call me to Camelot some day?’ asked Shan. ‘If your story is true,’ said the knight, ‘I think he may.’ ‘I have told the truth,’ said Shan. ‘You will see that I have.’”

Sir Gareth hints that Shan could serve as a knight at King Arthur’s court, offering Shan an exciting possibility to fulfill his dreams. This conversation suggests that Shan has the fair and chivalrous makings of a good knight and foreshadows a happy future in store for him. Shan’s confidence in his plan and excitement at the thought of serving the court add to the story’s theme of chivalry triumphing over brutality.

“‘This box I hid in the tree before I went away,’ he said. ‘I alone knew where it was. In it is my father’s sword.’ He opened the box. He took out his father’s sword and held it high.”

Shan’s secret hiding place for the sword convinces Sir Gareth that he is the true heir to Weldon Castle. This passage adds to the sword’s symbolism as Shan’s birthright and family tradition (See: Symbols & Motifs). By proudly reclaiming the sword, Shan shows that he is willing to fight to reclaim his old life, bolstering the story’s theme of the importance of fighting for justice.

“‘The sword is mine!’ cried Lionel. ‘It is mine, I tell you!’ There was hate in his eyes, as he started toward Shan. Sir Gareth moved between them. ‘Now I know the truth,’ he said to Lionel. ‘You will fight me, not the boy.’”

Sir Gareth’s calm confidence contrasts with Uncle Lionel’s hysterical anger, further differentiating these two men. Gareth’s willingness to risk his life to defend Shan and his title as Lord Weldon bolsters the story’s theme of chivalry triumphing over brutality, casting Gareth as another hero of the story and a role model for Shan.

“Sir Gareth spoke so that all could hear, ‘You and your men will ride at once to Camelot. You will tell King Arthur that Sir Gareth sent you. The king will do with you as he wishes.’”

This satisfying conclusion to the duel sees Sir Gareth beat Uncle Lionel, who will be punished by King Arthur. By describing Gareth’s brave victory over Lionel, the author adds literal and symbolic meaning to his theme of the importance of fighting for justice.

“Shan took the sword up in his arms. He looked down at it for a little while. Then he held it out to Sir Gareth. ‘I give you this, Sir Knight,’ he said. ‘I give it with my thanks.’ Sir Gareth shook his head.”

Shan’s thoughtful offer to Sir Gareth shows his generosity and gratitude to the knight who saved his life and lordship. This gesture adds to the author’s theme of chivalry triumphing over brutality, as the respectful and fair Shan prepares to rule Weldon Castle once again.

“The man was thin. His hair and beard were long. His clothes were in rags. He did not turn his head. ‘Who is it?’ he said. ‘What do you want with me?’ Shan stood very still. He knew that voice. He cried out, ‘Father!’”

Shan’s shocking reunion with his imprisoned father provides a surprising and heartwarming conclusion to the story. Shan’s reunion with his dad shows the importance of finding courage in difficult times; if he had given up, he would have lost Weldon Castle, and his father would have remained Uncle Lionel’s prisoner.