The Sword in the Tree

In the story’s final chapters Shan’s gamble pays off as he finally reaches King Arthur’s court and consults the wise leader himself. Shan’s journey to Camelot and his firm but respectful approach to dealing with the king and the knights adds to the novel’s theme of Finding Courage in Difficult Times. Though there are many risks along the way, Shan remains unafraid and approaches each obstacle on his journey with courage and positivity. When he and Magnus must wait nearly a week to speak with the king, Shan is not deterred, offering his labor to a local craftsman so that he can have food and shelter in return: “The shoemaker gave him work. ‘Carry the water and wood and sweep the floor,’ he said, ‘and I will give you food and a place to sleep.’ So, Shan worked five days for the shoemaker” (76). 

Shan is also nearly turned away from King Arthur’s castle because of his young age, but he courageously insists on seeing the king: “‘This is no place for children who wish to look at the king,’ said Sir Kay. ‘I wish to do more than look at the king,’ said Shan. ‘I have come a long way and waited a long time to speak to him’” (78). Shan’s confident demeanor helps him persuade Sir Kay and communicate persuasively with Arthur. Indeed, the king is so impressed by Shan’s courage that he considers offering him a position as a page in the future. 

Sir Gareth is another courageous character and serves as a role model to Shan, who admires his position as one of King Arthur’s knights. Gareth volunteers to accompany Shan to Weldon Castle and investigate his claims against Uncle Lionel. Gareth’s bravery and willingness to help Shan add to the story’s theme of The Importance of Fighting for Justice. When he realizes that Shan is telling the truth, Gareth duels Lionel on the boy’s behalf, risking his life to try to bring justice to the situation and protect Shan: “Sir Gareth moved between them. ‘Now I know the truth,’ he said to Lionel. ‘You will fight me, not the boy’” (93). Gareth is nearly killed by Lionel during the battle, but he prevails: “He and Magnus cried out as Gareth fell to his knees. Lionel lifted his sword in both hands. The blade flashed as he brought it down. But Sir Gareth had thrown himself out of the way” (96). Gareth’s determination and skill ensure that justice ultimately prevails.

Shan and his friends’ honesty and bravery are rewarded as Lionel is defeated and driven away from Weldon Castle, adding to the story’s theme of Chivalry Triumphing Over Brutality. Nappus’s continued loyalty to the family is yet another example of chivalrous conduct in the story, as the healer secretly helps his lord survive his imprisonment in the dungeons and helps Shan rescue his father: “Nappus unlocked a door and threw it open. Shan looked into a room in the dungeon. […] He cried out, ‘Father!’” (100). 

Lord Weldon’s suffering in the dungeon of his own castle is yet another example of Lionel’s cruelty, which is contrasted with Shan’s tender treatment of his father: “Shan went to his father. He put his arms about him and tried to lift him from the floor. ‘Now you are free’” (102). This happy ending suggests that both chivalry and justice are more powerful than cruelty and injustice, as Shan, his father, and their allies defeat Lionel’s violence and reign once again as lord and heir of the castle.