The Lost Prince

Chapter 1. Allegiance

Reread the closing lines of the chapter, where Loristan has Marco take the "oath of allegiance" to Samavia. Here are some questions to consider:

• What can you find to admire in their attitudes towards their homeland?
• Which is more important—citizenship in an earthly kingdom or citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven? Why?
• Suppose someone were to take publicly the same oath of allegiance, but substitute the name of Jesus for "Samavia" in each line. How would most people who heard it react? Do you think that most would approve of someone expressing that love and loyalty to Jesus?
• How much loyalty do you personally have in your heart and show in your life towards Jesus? Could you honestly say this "oath of allegiance" describes your feelings towards Him? Do you want it to?

Chapter 2. Education

Much of this chapter discusses Marco's education. The author uses the story to offer some interesting observations and insights on the topic.

• Marco knows at least six languages (at age twelve)! How has he learned them?
  
• Loristan tells Marco, "If you were a young prince or a young man training for a diplomatic career, you would be taught to notice and remember people and things… Such observation would be your most practical accomplishment and greatest power. It is as practical for one man as another—for a poor lad in a patched coat as for one whose place is to be in courts." Why is "noticing and remembering people and things" important? What would keep a person from being good at that skill? Is it a quality you should develop?
  
• What role does Marco's father play in his education?
  
• What was is primary way Marco learns? Contrast Marco's education with what he would receive in a school setting.
  
• What is Marco's attitude toward learning? Do his "studies" seem like a chore to him? Does he divide up his life between "studies" and "free time"?
  

Chapter 3. Training

While wandering the streets of London pondering the story of the Lost Prince, Marco crosses paths with a man who speaks to him in Samavian. The man calls Marco "well trained." At first, Marco wonders why the man would say that he was "well behaved." Then he remembers that the man actually said he was "well trained."

• What is the distinction between being "well behaved" and "well trained"? Which of them is more important? Why?
  
• Are there situations where a "well behaved" person will make a serious mistake but a "well trained" one will not?
  
• Why was training a joy for Marco rather than a burden? What insight does that give you about the character training that needs to take place in your own life?
  
• How was Marco trained to respond to challenging and confusing situations? Are there other character traits that you know should be an emphasis of your own "training"?
  

Chapter 4. The Heart

Still strolling through London, Marco meets a handicapped boy who calls himself "The Rat." This person is a sharp contrast to those Marco has just encountered—the mysterious nobleman who speaks Samavian and the King of England himself. The assumptions and reactions of both Marco and The Rat during their chance meeting give interesting insights into their characters.

• "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Reread the author's description of The Rat when Marco first sees him. List all the ways that The Rat makes a negative impression on you. How many of them actually have to do with "outward appearance" rather than the heart?
  
• Why does The Rat throw a stone at Marco? What does that tell you about his character and motives at this point in the story? In what ways is he guilty of judging Marco by "outward appearance"?
  
• How does Marco react to the stone-throwing incident? Why does he react that way? What does this reaction tell you about his character and training? How do you think you would have reacted if you were in Marco's situation? Does that give you any clues about character traits you need to emphasize in your own "training"?
  
• Why does the strange boy call himself "The Rat"? How do you think he feels about himself? Which do you think has more to do with his feelings—his handicap or his home life? Why?
  
• Marco concludes that although The Rat is a "strange creature," there is "an attraction to him." What was it about The Rat the Marco found attractive?
  

Chapter 5. Faithfulness With Little Things

One interesting theme throughout the book is that doing the little things right matters, even if it isn't obvious how. That theme is certainly prominent in this chapter.

• "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). How does this scripture apply to Lazarus? Reread the first paragraph of the chapter. Suppose you were living in poverty. Would it be hard to feel motivated to care about cleanliness and excellence, like Lazarus obviously did? Why do you think he cared? Why is it important to have his attitude even in difficult situations?
  
• Now reread the third paragraph of the chapter. How is Loristan described? Why would a poor, seemingly unimportant man maintain such a character of dignity and honor?
  
• Marco, too, has pursued excellence in his character, obedience, and education, even though his life seems hidden and unimportant. Why does Marco care so much when there was no obvious reason to think it matters? Reread the last few paragraphs of the chapter. How does the incident with the nobleman who spoke Samavian show that Marco's training really is important?
  

Chapter 6. Love, Obedience, and Trust

At the very heart of The Lost Prince is the loyalty and love Marco and Loristan have for each other. The first part of this chapter highlights the intensity of their commitment to one another.

• Marco is suddenly moved to exclaim to his father, "You don't know how I love you! .... When I look at you, I long and long to do something for you a boy could not do. I would die of a thousand wounds rather than disobey you!" What insights does this statement give you into the nature of genuine love?
  
• Jesus once said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." Does Marco's statement help you see the connection between love and obedience? Can you describe that connection in your own words?
  
• Marco goes on to tell his father, "I took my oath of allegiance to you, Father, when I took it to Samavia. It seems as if you were Samavia, too." What does this wonderful statement tell you about Marco's motives? Is he merely a boy who is excited about a great "cause" or "movement"? Do you expect that Marco's commitment to Samavia runs much deeper than the Squad's does? Why?
  
• Loristan obviously loves his son, but he also has a deep confidence in him and vision for his future. What actions and statements demonstrate this confidence and impart it to his son? Does this description give you insights into God the Father's love for those who have been born again into His family?
  

Chapter 7. Usefulness

Loristan now entrusts Marco with an important task—rising in the middle of the night and giving a secret password to an important visitor, the nobleman who had spoken Samavian to him earlier.

• After years of submitting himself whole-heartedly to training, Marco is now ready to be useful to his father and to Samavia. Think back over Marco's training. What aspects of it have been especially good preparation for this assignment? How had the training formed his habits and character to make him useful?
  
• What is Loristan's response when Marco shows him his drawing? Why is it important for you to work diligently to develop your gifts?
  
• In Jesus' parable of the talents, the master tells two of his servants, "You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." How is this same principle true for Marco? How does it apply to your life?
  

Chapter 8. Focus

This section of the book, besides bringing the story to a critical point in the plot, also reveals an intensity of focus in its main characters.

• What evidence is there in Marco's thoughts and actions, both at the Tower of London and back in the apartment, that his emotions and energies are focused on the plight of Samavia?
  
• "To the rest of the boys this was only an exciting game, but Marco knew that to The Rat it was more." How can Marco tell that Samavia has become more than just a game to The Rat?
  
• What would be the focus of most twelve-year-old children in Marco's or The Rat's situation? What do you personally focus on in a typical day?
  

Chapter 9. A Listening Father

At the heart of this chapter is a wonderful interaction between Marco and Loristan, when the boy decides to take the risk of telling his father about "the game."

• Skim through the chapter again. List the ways that Loristan demonstrates that he is taking a genuine interest in what Marco has to say.
  
• Now list all the ways in this chapter that Loristan tries to inspire and impart confidence to the boys.
  
• When Loristan warns him about the dangers of being a messenger for the Secret Party, Marco exclaims, "If I were shot, I would be shot for Samavia," he said. "And for YOU, Father." In light of the story to this point, can you understand why Marco has such a deep love and devotion to his father? Explain your thoughts.
  
• How is Loristan a picture of God? Do you view God the way Marco views Loristan? If God is a loving, listening Father, does that change how you think about the topic of "prayer"?
  

Chapter 10. A Captured Heart

The Rat has arrived unexpectedly at Marco and Loristan's apartment to inform them that his father has died. Loristan treats him with dignity and compassion. The Rat is changed forever by this experience.

• List all the ways that Loristan treats The Rat with dignity and kindness during this encounter. How is The Rat used to being treated by adults? Why do you think that Loristan is treating him so well when others have not?
  
• Describe how The Rat responds to Loristan. What kind of impression does the man make on him?
  
• By the end of the chapter, it is obvious that The Rat will be permanently transformed by this experience. What signs do you see that The Rat is already changing in his motives, thoughts, and attitudes?
  

Chapter 11. Submission

To The Rat's delight, Loristan invites him to join the household. The Rat is completely ready to submit himself under Loristan's leadership.

• Reread the first page of the chapter. What does The Rat think and say that lets you know that he wants to place himself under Loristan's authority? Why do you think he is already so devoted to the man?
  
• Loristan tells The Rat, "I can find a PLACE for you if I take you with me." What does a "place" mean to The Rat? Why is having a place so important to him? The author implies that Loristan means more than The Rat realizes. What else do you think Loristan might mean when he says "a PLACE"?
  
• Jesus told people that they had to "count the cost" before they could become His disciples. In what way does Loristan "count the cost" with The Rat before he takes the boy into the household? Why is it important that The Rat understand in advance some of the challenges he might face?
  
• At least twice in this chapter Loristan expresses his confidence in The Rat. Why do you think it is an important thing for him to do? Why is telling The Rat "you and Marco are both under a commanding officer" something that "elates him and stirs his blood"?
  

Chapter 12. Devotion

The Rat now settles into Loristan and Marco's home. On the surface, not much seems to be happening; it is a time of preparation and waiting. But in a very real sense, the events in this chapter are among the most important in the entire book.

• Reread the conversation between The Rat and Lazarus that begins the chapter. Why does The Rat beg Lazarus for an opportunity to serve Loristan? Why do you think that The Rat doesn't care whether Loristan even knows about the service? When they speak of Loristan, The Rat at first tells Lazarus, "He's yours," but Lazarus corrects him by saying, "I'm his." What is the difference, and why is it important?
  
• Why does The Rat start working so hard to learn to walk on crutches? Why do you think he shows such "amazing determination and endurance" even when he "looks tired and pale and sometimes desperately fatigued"?
  
• How can it be that Marco is never jealous of The Rat or Lazarus when they show great devotion to his father? What has Marco learned from his father about dealing with "savage" thoughts?
  
• Think about your own attitudes towards Jesus. Can you say, like The Rat, "I can't help looking at Him so much…I want to find out everything he likes and everything he doesn't like…Isn't there anything I could do for Him? It wouldn't matter what it was…I was His the minute he looked at me with His deep, inviting eyes. It's like they get you and hold onto you and make you His own, and you want to follow Him. I'm going to follow." If not, do you want to feel that way about Him? Are you willing to make room in your heart for Him?
  

Chapter 13. Giving Your Life Away

After The Rat had been staying with Marco for two or three days, Loristan surprises him by suggesting that he continue training the "squad" of boys who have been his friends. Loristan thrills The Rat by calling the boys "his men."

• What has The Rat's friendship and leadership meant to the boys? Why have they been afraid that he won't come back? Why do you think Loristan feels it is important that The Rat continue to train them?
  
• Why do you think that it is important for The Rat's own sake that he continus to drill "his men"? Why would Loristan consider it a "neglect of duty" if The Rat forgets about them?
  
• The book portrays Loristan as being very busy with important plans and meetings dealing with Samavia. Why, then, do you think that Loristan takes the time to visit The Rat and his squad at their "barracks"? What does his visit do for The Rat? What does it do for the other boys?
  
• One time, when a man that He had healed wanted to follow Him, Jesus told the man: "Go to your house, to your friends, and give them news of the great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you" (Mark 5:19). Do you think that assignment could have helped both the man and his friends back home? By the way, that man went and told ten towns what Jesus had done for him!
  

Chapters 14 & 15. Poise

For the first time, Marco finds himself in real danger. He has been tricked by an elderly woman who, taking advantage of his kind nature, has lured him into a trap. He now must rely on his training so that he can remain calm and poised.

• When Marco realizes that he has been tricked, he says to the woman, "You are very clever," and then adds, "I was too young to know that there was anyone so—clever—in the world." How has the woman tricked him? Marco has been trained to have a kind, generous, helpful character. But is there something more he needs to learn from this experience?
  
• List all the different ways that the old woman and the young man try to manipulate Marco into revealing information about Loristan and Samavia. How does Marco's training enable him to resist their schemes?
  
• Once Marco is locked in the cellar, the first thing he does is ask himself, "What will it be best to think about first?" In fact, Marco's ability to discipline his thoughts is the key to remaining poised in this crisis. Skim through the last couple of pages of chapter 14 along with chapter 15. What thoughts and feelings does Marco allow himself to have? What thoughts does he reject? How does remembering his father's instruction help him?
  
• How can you develop a disciplined thought life? Can you afford to wait until you are in a crisis to consider that question? If you don't really know where to begin, it would be good to ask a few adults you respect for help!
  

Chapters 16 & 17. Friendship

At last Marco is freed from his captivity. His rescuer is not Loristan or Lazarus or some heroic figure, but The Rat—the boy who tried to chase Marco away with stones only a short time before!

• Marco is kind and courteous to everyone he met, but he offers his friendship to others very carefully and cautiously. In fact, we read in an earlier chapter that his friendship with The Rat is the first "true companionship" he has known with a boy his own age. Loristan has not forbidden him to make friends, but he has urged caution. About The Rat and his followers, he said, "You will find out for yourself whether they are friends for you or not…You have known lads in various countries, and you are a good judge of them, I think. Though they may be only twelve years old, you will soon see whether they are going to be MEN or mere rabble." Why do you think that Loristan and Marco are cautious about extending intimate friendship to others?
  
• In what ways are Marco and The Rat very different? What do they have in common? What is the basis of their friendship? Do you think that their friendship rests on a strong foundation? Do you think it will last?
  
• After the crisis is over, Marco realizes that he has "won a new love and trust from his father." As they sit and talk together that night, he realizes that they are "closer to each other's souls than they have ever been before." Why do you think that Loristan has a new trust for Marco? Why are they closer to each other's souls than ever? Is there something about their relationship that goes far beyond merely being close relatives? What more do they have in common?
  
• What about a disciple of Jesus living in the world, but not belonging to it—why would he or she need to be cautious about friendships? What should be the basis of friendships for a Christian?
  

Chapter 18. Family

Marco's ordeal does more than strengthen his relationship with The Rat and Loristan—it bonds each of them, along with Lazarus, into a tight knit unit.

• While Marco is still missing, Loristan declares to The Rat, "You are one of us." He repeats this statement about The Rat to Marco and later to the Prince. Why is Loristan now certain that The Rat belongs?
  
• The Rat now is "allowed to be near Loristan as he had never dared to hope to be near." He has been "taken into the intimacy which had before enclosed only the three." Loristan now "talks to him as he talks to Marco." The Rat realizes that Loristan "is becoming more and more like a father to him." In short, The Rat is now a part of the family. How does the concept of "family" go beyond being physically related? Are there relatives that aren't truly "family" with each other? Are there non-relatives who really do experience "family" together? What does it take to be "family"?
  
• Jesus once promised His disciples a hundred "homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, and children" if they would leave all to follow Him. Does The Rat's experience help you understand how it is possible for a follower of Jesus to have a hundred families in this life?
  

Chapter 19. Diligence

Marco and The Rat now begin "the game" for real. Absolutely critical for their success is the willingness and ability to prepare themselves and to obey their assignments with diligence and determination.

• Reread the beginning of this chapter, where Marco and The Rat study their assignments in preparation for "the game." Describe their attitudes about this time of preparation. What does the term "diligent" mean to you? In what way do you see diligence in the boys' actions? Why was this diligence so important for the ultimate success of "the game"?
  
• Marco was able to tell his father, "All you have told me to do and to learn is part of myself, Father. It is part of me, as if it were my hand or my eyes—or my heart." When you are given important assignments, can you honestly say that Marco's words also describe you? If not, what do you think is missing? Would you like to be this responsible and trustworthy? Are you willing to pay the price?
  
• The boys' first assignment is to deliver their message to a lady in Paris. Why is a diligent character necessary for their success? Which do you think is most important in accomplishing significant things in this life—talent or diligence?
  
• The Bible says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). The Bible in Basic English puts it, "He is a rewarder of all those who make a serious search for Him," and the King James Version speaks of "diligently seeking Him." Is there a connection between diligence and faith? Explain. How can you be more diligent in your own search for God?
  

Chapters 20 & 21. Provision

As Marco and The Rat were planning their journey, they felt willing to beg to support themselves if necessary. But as the trip unfolds, they begin to receive unexpected gifts of various kinds—nothing extravagant, perhaps, but still provision enough for their needs.

• What "unexpected thing" happens the night before they left Paris for Munich? How does this gift come in handy on their trip? Is it useful even in fulfilling their second assignment?
  
• At the opera house in Munich, Marco once again finds himself threatened by the spies. What provision does he find there to escape the danger?
  
• After Marco returns to the room, there is still more unexpected provision that shows up at the door. What form does it take? Why is it potentially important for the success of "the game"?
  
• Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, where Paul discusses the topic of God's provision. What does "sowing sparingly" and "sowing generously" mean? Why does God supply and increase a person's provision? Why would God make a person "rich in every way"? Which statement reflects Paul's (and God's) heart better: "Give so you can receive" or "Give so you can give even more"? Why? How is this principle reflected in this section of our story?
  

Chapter 22. Discernment

In their next destination—Salzburg—the boys face a different kind of challenge. Should they give the Sign to a man who looks almost exactly like their sketch, but strikes both of them as being somehow different? Showing good judgment in complicated situations and seeing the right way to proceed is called discernment.

• Marco has a difficult decision to make about whether he should give his barber the Sign. How is it an advantage that he has The Rat with him? Can you see a connection between teamwork and discernment? What could be one reason why Jesus sent his disciples out "two by two" instead of alone?
  
• Marco says, "My father trained me to still myself when things don't make sense and I don't know what to do." The author explains that "to go into some quiet place and sit and think about the thing he wanted to remember or to find out was an old way" of Marco's. "To be quiet was always the best thing, his father had taught him. Sometimes it was like listening to Loristan himself." How could Marco's training apply to a follower of Jesus who wants to know his Master's will?
  
• "Marco was the calmer of the two, because of the peace he felt in doing whatever he thought would please his father." What was the connection between Marco's desire to please his father and his ability to discern what would please him?
  
• In Romans 12:1-2, Paul provides precious insights into how a person can discern God's will. "Give your bodies to God…Let them be a living and holy sacrifice… Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Can you see parallels between how Marco and The Rat discern what Loristan would want them to do and how you can discern what God wants you to do? What is the connection between your desire to please God and your ability to discern His will? Looking back at Romans 12:1-2, what do you see that challenges you? Are there ways you need to change so that you can know God better?
  

Chapter 23. Significance

The assignment that Loristan has given to Marco and The Rat often takes them to people who seem insignificant on the surface—as do the boys themselves! Certainly no one has appeared less significant than this elderly woman in a remote mountain village. One major theme of The Lost Prince is that true significance is based on something very different than the shallow things the world values.

• Marco and The Rat have previously given the Sign to two other unlikely people—a barber and a shoemaker, each of whom has quit his job to become a mountain guide. Suddenly it dawns on The Rat why these men are actually significant to the cause of Samavia. Why is that?
  
• Now the boys give the Sign to this woman. Would the world view her as someone of significance? Why not? During this encounter, however, she does display some admirable character qualities. Can you name some of them and describe how she demonstrated them?
  
• What relationship does the woman have that makes her a very significant person for the cause of Samavia? How was her significance related to her ability to love?
  
• What do you value in other people—the things the world admires or the godly character and love that Jesus admires? What are you trying to develop in your own life?
  

Chapter 24. Faith and Unity

Several times throughout the boys' trip, their assignment proves difficult. Passing the Sign on to the Austrian prince is certainly one of those times. Whenever their circumstances became challenging, it was faith in Loristan that carried the boys through.

• The Rat observes about his friend: "Marco…had no wild fancies. He had learned too much and his mind was too well balanced. He did not try to 'work out things.' He only thought of what he was under orders to do." Describe how Marco's mind works. How does that mindset give him stability and peace in troublesome circumstances?
  
• The author gives us an important insight: "In their talks with Loristan they had learned that one great secret of strength and unflagging courage is to trust the one who sent them and to refuse to be anxious but rather wait until the right moment comes." Can you describe in your own words the connection between trust, strength, and courage? What are circumstances where you can "trust the one who sent you"? How could this apply to your relationship with God?
  
• The author makes this wonderful observation: "They frequently discovered that they were thinking the same things, as they grew more and more to be like Loristan." What would be bad reasons for people thinking the same things? What would be a good reason? What is the key to true unity among God's people?
  

Chapters 25 & 26. Faithfulness

Marco and The Rat continue their difficult assignment. They manage to complete it, although it requires them to spend the night outside in a powerful thunderstorm! This portion of "the game" has required them both to show a high level of faithfulness.

• Try to picture yourself in Marco's place—hiding in a bush outside a palace, drenched by a violent thunderstorm, without any obvious "success" to reward your efforts. How might you be tempted to feel? How does Marco choose to feel instead? What is the outcome of Marco's faithfulness? Who is the Prince's companion? What impact does Marco's willingness to spend the night out in a thunderstorm have on the Prince and his friend?
  
• The Rat chooses to spend the night in the street outside the garden where Marco is hiding. Why doesn't he wait back in their room? On the surface, it doesn't seem like The Rat actually can help Marco by waiting outside. But do you think that Marco really is helped when he discovers what The Rat has done? Explain.
  
• The boys cross into Samavia, ready to bring their mission to a conclusion and return to Loristan. Marco says, "Though we do not know what the end will be, we have obeyed orders." The Rat later echoes the same thoughts: "We've obeyed orders. We've not forgotten one." Put into your own words what the boys are trying to say. How is this attitude an important part of being faithful?
  
• When he meets the old shepherd, Marco explains his assignment this way: "I was not old enough to fight, or serve, or reason about great things. All I could do was to be silent, and to train myself to remember, and be ready when I was called. When my father saw I was ready, he trusted me to go out and give the Sign." Is faithfulness a learned character trait? How can you, personally, apply Marco's words—and especially his attitude—in your own situation?
  

Chapter 27. Watchfulness

The old shepherd takes Marco and The Rat to meet with a secret group called "The Forgers of the Sword." This organization has prepared for the day the Lost Prince would return ever since he vanished.

• The author tells us, "Five hundred years ago they had first sworn their oath; and kings had come and gone, had died or been assassinated, and dynasties had changed, but the Forgers of the Sword had not changed or forgotten their oath or wavered in their belief that some time—some time, even after the long dark years—the descendent of their Lost Prince would be among them once more, and that they would eagerly submit to his rightful rule." This is the attitude of watchfulness. Describe in your own words what watchfulness means. Had the Forgers been idle? Is waiting necessarily the same thing as watchfulness?
  
• Describe the Forgers' reaction when they see Marco and hear the Sign. Throughout the boys' journey, most people who have received the Sign have been quietly thankful. Why do you think the Forgers are so different? The Rat is frightened, but Marco does nothing to restrain the men. Why not?
  
• Jesus taught, "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes" (Luke 12:35-37). He was telling His followers that they needed to live with alertness and watchfulness, as if He were returning at any moment. How would a person who is alert and watchful live his or her daily life?
  

Chapters 28 & 29. Peace

The boys hurry home to London and discover that Loristan has traveled to Samavia. Together with Lazarus, they settle down to wait for news from him.

• Marco and The Rat are each immensely disappointed that Loristan is away. On the trip back, Marco has been "full of longing to see his father's face and hear his voice again." He wants to "feel the pressure of his hand on his shoulder—to be sure that he is real and not a dream." The Rat, too, has "longed to reach London and stand face to face with Loristan." The news that Loristan is gone feels like they have been "struck on the chest." How do they deal with their disappointment and their worry that Loristan could be in danger?
  
• Marco learns from Lazarus that they are almost out of money—and he is forced to deal with their anxious and rather pushy landlady. How does Marco handle himself in this situation? How do he, The Rat, and Lazarus plan to respond to this challenge?
  
• Marco and The Rat go back to the "Barracks" and resume training and inspiring the "Squad." Do you think it is difficult to consider others and meet their needs when you are under pressure and tempted with worry? Their decision to consider the other boys is unselfish, but do you think they benefit, too?
  
• Marco, The Rat, and Lazarus are each able to maintain peaceful hearts even when they are uncertain about the future. What do you see in their choices and attitudes that you can apply to your life?
  

Chapters 30 & 31. Royalty

The story ends with triumph, reward, joy—and a reunion. Marco and The Rat now begin a very different journey to Samavia. They are going there to join Loristan, now that Samavia is at peace.

• As Marco nears Samavia, he keeps reminding himself of one thing: "I am the son of Stefan Loristan…I am on my way to my father." Why do you think that Marco thought of himself primarily as "the son of Loristan" rather than "the Bearer of the Sign"? Why do you think he was mostly thinking of being reunited with his father, rather than seeing the results of his mission? Can Marco's attitude teach you something about what is truly important in life?
  
• Loristan tells the boys, "Not the crown! Not a throne. 'The Life of my life—for Samavia.' That was what I worked for—what we have all worked for. If there had risen a wiser man in Samavia's time of need…I could have stood aside. But no man arose." Describe in your own words what has motivated Loristan's sacrifice for Samavia. Jesus once said, "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." How does Loristan's life illustrate this truth?
  
• Marco "lifted his eyes. For one full moment…he stood quite still and straight, looking into the magnificence of the royal face. Then he knelt and kissed the hands held out to him—kissed them both with passion. The King had the eyes he had longed to see—the King's hands were those he had longed to feel again upon his shoulder—the King was his father!" For some, seeing the true King—Jesus—when He comes again will be an experience almost exactly like Marco's! Find out how YOU can be one of those people! Don't just assume that you know—dig into the word of God and learn these truths for yourself. Ask God to show you how you can be His child. He will! Why not start asking right now?