Ranger's Apprentice - Erak's Ransom Quiz

Answer: The Skandian known as Svengal arrives

Erak as Oberjarl was meant to have given up raiding. He was bored and decided on one last trip. He learnt through an informant that Al Sabah in Arrida provided an opportunity too good to miss. Unfortunately it was a trap. He was taken prisoner for ransom and his crew told to return to Skandia to get it. He suspected a Skandian rival's hand in this and asked Svengal to seek Araluen assistance instead.

Answer: She realised she was dealing with an imposter

The Araluen negotiating party on board 'Wolfwind' arrived at Al Sabah and were met by an armed party. Princess Cassandra sought an audience with the Wakir which was arranged for the following morning.

Various failings in protocol on the part of the Arridi were designed to see if she was who she said she was. One of these was to have the Wakir's accountant stand in his place for the negotiations. When she worked out that the accountant was not the Wakir, she got up and was leaving when the captain of the Arridi Guard revealed himself to be the Wakir.

They started with the negotiations again. After these were concluded, it turned out that Erak had been sent inland when the 'Wolfwind' was first sighted.

Answer: A sandstorm blew up

A sandstorm was seen approaching and started to envelope them as they sought safety. Tug got nervous and for once did not do as Will asked him. Will dismounted and tried to lead him into a wadi for shelter but slipped. He lost his grip on the bridle and then lost contact with Tug. Selethen found Will and prevented him going after the horse. By the time the sandstorm blew over, Tug was long gone.

Answer: His Northseeker (a compass) was affected by iron deposits

Will was supplied with a map by Selethen but was relying on his Northseeker for navigation. His route took him through some iron-rich hills which affected the magnetic needle and threw him off course. The Arridi knew about the iron but not about the Northseeker which the Araluens kept to themselves. The Arridi navigated using the stars at night and the position of the sun during the day.

Answer: The death of his horse Arrow

On what seemed to be Will's last night before dying, his horse Arrow wandered off a little to find grazing. A lion then attacked and killed the horse. Tracks showed that the lion had passed within two or three metres of Will. The vultures flying over the dead horse the following day drew the attention of the Bedullin who went to investigate. Arguably his horse Arrow saved him twice - once from the lion and secondly by attracting the vultures.

Answer: He won a horse race against Hassan

All of these options were suggested however only the horse race was taken up. Will had learnt that the Bedullin were great gamblers so he offered to race Tug against the best horse and rider in the camp. If Will won, he got to keep Tug. If not then he would give up any claim to the horse. Hassan agreed if he could use Umar's horse which was recognised as the best of the Bedullin horses. Tug's tactics during the race won the race for Will.

Answer: Bedullin scout observed the camp one night. His tracks crossed the Arridi/Araluen tracks.

Gilan went to the Tualaghi camp at night and then noticed someone else observing them. He chose to return and report rather than potentially create a disturbance. He cleared any sign of his tracks as he left. Unfortunately the Bedullin observer did not and by chance he passed near the Arridi/Araluen camp. The next day the Tualaghi scouts came across the Bedullin's tracks and then those of the Arridi/Araluens where they crossed the Bedullin's tracks.

Answer: For the ransom money

Will was on the point of leaving for Mararoc when he learnt of the developments. He was then anxious to go to their rescue. Umar made him wait for an hour whilst he met with his council. They decided that they wanted to help. They wanted to see Selethen reinstated as, although many Arridi did not like the Bedullin, he was someone who treated them fairly and was someone they could trust.

Answer: Have them all executed in public

Toshak had the draft for the Silasian Council and found the royal seal hidden where the Arridi/Araluens had surrendered. He offered his share of the 66,000 reels of silver which the draft represented to Yusal, the Tualaghi leader, in exchange for having the prisoners all executed. He wanted to ensure that there was no possibility of his treachery reaching Skandia.

Answer: A slingshot from Evelyn

After Will killed the executioner with an arrow, the fifty men that infiltrated the crowd started attacking the Tualaghi. They formed a defensive line around the platform where the prisoners were. The prisoners had freed themselves and were soon helping. There was a delay in the remaining rescuers coming in from behind partly because the bugler who was to give the signal, died in the initial melee.

It was Evanlyn who disabled Yusal and his lieutenant who stepped up to take his place. The delay allowed Umar's party to join the fray and the Tualaghi then surrendered.