by Chuck Black
I later learned that the Silent Warriors had tainted all drinking water with a sleeping compound. The entire kingdom was asleep and would stay that way for many hours. Even we were affected, but the Silent Warriors possessed a counter agent to awaken us.
The little boy I was carrying was now fully awake and asked to walk on his own. I set him by his father’s side. He smiled in gratitude, and I moved on at my previous quickened pace.
As I approached the docks, I saw two ships already underway out to sea. They were full of fellow knights. The silent mass of people flowed steadily from the streets and onto the ships, all of them passing by one man—the Prince!
I could not contain my enthusiasm. My quickened pace turned to a full run.
No longer was He wearing the clothes of a peasant. He was now clothed in full royal attire, which framed His majestic character. His magnificent sword hung near His side. The sight of Him demanded awe and respect. This was only a glimpse of what He had given up to set us free. Soon I would see the splendor of His kingdom and all its riches. He did this for me!
My mind could hardly grasp that statement as truth. The King and His Son must love us more than we thought possible—more than we could love even our own children. What a strange way to save the kingdom!
The Prince looked at me as I came to Him. Those same penetrating eyes smiled at me. Tears spilled onto my cheeks as I knelt before Him and took in His loving gaze. Just as He once before had lowered Himself for me as a peasant, He knelt to one knee and put His hand behind my neck.
His voice was quiet and sincere. “Well done, Cedric. Well done!”
I lowered my head and wept. Oh, how I had craved to hear those words. They were the prize for all my journeys … all my struggles. I cherish them to this day more than gold.
The Prince raised me to my feet and hugged me as though I was His son. I was already home!
THE GREAT BATTLE
Our arrival in the kingdom across the sea was glorious. William and I shared our stories with many fellow knights, and the Silent Warriors captivated us with all they had seen and experienced as well.
One particularly joyful reunion was with my old friend Leinad. He had devoted his entire life to loyal service of the King. I listened to all his grand adventures as a gallant knight once again, but this time I was spellbound because those stories were so significant to the arrival of the Prince.
After the great reunion and celebration, we resumed our training under the Prince once again. He was preparing us—preparing us for this very day, this very battle.
NOW YOU KNOW MY STORY. I was but a peasant, hungry and clothed in rags. Today I share the line of gallant Knights of the Prince. I wear the armor of the Prince and will fight beside Him this hour. This is where you found me, and this is where I must leave you … at the kingdom’s edge. This is the battle to regain Arrethtrae. Never in the history of man was there ever a battle between such powerful forces, nor will there ever be again.
The Dark Knight must be conquered!
After our departure from Arrethtrae, the Dark Knight used our mysterious disappearance to further frighten the people and secure his control over the entire kingdom. He was in his own perverted glory for a time. Fear ruled the people. If they did not serve him, they were eliminated. But now his time has come. The Prince will make sure of that.
There is the Prince now—His white stallion beneath and His magnificent sword before! Nothing can stand before the Prince. He is truly invincible.
The sound of a mighty and evil force approaches, but I am not afraid. I am on the side of the Prince.
On whose side are you?
Discussion Questions
To further facilitate the understanding of the biblical allegory of this series, a few discussion questions and answers are provided below.
CHAPTER 1
1. We hear about a procession of Noble Knights. Who do they represent biblically?
2. Cedric tells us that the Noble Knights handed out scraps of food to people to show their superiority over them. Cedric says, “I believe they did it to inflate their egos.” Find the parable in the Bible about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in a synagogue. Also look up Matthew 6:5–7. How do you think God feels about public displays of religiosity?
3. Leinad mentions the “Sword of the King,” but it is kept in his trunk in the corner. What do you think this represents?
4. Cedric meets a “man from a distant land.” Who do you think this man is? Who does he represent?
CHAPTER 2
1. Who does the Dark Knight represent?
2. After the Noble Knights finish their training in the city square, a shop owner demands justice after a girl steals bread from his store. The most prestigious Noble Knight, Kifus, begins to execute judgment according to the Code, meaning that the girl will lose her right hand. But the mysterious stranger Cedric met in the previous chapter duels with Kifus to save the girl. This event represents what other biblical event? Find the passage and read it.
3. Cedric cannot remember if the sword the stranger carries is Leinad’s “Sword of the King.” And when the stranger reveals that He is the King’s Son, the Noble Knights do not recognize Him. They had stopped listening to Leinad’s message that a deliverer was coming. This represents when Jesus revealed that He was God’s Son, but the Pharisees refused to believe Him. They weren’t familiar enough with the prophecies of His coming as found in the Word of God, spoken by the prophets. Why is it important for us to study God’s Word?
4. The King’s Son rebukes the Noble Knights three times in this chapter. What do these exchanges represent?
5. Who do you think Cedric represents? Why? Find a passage in the Bible that supports your conclusion.
6. Cedric reflects, “In my heart I knew I must answer one question, Do I really believe that this man is the Son of the King?” Just as Cedric was required to answer this question about the Prince, so must we decide whether or not to believe that Jesus is really the Son of God. Once this decision is made, what must follow?
CHAPTER 3
1. At the beginning of the chapter, Cedric reflects, “I have learned that the hardest, most difficult times of my life caused the most growth in my character” (read 1 Peter 1:6–7). Have you found this to be true for you as well?
2. The Prince uses His sword to train Cedric and the other Knights of the Prince. What does this symbolize?
3. Cedric narrates, “Dark shadows usually hide dark deeds.” What do you think about this? Find passages in the Bible regarding light and darkness.
4. The Prince tells Cedric and William that one day He must return to His Father’s kingdom (read John 13:36–37). However, the Prince also says He will return for those faithful to the King and bring them to His kingdom for their final training. Then together they will completely destroy the Dark Knight. This represents the biblical prophecies concerning Jesus’ second coming. Can you find some of those prophecies?
5. Who do the Silent Warriors represent?
6. The Prince tells Cedric and William that the Dark Knight and his Shadow Warriors are coming to attack the kingdom because they want revenge on the King for defeating them in battle. What does the foreshadowing of the coming struggle with the Dark Knight represent?
CHAPTER 4
1. In this chapter, Cedric and William encounter a Shadow Warrior who is about to kill a man. They attempt to save the shop owner, but they are unable to defeat the Shadow Warrior. When they are about to be overcome, the Prince arrives and sends the Shadow Warrior running for his life. What two biblical events does this event portray?
2. After battling against the Shadow Warrior for some time, Cedric sees William use a combination taught by the Prince. Cedric realizes that he had been relying on his own skill and not on the training he received from the Prince. What might this mean for you personally? How does God empower you to overcome sin in your life?
3. The only reason Cedric and William were able to remain alive during their battle wit
h the Shadow Warrior was because there were two of them. Jesus knew about the importance of having a partner with you when you enter into missions. Find a verse that supports why you think this is true.
CHAPTER 5
1. At the beginning of this chapter, the Prince begins to train His Knights with the use of the shield. What does this represent? Find a passage of Scripture to support you.
2. The focus of this chapter is an attack on the Prince by three Noble Knights. What does this event portray?
3. Who does Kifus represent?
4. As the three Noble Knights are leaving, one turns and asks the Prince, “Are you truly the King’s Son?” Who do you think this Knight may have represented?
CHAPTER 6
1. In this chapter the Prince cries a single tear for the people of Chessington; we see how much the Prince loves the people. He also loves children, and He tells them a story as they surround Him and sit on His lap. What biblical event does this portray?
2. The Prince is so moved when He sees the people of Chessington starving that He sends His Knights to feed them with food sent from His Father’s kingdom. What biblical event does this portray?
3. Article 3 of the Code states, “Offer compassion to the weak, the destitute, the widowed, and the poor” (Kingdom’s Hope). The Noble Knights’ idea of compassion had become twisted with the passing of time, so the Prince teaches His Knights about the nature of true compassion. This is something Jesus also emphasized during His ministry on earth. Compassion is more than just feeling something; it’s doing something. Have you ever acted on compassion for someone? How did that make you feel? Has someone ever been compassionate to you? How did that make you feel?
CHAPTER 7
1. There are three direct allusions to Scripture in this chapter. What are those three events, and where are they in the Bible?
2. As the Prince surrenders to Kifus and the Noble Knights, He throws His sword deep into the forest. What does this symbolize?
3. The Prince had the power to save Himself, but instead He gave Himself up to save His knights. When Jesus was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane, He had the power to free himself and to even destroy His enemies if He so desired, but His mission was so much greater than self-preservation and revenge. He restrained Himself from acting manlike and sacrificed Himself to save us from our sins, thus acting godlike. How do you act when you are persecuted for being a Christian? Can you find a verse that tells us how we are supposed to act?
CHAPTER 8
1. In this chapter it appears as though the Dark Knight is victorious over the Prince by having Him killed. This is clearly symbolic of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. What is the irony regarding those responsible for His death and their reason for killing Him?
CHAPTER 9
1. Cedric and some of the Knights of the Prince are hiding in Barrett’s shop after the Prince dies. Find verses in the Bible that show what this represents.
2. The resurrection of Christ is depicted in this chapter when the Prince appears to Cedric and a few of the other knights. Why is the Resurrection such an important part of the gospel?
3. Cedric and the other knights were afraid after the Prince was killed. What gave them courage to take up the mission the Prince had given them? What gives you courage to stand up for Jesus?
CHAPTER 10
1. Cedric and William embark on a mission to another city to recruit followers of the Prince. Here they are challenged by a group of men that nearly kills them. In a moment of peril Cedric cries, “The King reigns—and His Son!” Who comes to their aid? Can you find a Bible passage where a disciple receives help from an angel of God?
2. Can you think of a time in your life when you knew that God intervened to help you out of a difficult situation?
CHAPTER 11
1. Keef, a Silent Warrior, tells Cedric a story about the Dark Knight and his rebellion against the King. What does this story represent biblically, and where do you find it in Scripture?
2. Keef tells Cedric another story about the great sword fight between the Prince and Lucius. What does this represent, and why is the symbolism of the sword important in this scene? Find Scripture to back up your answer.
3. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” God promises to provide a way out of every temptation we face. Using this verse and the example of Jesus, what should we do to overcome temptation?
CHAPTER 12
1. In this chapter, Cedric and William find themselves caught up in a battle between Silent Warriors and Shadow Warriors. What do they learn from the Silent Warriors, and how does this apply to us today?
2. What are you doing to ensure that you are prepared when Jesus returns?
CHAPTER 13
1. Cedric, William, and Rob help a man bitten by a snake and then tell him about the Prince. This story changes the man’s heart. What does this represent, and what Bible verse talks about such a transformation in a person?
2. Jesus has called all of His believers to share the Good News of salvation with others. Sometimes this takes courage and boldness. Have you ever been given the opportunity to share the transforming story of Jesus with anyone? What did you do? God will provide the opportunity and the courage if you ask Him.
CHAPTER 14
1. In this chapter, Cedric and his friends come face-to-face with the Dark Knight and his Shadow Warriors. Cedric finally realizes that he should not give up, but fight with the sword that the Prince gave him. What Bible verse tells us how to fight the devil?
CHAPTER 15
1. At the end of the book, the Knights of the Prince are all secretly taken out of the kingdom. What does this represent, and what Scripture passages back up your answer?
2. Cedric meets the Prince at the docks and kneels before Him. He craves to hear the words “Well done!” These are the same words Jesus uses in a parable to explain the kingdom of heaven. Find that parable and the words Jesus spoke.
3. Later, in the Epilogue, Cedric arrives in the kingdom across the sea. What do you think this represents?
4. Jesus said in Matthew 7:14, “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” The Bible teaches that there is only one way to heaven, and that is through believing on Jesus Christ. In Romans, there are seven verses that explain what and why we must believe in order to be saved. These verses are listed at the end of the answers to the discussion questions. Would you like to ask Jesus to come into your life and save you for all eternity?
Answers to Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 1
1. The Pharisees.
2. Luke 18:9–14. Jesus clearly states that public displays of piety are hypocritical. This is also explained in Luke 11:42–43.
3. The sword represents the Word of God, so this represents the four hundred years of God’s silence between the prophecies of Malachi and the coming of John the Baptist.
4. This man is the Prince, the son of the King; He represents Jesus Christ. The reference to His eyes, which “burned like fire” is a foreshadowing of His second coming (see Revelation 19:11–16).
CHAPTER 2
1. The Dark Knight represents Satan.
2. John 8:1–11. This event also represents the transition from the age of the law to the age of grace. Jesus’ reaction to the woman caught in adultery is indicative of this shift.
3. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Find more verses that address our need to read and study God’s Word.
4. Jesus calling the Pharisees hypocrites (see Matthew 23:13–29).
5. In this specific instance, Cedric represents all of the disciples of Jesus. The Prince asks Cedric to be a Knight o
f the Prince, just like Jesus asks the disciples to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–18). In a broader sense, Cedric symbolizes all followers of Christ, including you.
6. Cedric chose to believe in the Prince and then followed Him. That is what God requires of us as well. Jesus said in Mark 10:21, “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’ ”
CHAPTER 3
1. Answer based on personal experience.
2. Jesus teaching the disciples using parables, Old Testament Scripture, and Himself, since Jesus is the Word in the flesh (John 1:1–3).
3. One example is John 3:19–20.
4. Revelation 19:11–16; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18.
5. Angels.
6. This represents the prophecies of the coming antichrist and his rule on earth.
CHAPTER 4
1. This event first portrays when the disciples fail to cast out a demon but Jesus succeeds (Matthew 17:14–21). The second biblical event is when the demons recognize Jesus and beg not to be destroyed (Matthew 8:28–29).
2. Pray; read, memorize, and quote Scripture; sing praises to God.
3. Mark 6:7; Ecclesiastes 4:9.
CHAPTER 5
1. The armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10–18.
2. This event portrays the times when the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus into violating the Law. One instance is recorded in Matthew 22:15–22.
3. Caiaphas, the head Pharisee (Matthew 26:3).
4. Nicodemus (John 3:1–21).
CHAPTER 6
1. When Jesus lays hands on and blesses children in Mark 10:13–16.