Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione

by Chuck Black

  At first the people seemed merely curious or confused. But once the tear-filled reunions between siblings, parents, and friends began, the frenzied search for loved ones also began. Many of the knights became occupied with keeping order both inside and outside the castle. And though joy often prevailed, deep sorrow pierced the heart of many, for not all who had lost a son, daughter, brother, or sister were rewarded. Some had not survived.

  Kendrick was standing in the middle of the castle yard, overcome by the sheer responsibility of it all, when an excited, urgent—and familiar—voice came to him.

  “Sir Kendrick! Sir Kendrick!” He turned to see Frayne making his way toward him through the crowd. He finally reached Kendrick and grabbed his forearm.

  “I was right?” he asked with hope in his eyes.

  Kendrick placed a hand on top of Frayne’s. “Yes, my friend. You were right.”

  “My son?” Frayne pleaded.

  “I don’t know, Frayne. They are still coming out. There are so many.”

  Frayne hardly knew what to do. “Where do I look?” he asked in a trembling voice. Kendrick’s heart broke for him.

  “Come with me. I will help you.” Kendrick turned him toward the guardhouse.

  “Father!” a weak shout came from their right.

  Frayne turned to look. “Hamlin!”

  A shivering young man limped over to him, and Frayne wept as he embraced him. After a time he stepped back and put his hands to his son’s head as if to convince himself he was not an apparition, then hugged him tightly again.

  “My son … my son!” Frayne cried over and over.

  Kendrick’s heart was comforted. He left Frayne to be with his son and walked toward the great hall to look over the impromptu infirmary. Duncan fell in step beside him, looking tired but pleased. “A marvelous thing was done here today,” he said.

  “Yes.” Kendrick draped an arm over Duncan’s shoulder. “You did well, young knight—very well.”

  Duncan looked to the ground and smiled even bigger.

  A commotion sounded behind them, and Frayne’s voice came through the crowd again.

  “There he is!” The tailor was shouting and pointing to Kendrick. “There is the one who has set them free!”

  Many of the citizens began to cheer.

  “No, Frayne.” Kendrick shook his head, but Frayne walked over to him, still clutching the arm of his son.

  “Speak to them, Sir Kendrick. They want to know what happened.” Frayne insisted. Many nearby shouted in agreement.

  Kendrick held up his hands and shook his head, but Duncan put his hand on his shoulder.

  “Speak to them, Kendrick,” Duncan said.

  “I am just a knight, not an orator,” Kendrick said.

  “You forget, my friend, that the Prince has called us not only to battle but to be heralds above all!”

  Kendrick returned Duncan’s smile. “The pupil teaches the teacher. I am proud of you, Duncan!”

  Duncan led Kendrick to the gatehouse tower so that all within and without the castle could see and hear him. Kendrick looked out over the many thousands of people and felt their need. His heart swelled with compassion, and he began to speak.

  “Within the walls of this castle,” he told them, his voice ringing clear in the chilly air, “your sons and daughters were taught to live in rebellion to you, to the King, and to His good ways. Such rebellion never brings freedom. It always brings bondage and ultimately death. But there is One who brings true freedom and life. Let me tell you about the Prince …”

  PARTING SORROWS

  Many weeks passed, and the labor of restoration and healing in Bel Lione seemed endless. The town and her citizens were changing, and Kendrick and Duncan did their best to guide them through it. Their testimony led many to believe in the Prince. They even started a haven where men and women could train to become Knights of the Prince.

  Many citizens opened their homes to prior captives who had nowhere to go or were too weak to travel. Lady Odette graciously took in four who needed daily care to strengthen them. Teara was among them, for six years of near starvation had left her in a state that would require months of recovery.

  Kendrick, who was also staying at Lionsgate, enjoyed watching Teara slowly blossom into a lovely young woman. Her gentle but confident spirit delighted him, though her presence made him slightly nervous as well. He enjoyed her company more than he had expected, and he wondered how a call to a new mission would affect her … and him.

  That time came as winter turned to spring. There were many farewells to make, some much harder than others.

  “Sir Kendrick?” Teara stood with Lady Odette’s family in the courtyard of Lionsgate as Kendrick and Duncan prepared to leave. “When I am strong again, will you train me to be a knight? I want to serve the Prince as you do.”

  Kendrick smiled down at the former captive who had grown to be his friend. “Yes, Teara. I will.”

  Teara took a step toward him and gazed up into his eyes. “Promise?”

  Kendrick hesitated, for he knew what that meant. Teara raised an eyebrow, and he found it impossible to refuse her.

  He smiled. “I promise.”

  Teara smiled back, though her eyes were solemn. “I believe you, my good knight, and I thank you once more for saving me.”

  Kendrick took her hand and brought it to his lips. “I made a promise to you,” he said. He released her hand, swung into Pilgrim’s saddle, and gazed back down at her. “I always keep my promises.”

  “Then I shall hold you to it.” She stepped back again, eyes glistening. “I wish you a safe journey.”

  Kendrick nodded and turned to Ancel. “Ancel, your courage honors your father,” he said and saluted him. “Thank you for your great help.”

  Ancel smiled and saluted back. “We shall miss you, sir.”

  “And I you. Shall we, Duncan?”

  Duncan and Elise had been standing a little apart, their heads close together, whispering quietly. Duncan turned to mount his horse, but Elise reached for his arm. “Must you go?”

  Duncan turned and placed a gentle hand upon her cheek. “You know that I must. My work for the Prince is far from over, and I have much yet to learn from Sir Kendrick.”

  Kendrick was somewhat surprised by the comment. He glanced toward Duncan and briefly locked eyes with him. The young man’s eyes expressed a fresh respect and admiration for him as a mentor. Kendrick responded with a nearly imperceptible smile, for now the respect was mutual.

  Duncan returned his gaze to Elise’s sad face. Kendrick could see her soft and gentle ways tugging on Duncan’s heart. He was once again amazed at the power a lady could hold over even the mightiest warriors, and he wondered if his future journeys might be made alone.

  “I will come back for you, my love.” Duncan reached down to take her hand. “Will you wait for me?”

  “I will wait for you and you alone, my knight. And though my heart will ache for your return, my love for you will only grow in your absence.” Elise lifted herself onto tiptoe and gently kissed Duncan’s cheek. She backed away into her mother’s embrace and watched Duncan rise onto his mount. A single tear escaped and traced its way down her cheek.

  Kendrick patted Pilgrim’s neck and then tipped his head to Lady Odette.

  “I thank you for your gift, my lady,” Kendrick said. “He’s a gallant horse.”

  Lady Odette smiled. “He deserves a worthy knight. Take good care of him … and bring him back to visit soon. You know the way.”

  Kendrick gave a final wave, reined Pilgrim around, then led Duncan down the tree-lined avenue and through the town of Bel Lione. As the town receded behind them, Kendrick turned toward Duncan. He could tell his young companion’s mind was still back with Elise, cherishing the memory of their departure and her farewell kiss.

  “Duncan,” Kendrick said.

  “Yes?” Duncan jerked back to the present.

  “There’s a kingdom out there that needs the hope of the Prince and
freedom from the chains of the Dark Knight. But … she is a lady worth returning for.”

  Duncan smiled broadly and then set his eyes on the horizon.

  “Then what are we waiting for?” he replied, and kicked his horse into a spirited run.

  “Ah, the zest of a youthful heart,” Kendrick said with a smile. “And for you, my Prince, I pray that my heart will never be found old or lazy!”

  Kendrick urged Pilgrim to a matching gallop and joined his young friend on a journey deeper into the heart of the King’s land, fulfilling their call to be noble Knights of Arrethtrae.

  THE WINDS OF ARRETHTRAE

  The story of Sir Kendrick and Sir Duncan does indeed compel me to commit their adventures to parchment, lest the testimony of their mighty deeds be forgotten. Their stand was strong and their courage sure, for the power of the Prince inflamed their hearts.

  The destruction of Lord Ra’s stronghold at Bel Lione was no small advancement for the kingdom of the Prince, for it struck a two-edged sword deep into the very heart of Lucius’s realm. Take heart and hear the call of the Prince as did Sir Kendrick and Sir Duncan, for I am certain that your region of the kingdom needs young men and women of great courage to rise up, proclaim the Prince, and fight against the evil one as well.

  It is time now to follow the winds of Arrethtrae away from these two noble knights and seek for others.

  Perhaps the winds of the kingdom will linger near you!

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  Review Questions from the Kingdom Series

  Much of the allegorical symbolism in the Knights of Arrethtrae originated in the Kingdom Series. Here are a few questions to review this symbolism:

  Who does the Prince represent?

  Who are the Knights of the Prince?

  Who are the Noble Knights?

  What is Chessington? Arrethtrae?

  Who is the Dark Knight/Lucius?

  Who are the Silent Warriors and the Shadow Warriors?

  What is a haven?

  Questions for Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione

  CHAPTER 1

  Kendrick tells Augustus that the ways of the Prince always seem contrary to the rest of the kingdom. What does he mean? Read Ephesians 2:8–9.

  Find a Bible verse that supports Kendrick’s statement during his discussion with Duncan that their purpose should be to make a name for the Prince, not for themselves. Can you think of a skill or strength that you possess that could be used to bring glory to the Lord instead of to yourself? How might you use it?

  The prestige of the Knights of the Prince resides in their cause and not in their dwellings. Think of a few ways to restate this to fit your own life, your family’s life, and the church Jesus established through His disciples.

  What does the Council of Knights represent?

  Read Ephesians 6:12. When William says, “Our battle is always with the Dark Knight.… Be sure that some other order or guild will rise up to unwittingly do the bidding of this evil warrior,” to what is he referring? Discuss some instances of this in your own experience.

  In chapter 1 we learn of the sad outcome for the family who housed the two Knights of the Prince. Read 2 Timothy 3:10–12; 1 Peter 4:12–16; and Acts 5:41. What do these verses say about persecution? Do you know of any specific examples of Christians experiencing persecution for their faith in the world today?

  William advises that it is unwise to dwell on the plots of Lucius instead of focusing on their mission for the Prince. Although we shouldn’t dwell on the plots of the devil, 2 Corinthians 2:11 says that we are not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices. How can being aware of these devices help us live more victorious Christian lives? What might happen if a Christian moves from being aware of the devices of the devil to being preoccupied with the plots of the devil?

  CHAPTER 2

  Duncan teases Kendrick because he is ignorant of Kendrick’s past and the pain that lingers there. Have you had a similar misunderstanding in which you learned that it is important and wise to choose words very carefully? If so, what was it?

  Why do you think Kendrick only wanted to participate in the Skill at Arms event? Why do you think he decides to participate in all of the events after telling Duncan he would only participate in the Skill at Arms? How does this apply to us as believers?

  Kendrick tells Duncan he wishes he could erase his tournament experiences from his past. Can you find a Bible verse that might comfort him, now that he is a Knight of the Prince?

  CHAPTER 3

  Kendrick tells Duncan of Casimir, “When a man’s eye is so full of evil that no good remains within, then evil will do what evil does regardless of the presence of good without.” Matthew 6:22–23 says, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (KJV). These verses contrast darkness with light. With what do they contrast evil? What do you think this means?

  Kendrick says that being friendly to Casimir is like heaping coals of fire on his head. Find a Bible passage that supports this statement. Is it easy to accept the concept behind this verse? Why or why not?

  CHAPTER 4

  Duncan feels the need to prove himself as a knight. To whom does he want to prove himself? Is this a proper aspiration?

  What kind of emotion usually accompanies the glare that the giant man gives Duncan? Why do you think he responds this way?

  CHAPTER 5

  Each book of the Knights of Arrethtrae Series deals with a specific set of vices and virtues. One of these vices—impulsiveness—is demonstrated by Duncan, who foolishly took action alone and without counsel. Find some Bible verses that support Kendrick’s reason for his anger with Duncan.

  Would it be as easy for you as it is for Kendrick to give up the chance to be the champion? Explain in your own words his motivation for withdrawing.

  CHAPTER 6

  Another vice that Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione deals with is alluded to in this chapter and is hidden in the names of the lord of the castle and the city in which the castle is located. What word is formed by the sounds of the combination of these three words? A vice can easily become a stronghold in a person’s life or in a community. In what ways is this vice (or stronghold) demonstrated among the citizens of Bel Lione?

  Considering the above information, what do you think the festival might represent? Why do you think no one attends the festival just once? Why do you think the festival participants are different when they return?

  CHAPTER 7

  As Duncan becomes more stable and focused on his mission for the Prince, his partnership with Kendrick improves greatly. What are some of the effects of being focused on the Lord?

  CHAPTER 8

  Although Duncan’s intentions were good, it was foolish for him to enter the castle. List two reasons why it was foolish. How does this apply to Christians?

  Can you think of a time when you experienced the “powerful pull” of temptation as Duncan does at the festival? How did you respond to it? What do you think are some wise and effective methods of dealing with temptation?

  Duncan realizes that in spite of their appearance of strength and power, the Shadow Warriors fear the power of the Prince. Why is this so? Find some verses that show this.

  CHAPTER 9

  Kendrick proclaims to the two Shadow Warriors, “Though my blood may spill, I am not afraid of you.” What resource does he draw on that gives him this courage? What does this represent biblically?

  Find the passages in the Bible that tell about the rebellion of Lucifer and his angels.

  Can you describe why you think Bronwyn is so upset and angry? Have you ever watched something evil gain power and strength and greatly wanted to stop it? What did you do?

  CHAPTER 10

  Morley says, “I can see in your face that you have lost one to Lord Ra … like so many before you
. Others have come to me, but I can offer them nothing except this: the choice was their own, and their own shall they bear.… Mourn not for the foolish, though they be your sons or daughters, for darkness swallows all who play in its shadows.” Give some examples of how people choose to “play in the shadows” of darkness.

  Ancel says, “I didn’t want to become like them—truly, Mother. I just wanted to see what the festival was like.” Why is this a dangerous attitude?

  What are some ways that the stronghold of rebellion is manifested in the youth once they enter the castle at the festival?

  CHAPTER 11

  While Kendrick’s words could not convey that he had come in peace, he found a way to convince Landor. How did he do it? What did he display that encouraged Landor to consider his requests? What does this say about the way we live as Christians?

  CHAPTER 12

  Kendrick says, “Let me tell you of the bread that brings hope and life to all who eat of it.” What is he talking about? Find a Bible verse or passage that speaks of this bread.

  Have you seen the story of Jesus transform a life such as how the Prince’s story changed Kendrick? How does observing that change make you feel? What does it do for your own faith?

  The names of the blood wolves that protect Lord Ra’s castle are Hypoc, Deceptor, Toxica, Revel, Plezior, Arrogoy, Destroyer, Carnage, Chaos, and Tormentor. What do you think these beasts represent?

  Kendrick is resolved to save Duncan, even after having to travel high into the mountains to find the mysterious Landor and then hearing him speak of all the dangerous obstacles he would have to meet in order to find Duncan, who Landor believes is already dead. Though the situation seems all but hopeless, Kendrick remains steadfast in his mission to rescue his friend. Loyalty is one of the virtues focused on in Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione. What kinds of obstacles did Jesus face in order to be loyal to the Father and to us in His mission to rescue mankind?