Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart

by Chuck Black

  Koen met him at the front door and stepped outside. Dalton could see by his countenance that something was wrong.

  “What is it, Koen?”

  Koen rubbed the back of his neck. “Father has fallen ill. Mother is quite concerned, for he runs a high fever.”

  “I’m sorry,” Dalton said. “Is everyone else all right?”

  “Yes, but I’m sure Carliss would want to know, and I can’t leave mother and my younger siblings right now.”

  “You don’t need to say another word, my friend,” Dalton put a hand on Koen’s shoulder. “I’m on my way.”

  They walked toward Chaser and heard another rider coming up the road that led to their farm. As he neared, they recognized Sir Orland. He greeted them with a smile until he realized that not all was well.

  “What’s wrong?” Orland asked as he dismounted.

  “Father is ill.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. How serious is it?” Sir Orland asked.

  “I’m afraid quite. Dalton has agreed to ride to Varlaken and bring Carliss home.”

  Sir Orland glanced at Koen with a puzzled look. He shook his head as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “Carliss?” he asked.

  “Yes, she’s at Varlaken,” Koen said slowly as if to help jog Sir Orland’s memory. “Helping with the retraining?”

  Sir Orland looked as if he’d just been told an enemy was coming over the hill.

  “I’ve just come from Varlaken. They told me Carliss left for home four days ago.” Sir Orland’s voice was tense. The ride from Varlaken was at the very most a two-day journey.

  The three men stood in silence for a brief moment as the reality of this news sunk in. A dozen possible calamities raced through their minds. A sense of urgency swelled within Dalton.

  “Are you certain?” Dalton asked.

  “Sir Porvan and Lady Beda both told me,” Sir Orland said.

  Koen opened his mouth, but nothing was spoken. He looked back at the doorway to his home. He paced a few steps away and then returned. Dalton had never seen him so sick with concern. He looked at Dalton and Orland with eyes that pleaded for help.

  “Koen, you need to be here with your mother,” Dalton said as he set a foot in the stirrup. “I’ll leave for Varlaken immediately.”

  “And I will go to the haven here and gather a search party,” Sir Orland said as he too mounted.

  Dalton looked down into the concerned face of his friend. “We will find her, Koen. I promise.”

  Dalton reared his horse and galloped at full speed toward his home, where he packed a few supplies and then set off for Varlaken. He pushed Chaser as hard as he dared, looking for any sign of Carliss along the way. His mind went wild with the possibilities of disaster, and with each episode he imagined, he pushed the horse harder.

  He made the trek in record time and arrived late in the evening. He immediately met with Sir Porvan, the leader of the Varlaken haven, and Lady Beda, a prominent knight there. Their concern was evidence that something was indeed amiss. They too were organizing a contingent of knights that would search the road and country from Varlaken to Salisburg the following morning.

  Dalton talked with anyone else who had any association with Carliss. He spent a restless night and then spoke with more people at the haven. A number of the knights had seen her depart for Salisburg, but that was all. After that, she seemed to have vanished. Everyone was alarmed and concerned by her disappearance.

  Dalton was frustrated by his lack of discovery. He packed his horse to join the contingent that had left earlier to search the country between Varlaken and Salisburg. Just as he was ready to leave, he heard a voice call to him.

  “Sir Dalton?”

  He turned about to see one of the female knights who had been rescued from Drox’s prison coming toward him.

  “Yes.”

  “My name is Raylin. I know Carliss.”

  Dalton looked at her and knew there was something more to come.

  “Yes?” he asked.

  “I didn’t see her leave, and I don’t have much to offer you, but I did notice that one of the other female knights left the same day. That’s not so unusual, though, since a number of the knights have departed over the past week.”

  “Does she know Carliss?” Dalton asked.

  “Yes, we all do,” Raylin said. “Carliss has been so strong and helpful to all of us. Lady Salina seemed particularly drawn to her.”

  “Lady Salina?” Dalton asked.

  “Yes, the woman who left the same day.”

  “Where is Salina from?”

  “I believe her home is a farm near a small village north of here. Her brother came to visit last week, but she did not leave with him.” Raylin looked sad. “Carliss is an extraordinary young woman. I hope you find her.”

  “I will,” he said and turned to mount Chaser, but the woman grabbed the horse’s bridle.

  She looked forlornly at Dalton. “There’s something else you should know.”

  Dalton cocked his head, waiting for more.

  “Carliss came to Varlaken because of you.”

  Dalton was stunned. “What do you mean by that?” he asked.

  Raylin hesitated, struggling to find the right words. “I first saw her at Drox’s prison, just after you spoke to her. She was bandaging my arm, and I saw a broken heart in her eyes. At first she denied it, but I am able to discern the hearts of people.”

  Dalton’s eyes slowly widened as he considered what Raylin was implying. “I…I had no idea.”

  Raylin looked sadly at him. “There is no pain greater than that of unreciprocated love.”

  Unreciprocated love. Dalton felt his own heart lurch. He had been so focused on Brynn that he had never considered anyone else. And yet over the past two weeks he had found himself thinking of Carliss again and again…

  Dalton swung into his saddle. “I must go.”

  “Where will you look?” Raylin asked. “The kingdom is vast.”

  “If I have to go to the Isles of Sedah and back, I’ll find her!” Dalton said.

  Raylin nodded and let loose of the bridle. He thanked her and then set his course northeast, pursuing a fellow Knight of the Prince, a friend…and perhaps something more.

  There was much to accomplish for the Prince, but in his heart he knew that this mission just might be his greatest.

  STANDING FIRM

  Sir Dalton’s journey of knighthood took him into the snares of Lucius and out again. It is a tale I oft tarry to tell yet tell it often, for there are far too many young knights who do not escape the wiles of the Dark Knight. Perhaps by your hearing of it, your heart will be strengthened and your resolve set firm to stay upon the Prince and His ways. It truly is the only way to conquer the evil that casts a shadow upon the hearts of many. Dalton discovered great power to overcome this darkness in the wisdom and instruction of the Prince, for greater is the Prince within than all the powers of Lucius without.

  Of Lady Carliss, I should dare to tell of what became of her, and yet her story is one of equal telling and deserves its own chronicle. Whether her chronicle be good or bad I shan’t say, for doing so would diminish the purpose for which she strove to live. But in life or in death, you can know that her heart beat strongly for the Prince. She stood firm, and Sir Dalton was inspired by her.

  Therefore I leave you with this challenge: stand firm, young knight. Stand firm as Sir Dalton and his faithful friends learned to do, and know that the Prince is with you!

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  Review Questions for the Kingdom Series

  Much of the allegorical symbolism in the Knights of Arrethtrae Series 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 Wa
rriors?

  What is a Vincero Knight?

  What is a haven?

  Questions for Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart

  CHAPTER 1

  Drox tells Dalton that he loves to kill incompetent Knights of the Prince. According to 1 Peter 5:8, who is the enemy who is seeking to destroy Christians?

  Drox exclaims that whoever has the power to kill you is the one who is lord in your life. Do you agree with this statement? Find a Bible verse to support your answer.

  Why was Dalton unable to defend himself against Drox? If you were faced with a problem like the one Drox represents, how would you use your sword (the Word of God) to combat it?

  The Bible says that Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44, NASB). One of those lies is trying to make people believe that God doesn’t really care about them. What are some ways that you have experienced God’s love in your life? Find a few Bible verses that show how much God loves and values you.

  CHAPTER 2

  As Sir Treffen is introducing Sir Dornan to the knights-in-training at the haven, he tells them that Sir Dornan will be their source of instruction and guidance. Who/what should you look to as your primary source of instruction and guidance?

  All of the trainees at the haven seem to like Sir Dornan’s instruction except Koen and Carliss. Why do you think that is?

  The trainees at the haven make fun of Koen and Carliss for being too serious about their devotion to the Prince and to the Code. Have you ever been teased for being serious about your relationship with God?

  Sir Dornan claims that he became a Knight of the Prince only after he had undergone training. Does this view line up with the message of Scripture? Use a Bible verse to explain your answer.

  Sir Dornan claims that the Code is an antiquated guide, not a mandate, and that it is too archaic to apply to the present world. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use Scripture to support your answer.

  CHAPTER 3

  Dalton was unprepared to explain about the Prince to the boy at the water bucket. The Bible says that we are always to be ready to give an answer for what we believe. Read 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Timothy 4:2. Using Bible verses, how would you explain to someone about Jesus?

  Each book in the Knights of Arrethtrae Series deals with a specific set of virtues and vices. Can you identify which vices are represented by the boy at the water bucket?

  CHAPTER 4

  Dalton’s encounter with the young man in the city of Millvale is the second phase of doubt, each time growing larger and stronger. How does doubt grow? What does the Bible say about doubt? What can we do to overcome doubt?

  Satan often uses ridicule or criticism to bring doubt and unbelief into our lives. Have you ever been ridiculed for your faith in Jesus? How did you handle the situation? What attitude does the Bible teach us to have in those situations? Read Matthew 5:11.

  CHAPTER 5

  Sir Dornan explains to the knights-in-training that because of the great chaos in the Kingdom, it is logical to conclude that the King has removed His influence and involvement from the people of Arrethtrae. What type of view of God is this called? What verses in the Bible counter this philosophy?

  The attack of the marauders on the village is symbolic of Satan’s true intentions for humankind in the world. What are some of the ways he brings devastation to the lives of people? What are some of the ways Jesus brings healing and protection?

  CHAPTER 6

  In chapter 6, Dalton is faced with the third phase of doubt, and it comes upon him much more strongly than before. Why?

  Each wound Dalton receives from the harbingers of doubt is deeper than the one before. The wounds are the hurt foot from the bucket, the cut on his leg from the man in Millvale, and the wound to his shoulder from the battle with the warrior. What do these wounds represent spiritually?

  Why could Koen defeat the warrior when Dalton could not?

  Koen demonstrates the virtue focused on in this book. What is that virtue? Can you find a Bible verse that defines it?

  CHAPTER 7

  Dalton is attacked in spite of all of his advanced training. Is it possible for a person to receive great biblical training and still not have faith in Christ? Which group in the Bible had this problem?

  Lord Drox identifies himself as Skia Ek Distazo, which means “shadow of doubt.” Dalton’s doubt is now huge and impossible for him to overcome on his own. How or why did this happen? What does this mean in a spiritual sense?

  Why did Drox fear Koen, yet have control over Dalton?

  CHAPTER 8

  Who do you think the dark lord represents?

  Si Kon tells Dalton that it is fear that imprisons them—not the iron bars. Is this true in your life? What do you think hinders believers from sharing the good news of Jesus with everyone they meet? Find a Bible verse that might encourage someone who is dealing with fear in his or her life.

  CHAPTER 9

  The prisoners of Distazo were discouraged from talking among themselves, and this eliminated any camaraderie or unity. Can you think of an example in our world today of how Satan has deceived Christians and discouraged them from being unified?

  Drox exclaims to the prisoners of Distazo, “Let he who is strong and not a fool come forth and profess these truths, and I will set him free.” Why is this a lie? Find a Bible verse about Satan being a liar.

  CHAPTER 10

  After Dalton escapes Distazo, seeing evidence of the demise of others causes doubt and unbelief to rise up in him. How does Satan use what we see, hear, and think about to cause doubt and unbelief in our lives? Find a verse in Philippians that tells us what to think upon.

  CHAPTER 11

  As Dalton is drifting in and out of consciousness, he hears Mister Sejus singing. Can you find the Scripture verses he is singing?

  Mister Sejus makes the comment that as a collector he can “take old things and make them new.” Can you find a Bible verse that compares our old, sinful nature to that of the new, righteous nature we receive when we are in Christ? What happens to our old nature when we receive the new one?

  CHAPTER 12

  When Dalton is asked what is most important to him, the first thing he mentions is Lady Brynn. What should be most important to Dalton as a Knight of the Prince? What are the priorities in your life?

  According to Mister Sejus, why did Dalton’s sword break? Can the Word of God ever “break” when one misuses it?

  Mister Sejus tells Dalton that he has the sword and the mind of a Knight of the Prince, yet he lacks the heart. What does this mean spiritually?

  After talking with Mister Sejus about the condition of his heart, Dalton “felt pierced again, but this time in his heart and with a different sword.” Can you find a verse in Hebrews that talks about the Word of God piercing the reader with truth?

  CHAPTER 13

  How does the sword that Mister Sejus retrieves from the pile of rubble represent Dalton’s condition as a knight and his understanding of the Code?

  Mister Sejus instructs Dalton to polish the sword according to the designs of its swordsmith. How does this apply to how we read and understand the Bible?

  Dalton says that many people in the kingdom deny the existence of the King. Sejus replies that those people live a life of contradiction because even the kingdom itself testifies to the King’s reign. Does this statement apply to our world today? How? Find a Bible verse to support your answer.

  One of Satan’s most successful lies of all time is that of evolution. Why do you suppose he chose to convince people to believe in evolution, and why is it so successful in destroying people’s faith?

  What does Nedehaven represent?

  CHAPTER 14

  Dalton was under the false belief that it was training from instructors that directed the thoughts and actions of Knights of the Prince. Mister Sejus guides him to the truth that it should be the Code and the life of the Prince that direct the thoughts and actions of a Knight of the Prince. What does this represent, and why is it important for us
to understand?

  Find a verse in John that relates to the Prince’s being the personification of the Code.

  Who does Master Sejus represent? What is the significance of Dalton finally addressing Sejus as Master rather than Mister?

  CHAPTER 15

  Master Sejus says, “Even the treasures of a king are oft neglected, but it does not diminish their value.” What do these words refer to in a spiritual sense?

  Master Sejus gives Dalton’s life and the sword to him as gifts. How has Jesus done the same for us? List a couple of Bible verses to support your answer.

  Dalton believed Sejus to be different than He really was. Dalton’s perception of Sejus changes the more he gets to know Him. How can we know who Jesus really is? How does our perception of the Lord affect our relationship with Him?

  Dalton has come to the realization that the Prince is the “cornerstone” of all Master Sejus has taught him. Find a Bible verse referring to Jesus as the cornerstone.