Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione (28 page)

C
HAPTER
19

1. This is a reference to God’s restraint put upon Satan and his demons until the end times as indicated in Revelation 9 and also in Luke 8:27–31, where Jesus could have cast the legion of demons into the abyss.
   
2. Kendrick’s prison was revenge. Jesus sets us free from all types of “prisons,” including grudges, greed, hatred, fear, religious legalism, addictions, and many more.
   
3. A similar story is the parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15:11–32.
   
4. One example is Mark 6:30–34.
   

C
HAPTER
20

1. If Christians aren’t determined to be faithful and loyal to Christ, believing His Word even when the world tries to convince us otherwise, we won’t be able to access the mighty power He has made available to us. Just as Bronwyn had long been aching for something to be done and jumped at the chance to help the Knights of the Prince when Kendrick made the decision to stand up to evil, the Lord’s power is ready and waiting to be used.
   
2. The chief vices are rebellion and impulsiveness (or foolishness), and the virtues are forgiveness and loyalty. Hamlin, the prisoners, the Vincero Knights, and many of the other citizens of Bel Lione represent the trait of rebellion. Duncan represents the trait of impulsiveness or foolishness. Ancel represents the traits of rebellion and foolishness. Elise and Lady Odette represent the trait of loyalty, and Kendrick represents the traits of loyalty and forgiveness.
   
3. Ancel’s heart change was caused by the immediate consequences his choice brought. Many of the prisoners’ hearts were changed by the realization that their behavior had caused their imprisonment. Landor was changed first by the recognition of extreme evil and then by the love and forgiveness that the Prince showed him through Kendrick. Duncan was changed by the suffering (including his own, Elise’s, and Kendrick’s) that was caused by his unwise and rash behavior. Forgiveness was developed in Kendrick because coming face to face with the object of his former fury tested his faith in the Prince and forced him to finally give up the pain of his past through forgiving this enemy that he loved. Loyalty was developed through his relationships with Duncan and Teara. The realization that no one else would rescue these people and the need to persevere in order to do it spurred him on.
   
4. Answer based on personal experience.
   
5. “I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” (Isaiah 42:6–7, KJV)
   

Unlike the Kingdom Series allegory, in which characters and events are based on people and events taken directly from Scripture, the Knights of Arrethtrae Series presents biblical principles allegorically. Each book teaches about virtues and vices conveyed through the truth of God’s Word.
Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione
teaches about loyalty, forgiveness, foolishness, and rebellion.

Rebellion of the heart is always a dangerous path, for it is preceded by pride and always separates us from the Lord. Our culture today encourages it, not fully understanding the consequences of dancing about its flames. It seems to especially strike the heart of youth whose understanding and wisdom have not yet fully matured. It is my heart to honor the Lord by opening the eyes of some to the dreadful consequences of a rebellious heart and to the joyful reward of loyalty and forgiveness. But ultimately it is my prayer that all who read this allegory of biblical principles will be drawn to Jesus Christ and trust in Him as Lord and Savior.