Pilgrim’s Journey: Faith Challenged: BOOK 2 (Chapters 3 and 4) (A Novel / Allegory)

This is a novel and an allegorical story about some knights who travel on a quest to reach a beautiful kingdom called the Kingdom of Heaven. As they go, they encounter giants, evil knights, swamps, perils, cliffs, dungeons, castles, evil Medieval lords, traps, dark forests, cunning enemies, and powerful weapons. They must fight for their lives and overcome all obstacles with the use of their weapons and armor, namely the Sword of the Spirit, and the Shield of Faith, and the power of God. 

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Pilgrim’s Journey: The Quest for Heaven

- BOOK 2 -

Faith Challenged

- A Novel / Allegory -

By: Justin Brown (a pen name)

Date Created: Jan. 23, 2019

Click here for the Table of Contents 

Chapter 3

Knights Come

Just then, a sound came from some yards away, and Markus turned his head to see many knights with gold-colored armor charging toward the giant. They had drawn swords and raised shields. Each wore a close helm with a lowered visor. [Close helm: See Chapter 1 for a description of a close helm.]

The giant turned to face them and removed his foot from Markus’s chest. As he did, Markus attempted to stand to his feet, but he felt wounded, and it was painful to move.

Fifty golden knights began attacking the giant with determination and strength. As they struck him in the legs and from behind, the giant swung at them with his hammer, but it bounced off their round shields. He tried his scythe, but it was not as useful in close quarters. So, he soon began to retreat, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the 50 men-at-arms.

[Man-at-arms: A heavy armed and armored medieval soldier or knight.]

Giant Unbelief began striding fast to try to get away from them. But, they kept up with his pace and attacked him in the lower legs. Then, he began jogging and headed for the fortified bridge. The gate was still open, so he dashed through and slammed it shut behind him.

Seeing their leader retreat, and feeling somewhat weakened from their battle, the foot soldiers of Baron Conniving Unbelief turned and sprinted back toward the large gate. Seeing it was shut, they knocked on the closed, wooden gate, and a small door flew open to admit them. Once all had passed through, it thumped shut.

Now, the battlefield was empty of the pilgrim’s foes, but the closed gate remained an obstacle. Their situation hadn’t improved except for the addition of 50 knights who came on horseback from a forest trail.

“Who are you men?” Andrew said loudly toward the golden knights. They were walking toward some white horses, which a few had dismounted earlier.

“We are knights from the Kingdom of Heaven who have been sent to deliver you,” one of the 50 said as he stepped into a stirrup and remounted his white charger. [Charger: A cavalry horse which is strong and large. It was used for cavalry charges against enemy troops.]

“Will you remain with us?” Henry Willow said, stepping forward. His brown-bearded face was sweaty and somewhat tired looking. “We could use your assistance. We also need to have a way of getting through that gate and getting past all those soldiers who are guarding it.”

While they spoke, Markus felt pain throbbing through his chest. ‘I must be really wounded,’ he thought to himself. ‘This pain is intense.’ He began praying silently.

As he prayed, a golden knight rode up to him and dismounted from his horse. The knight crouched beside him and removed the lid of a glass flask which contained oil. He poured the oil over Markus’s forehead until it dripped to the ground. Then, he popped the flask lid back on.

“God will heal you, friend. Take my hand,” the golden knight said as he reached toward Markus with a gloved hand.

Markus took the hand and began to stand to his feet. As he did, strength and peace swept through his chest and entire body. He could feel God healing him. Bones were popping as they were realigned, and his 35-year-old body began to feel like it did when he was twenty.

Once he was on his feet, he let go of the man’s hand and said, “Thank you for what you just did.”

“No, thank God. He gave you the miracle,” the golden knight said before turning away and walking toward his horse.

“How will we get through that fortified bridge, sir?” Markus asked him.

“Ask God. He will show you what to do,” the man said as he mounted the white charger.

“Father God, will you show us what to do in order to get past the fortified bridge of Giant Unbelief?” Markus said quietly as the golden knight trotted away.

“Ask Me to provide you a cannon to burst through the towers and to destroy that fortress,” God said to him. “I would like this to be destroyed for the sake of other pilgrims too.”

“Will you provide us some powerful cannons to break up that fortified bridge?” Markus prayed.

“Yes, My son,” God said. “Those cannons are on their way right now. Just be patient and they will arrive.”

Trouble Arrives

Five hours had passed, and the bombard cannons had still not shown up. Markus and the other nine pilgrim knights were hiding in the edge of a pine forest a considerable distance from the bridge. A couple hours into the waiting, several men had grumbled.

“Why do we have to wait here? The hours drag by like a snail crossing a road. Can’t we find another way?” Jehoiakim Iron-fist had said.

“We are bored, lonely, and stuck here for who knows how long,” Elihu Coppersmith said. “This waiting is miserable.”

The grumbling and complaining had continued sporadically for the rest of the time.

[Bombard: A medieval cannon used for attacking fortifications with large stones.] [Sporadic: Refers to something happening from time to time, with no pattern.]

After five hours of waiting had passed, Ahaziah Bronze-smith said, “Markus, are you sure God had actually told you He would send cannons our way? And if so, who would bring them?”

“You should ask God about it for yourselves,” Markus said. “I’m sure God will send the cannons by way of the golden knights. I believe they will be here soon.”

“But, those knights left us about five hours ago,” another pilgrim knight said. “What if we had to wait here in this forest for three whole days?”

“Why don’t you folks seek God about this?” Markus said, gazing at the men who stood around him.

“I didn’t sign up for this,” Jehoiakim Iron-fist said with a frown. “Who wants to come with me and find another way across the river? We’ll be able to go on our journey much quicker.”

“There is no other way than by the path of life,” Markus said, turning to face Jehoiakim.

“That’s what you say,” Jehoiakim said arrogantly.

“No, that’s what the Bible says,” Markus said with concern and deep feeling. “Jesus Christ said, ‘[13] Enter ye in at the strait gate : for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat : [14] because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.’ [Matthew 7:13-14].”

“Nah,” Jehoiakim said haughtily, “I don’t think I want to wait around for a few days until the cannons show up. I will head downstream until I reach a fording point across the river. That is much better than waiting for something that may not even show up. Who is with me?” [Haughty: Being arrogant, conceited, and proud.] [Downstream: The direction a river is flowing toward.]

Two men raised their hands in solidarity (agreement). Markus was surprised and troubled to see Elihu Coppersmith (the man he recently rescued from prison) and Ahaziah join Jehoiakim in rejecting the way of life.

“Elihu, why are you in agreement with him?” Markus said with concern.

The 50-year-old turned toward him. “I’ve tried walking for a ways on this path of life,” Elihu said, squinting for effect, “but it sure isn’t what I thought it would be. I think I’ll go with Jehoiakim. What he is doing makes a lot of sense. What you’re doing is very…” He stopped himself in mid-sentence. Then, Elihu said, “Well, I hope you change your mind and come join us.”

“Don’t go with them,” Markus pleaded with him. “You will not prosper or even reach the Kingdom of Heaven by going off the path God told us to go on.”

“Stop telling him what to do,” Ahaziah said suddenly as he walked up to Markus and glared at him. “If he wants to come, that is his business. I think you should join us too, but it seems you are stubborn in your ways.”

“I just want to follow God,” Markus said.

“Then, follow God, but know that we are following Him too,” Ahaziah said with some arrogance in his voice before he turned and walked away.

Elihu glanced at Markus briefly before he turned and followed Ahaziah. The two men trailed behind Jehoiakim as he departed from the group.

‘They are rejecting the only way of salvation,’ Markus thought sadly as he saw them leave.

Forty minutes after the three had left the group to go their own way, the sound of trotting horse hoofs came from within the forest and down the path the pilgrims were on. Markus walked forward toward the sound of the hoof beats and drew his broadsword. Following his example, the other pilgrim knights also drew their weapons.

Then, around a bend in the path came a team of four horses pulling a flatbed wagon on which four bombards (medieval cannons) were fastened down with thick rope. A golden knight drove the vehicle. To his right, a tall, wooden pole was fastened to a corner of the wagon. From it hung a large standard which flapped in a light breeze. The flag displayed the words “Cannons of Faith” in black font against a white background.

[Note: The medieval bombard cannon had greater power than trebuchets, mangonels, or other catapults and siege weapons. Its range was farther and its projectiles were faster than what other siege weapons had. And, the bombard’s power to destroy fortifications was far greater than other siege weapons.]

A second wagon followed the first, carrying barrels of gunpowder, cases of fuses, and wadding. Trailing the second, a third wagon came, carrying round stones–cannonballs. Serving as escorts, a number of mounted, golden knights trotted behind and to the sides of the wagons. Seeing them brought Markus great joy and relief. But, he also felt grieved that the three rebellious knights had hurried off shortly before help had arrived.

One of the golden knights rode up to the pilgrims and pulled to a stop. He said, “We came as you requested. There are four bombards at your disposal.”

“I am so grateful to see God answer my prayers,” Markus said. “Let’s position the cannons and attack the towers guarding Giant Unbelief’s bridge.”

“Right away,” the golden knight said before he sent his horse trotting off down the path.

Chapter 4

Facing a Challenge

The pilgrim knights repacked their mules and began trailing behind the procession. Soon, they arrived in the fields that reached up to the fortified bridge of Giant Unbelief. But, the giant was prepared for battle, having heard earlier from his scouts about the coming of the golden knights. Harnessed for battle, 50 thousand soldiers with black and red surcoats stood at attention in front of the bridge gate. Their dark-grey armor, sallet helmets, and sharp weapons sparkled in the midday sun.

[Harness: The weapons, and armor, and equipment a soldier took into a battle.] [Sallet–See Chapter 1 for a description of the sallet. The description is in the section titled: ‘The Castle of Baron Tyrannous Entertainment.”]

Ten percent of them were archers armed with heavy crossbows and war hammers. (The heavy crossbow, Markus knew, could slightly penetrate the strong armor he wore.) And, to put the balance more in the favor of Giant Unbelief, a row of mangonels with catapult crews stood ready to launch a deadly bombardment of heavy stones on the godly knights.

[Mangonel–The mangonel was a small catapult on wheels. It had a spoon-shaped throwing arm which made use of tightly-wound cords or ropes to create extreme torsion energy. Unlike a trebuchet (which used a counterweight to toss stones over a wall), the mangonel would throw stones directly at the wall, to weaken it.]

As Markus beheld the formidable sight, he felt fear attacking him strongly. The 50 thousand evil soldiers spread out before him, in row upon row, were completely overwhelming to him. He knew that with all seven of the remaining pilgrim knights and with all 50 of the golden knights, his people were outnumbered at least by a ratio of 877 to 1. ‘Each of us will have to face 877 enemy soldiers!’ Markus thought to himself with alarm.

[Mangonel operation: A ratchet and pawl mechanism allowed mangonel crews to wind up a spool of rope and draw the throwing arm down into a firing position. A stone would be loaded into the metal or wooden throwing-arm “scoop.” Then, a “lanyard” cord would be pulled, and the siege engine would fire its projectile with great force and speed.]

As he thought about the formidable challenge, the pilgrim paused to pray. “Dear Father God, we are facing huge odds. The enemy spread before us will defeat us if we don’t have your help and deliverance. Father God, I know that without you, we will fail, but with you, we will succeed. Come through and deliver us from these evil soldiers that your great Name would be glorified and honored. In Jesus Christ’s Name, amen.”

“My son, watch and see what I will do,” God’s kind voice spoke to Markus’s spirit.

“What is my part to do now, Father God?” Markus said.

“Rest, stand where you are, and behold My victory,” God said kindly.

Markus shut his close helm visor and drew his broadsword as he stood still and viewed the ominous scene before him. [Note: See Chapter 1 for a description of a close helm (“Helm” refers to helmet).]

“Markus,” Gregory White-peak said as he jogged over to him. “Markus, we are in trouble. Do you see how many there are guarding the bridge?”

“Yes, Gregory,” Markus said. “But, God showed me that He will deliver us.”

As he spoke, a breeze began to sweep through the trees and over the land. 

“There have to be at least 50 thousand men lined up in columns,” Gregory said. “They have mangonels, crossbow archers, and hordes of troops. We have no chance in this fight. I say we retreat.”

“Gregory,” Markus said, turning toward him, “I have felt the same way you do, but did you seek God about this?”

Dark-grey clouds rapidly began to form in the atmosphere as the sky suddenly started to darken. And, the wind picked up speed.

“Well, I guess not,” Gregory said, lowering his eyes slightly. “But, we are well outnumbered. There is no way we could fight off all those troops.”

“God told me to watch and see what He will do,” Markus said. “You will see God bring us the victory.”

A distant rumble filled the air–the sound of thunder.

“Okay, Markus,” Gregory said, sighing. “But, we must see God do something soon. Those 50 thousand could start advancing toward us anytime now.”

“I believe we will see God’s deliverance soon, my friend,” Markus said, feeling God bring him some confidence.

Just then, the thick, wooden gate in the bridge swung open and a huge, towering giant marched forward through the double doors. The 15-foot-tall monster was armed with an enormous hammer and a shield, and he appeared very earnest to begin the battle. Lifting his helmeted head high, Giant Unbelief roared, “Attack!”

Markus, the golden knights, and his friends were standing in place, waiting on God. No one was making a move to prepare for the fight other than by prayer.

Catapult crews suddenly let loose a salvo of large stones. Dozens of watermelon-sized stones were flung into the air by the mangonel throwing arms. As they came, a swarm of crossbow bolts arched through the air. They looked like angry insects as they flew.

The pilgrims crouched to the ground and held up their shields to protect from the fusillade. Crossbow bolts and large stones crashed into the ground directly behind them and right before them, but no stone struck the good knights. Nonetheless, several crossbow bolts pinged against their shields and helmet crowns. [Fusillade: A sudden attack of missiles (i.e. projectiles or flying objects) such as arrows, bullets, stones, bombs, etc.]

Then, the dark clouds cut out the sun completely. A loud thunderclap suddenly filled the air–boom–as lightning forked through the sky and struck a flag pole on a bridge tower. As it did, heavy hailstones came tumbling from the dark clouds high overhead. The wind was blowing fiercely in the upper regions and creating the conditions right for forming extremely large, 60-pound hailstones.

Enemy soldiers began crying out in agony as the 60-pound hailstones struck their helmets, denting them in. The 50 thousand soldiers scattered, seeking cover, but the huge stones from the sky pummeled them to the ground, killing or injuring them. Shields bent inward and cracked under the fearsome onslaught from above. The heavy stones of ice also severely damaged the catapults and killed the crossbow archers.

As thousands of enemy soldiers were snuffed out by the heavy, ice stones, hundreds fled toward the bridge gate, limping as they went. But, all perished before they reached gate, as the giant hailstones continued to fall. After beholding these horrific events from under the cover of his huge, sturdy shield, Giant Unbelief turned and fled. He passed through the oaken bridge gate and was gone from sight. The gate was slammed shut and bolted, and no more activity was seen. But, Markus guessed that the giant had entered a tower.

While the enemy was being overthrown by the severe hailstorm, Markus, his friends, and the golden knights never felt a single ice stone. Their horses, mules, and wagons were completely untouched by the downpour. For, the hail only fell on the evil soldiers and their master.

In half a minute, the deadly hail completely stopped, and the wind died down. Three minutes later, the clouds dispersed, and the sun appeared.

Once all the enemy troops had left the battlefield, the golden knights unpacked their four bombards and placed them on the ground. The bombards had no wheels and had to be carried by several men. After being placed on the grass, the medieval cannons were positioned toward the guarded bridge. And, stakes were pounded into the ground to keep them aimed at their intended target. Knights came with a barrel of gunpowder, some wadding material, round stones, and wicks.

Once the cannons were properly loaded and prepared for the attack, golden knights placed the fuses (or wicks) into firing holes. Other knights with slowly-burning firesticks prepared to light the fuses or wicks. [Firestick: A burning stick.]

A golden knight near the cannons shouted loudly, “God’s Word says, ‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’ 1 John 5:4.”

Just as the cannoneers lit the fuses, Giant Unbelief flung open the gate and charged toward them with a hundred armed soldiers. But, the burning wicks were quickly bringing their flames toward the gunpowder within the bombards. [Cannoneer: A soldier assigned to fire a cannon.]

Giant Unbelief had traveled no more than 40 feet from the gate when loud booms erupted through the air, and seemed to shake the ground with their reports (i.e. a loud sound). The shots were so loud that they made Markus’s ears ring. He had never heard a cannon being fired before, and it almost hurt his eardrums.

A fraction of a second before the cannon reports shook the air, round cannon stones zipped through the air at great speeds. They smashed into the guard towers on either side of the bridge gate. As they did, huge concave dents or depressions appeared in the fortress.

Giant Unbelief stopped and wheeled around in dismay. He turned to face his fortified bridge, and gasped. Broken pieces of masonry were beginning to fall to the ground from the huge dents. It was clear the towers were starting to weaken. While he gaped at the battle scars in his towers, a second fusillade came–boom–and the air was again filled with loud cannon reports.

[Masonry: In this case, it refers to the stone in a building. Stone masons cut stone into blocks and use them for construction. That is why it is called masonry.] [Gape: To look at someone or something with surprise, wonder, fear, or disbelief. Often, the mouth is open when one is gaping.]

Masonry near the jagged dents erupted in a spray of shrapnel as four more cannonballs struck their targets. The towers began to slowly collapse inward from their own weight as wide, ragged holes now appeared. And, to trouble Giant Unbelief more, 60 of his men had collapsed to the ground, dead, as fast-flying shrapnel hit them.

The remaining 40 soldiers charged toward the good knights, but Giant Unbelief held back, shocked by the weakening of his towers. As the 40 soldiers charged forward, the golden, mounted knights remained standing still. Then, Markus and the other pilgrim knights prepared their hearts for battle and gripped their swords tighter. The 40 soldiers were closing in on their opponents when the four bombards again roared to life.

In less than a second, four cannonballs reached the towers and caved them in–crash! The stone structures collapsed to the ground, imploding and falling down like a heap of loose bricks. As the towers collapsed, so did the curtain wall and its gate. Its heavy, wooden doors fell over, sending up a puff of dust.

The 40 soldiers stopped in their tracks when they heard the sound of stones falling behind them. They turned around to face the towers, and gasped. Nothing more remained of the imposing, fortified bridge, except for the broken tower bases and a pile of rubble. Seeing their fortress removed, the evil soldiers retreated to the woods.

Then, ten mounted, golden knights drew their swords and charged toward Giant Unbelief. He turned and ran across the bridge toward a dense portion of the woods which bordered some cow pastures on the other side of the river.

Normally, a second gate with guard towers would span the far end of the bridge. But no such structure existed because Giant Unbelief was delayed in having it constructed. Seeing that their way was now clear, the pilgrim knights walked toward the bridge, grinning with delight. They were full of praises toward God for giving them the victory over their foes. But, as Markus and his friends neared the bridge, he noticed that none of the knights with gold-colored armor was with him.

Markus stopped and turned back toward the cannoneers who were now carrying the bombards toward some wagons. He called out to them, “Sirs, why aren’t you joining us?” 

“We are ready to help those who call upon God, but you will be fine for now,” one of the golden knights said with a loud voice. “We will remain behind to serve any other pilgrims who might come this way. Remember, faith in God is what gave you the victory over the enemy, as 1 John 5:4 says. Faith in God destroyed Giant Unbelief’s bridge towers. That is why these bombards are called the ‘Cannons of Faith.’ May God bless you on your journey.”

“Thank you,” Markus said, relaxing. “Thank you for your help.”

“No, give God the praise. He is the one who deserves all the glory,” the golden knight replied cheerfully.

“I will do that,” Markus said before turning away.

“Now, I think I remember the Bible verse that cannoneer mentioned,” Markus said to himself. “‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’ That is 1 John 5:4.”

Entering the Town of Insipidity

After crossing Giant Unbelief’s devastated bridge, the seven pilgrim knights continued on their journey until the sun set. Then, they stopped beside the path to bivouac and start a campfire. Crackling flames rose up into the air, sending light whiffs of rolling, meandering smoke. While the fire ate away at some deadwood logs, the pilgrims recounted their day and talked about what the next day might bring. [Bivouac: to set up and stay in a temporary camp.]

The next day, the seven men packed up camp and continued their journey down the trail, which ran through a dense, pine forest. A mountain range rose into the distance. Its tall, rugged, grey peaks and mountain saddles resembled the back of a dragon (i.e. dinosaur). Snow covered portions of the mountain peaks. And, pine trees bristled from the lower portions of the slopes below the snowline.

“I wonder how far that mountain range is from us,” Andrew said as the men walked down the trail. He was peering up at the mountains through openings in the forest canopy.

“I would say that the base of the mountains is no more than two miles away,” Markus said.

“More like three miles,” Henry Willow said, squinting as he judged the distance.

“Why do you want to know the distance?” Gregory White-peak said, looking at Andrew Strong-heart.

“I can see a castle,” Andrew said as he looked through a gap in the trees. “Do you see it? It’s on the highest peak of a mountain spur. The spur is pointing in our direction.” [Spur: a ridge that projects outward from a mountain range like a branch projecting from the main trunk of a tree. The spur ridge points toward a valley.]

“I don’t see it,” Gregory said.

“I can see it clearly. It’s a dark-grey castle with turrets and black and red standards,” Kohath Craftsman said. Tall, bearded, and red-haired, Kohath was one of the new pilgrims Markus had helped to rescue from Baron Tyrannous Entertainment’s dungeon. [Turret: A small, round tower attached to a medieval wall or building. It often had a conical roof.]

“You must have good vision, Kohath,” Gregory said.

“It’s up over there. Do you see where I’m pointing,” Kohath replied, pointing with his index finger at the top of the spur.

“My son,” God’s voice spoke to Andrew quietly.

“What is it, Father God?” Andrew said.

“I want you and your friends to go forth to the town of Insipidity where much people are living in unbelief, pride, and fear,” God’s kind voice spoke to Andrew’s spirit. “They love the world and what it has to offer. And, their hearts have gotten cold toward Me. I have allowed the enemy to set up a trap for these rebellious people because they will not heed My many warnings, and scoff at My messengers. They mock them, and stone them, and cast them forth as dung. They slay and destroy My prophets and messengers, so judgment is at the door. Warn them of their judgment and tell them to repent. The enemy will soon unleash his trap and destroy this town if they don’t repent. And, I the LORD your God and Abba Father have spoken.”

“Yes, Abba Father,” Andrew said, nodding. “I will do that.”

“My son,” God said with a kind voice, “tell the others about this and let them know the situation. I will bless you as you obey My guidance. Just rest in Me, and look to Me, and all will go well. And, I the LORD your God and Abba Father have spoken.”

[Insipidity (noun): The condition of being dull, lifeless, and flavorless.]

Andrew then informed his friends about what God had just told him. After hearing all of it, Markus said, “I sense that God is confirming this with me too. We haven’t seen a village yet, but where a castle is located, a town is likely to appear. And, I am sure we will see the town soon.”

In a short time, they did. After walking another mile and a half, the pilgrim knights entered fields used for animal pastures and farmland. The fields ran up close to the base of the mountain spur. And, a couple hundred feet from the base of the tree-covered spur sat a walled village, which had stone towers and crenels. Farm fields and cow pastures surrounded the villages, covering 800 acres of land in a long and narrow valley between the mountain and its spur. [Crenel: A gap in the stonework at the top of a castle wall, or tower, or parapet which is used for firing projectiles.]

Behind the village rose the majestic mountain range and its steep, dark-green, forested slopes. Falcons and eagles soared in the air, catching updrafts. The sight was breathtaking and picturesque to the seven knights as they approached the nearest gate of the walled town. Above the gate flapped colorful, blue and yellow banners.

As they drew within 400 feet of the wall, the pilgrim knights’ armor suddenly began to fade and become nearly invisible. White tunics, white trousers, and leather boots appeared under their armor.

They passed through the towering, oaken double doors of the gate and strolled past four soldiers wearing blue and yellow surcoats and steel armor. Nasal helms and long mail coifs protected the soldier’s heads, necks, and upper shoulders. But, their human facial features were visible.

Markus could tell that these men were clearly European men, and not the evil, supernatural knights the pilgrims had faced earlier. The four soldiers were armed with halberds, swords, and shields. But, one of them had a portable matchlock musket, a newer type of weapon.

[Nasal helm: This was a round helmet with a nose guard also called a “nasal.” The nose guard (or nasal) was a piece of metal that projected down over the nose. The nasal helmet was commonly worn by Normans and Vikings. But, it was used during much of the Middle Ages. Some nasal helms were more pointy on top and others were more rounded, like hemispheres.] [A mail coif is a hood formed of mail (small, metal loops linked together) that covers the neck, shoulders, and head. It has an opening for the face.] [Halberd: A medieval weapon with a long, wooden handle and a multipurpose head. The halberd head is a combination of an axe blade; and a sharp, metal prong on the other side; and a long, spear tip at the very top.]

Seeing the gun, and the soldiers with their halberds and swords–sharp, physical weapons, Markus gulped. He knew that his sword of the Spirit and all his armor was invisible to the men. And, he knew that his Ephesians 6 sword, in his hands, could not kill any human being. But, it could fight off evil, supernatural knights.

[Note: God did not intend for the sword of a pilgrim to be able to physically slay men. For, God’s Kingdom is not of this world.]

Knowing these things, Markus felt fear attacking him. He knew that if he were to preach in the village square, and the human soldiers were to arrest him, his sword and armor would have no power to repel their physical weapons. Only God’s angels and the Holy Spirit could do that. Markus realized that he needed to have faith in God’s power to protect Him, and rest in God. This is putting his faith completely in his Heavenly Father, and not in himself.

As he walked beside his friends down a cobblestone street, Markus began to pray for God’s guidance and protection. The others, seeing the human soldiers, did the same. 

[Note: The matchlock gun was an early firearm that made use of a burning wick to ignite powder in a “flash pan.” The powder from the flash pan would reach gunpowder in the barrel and send a musket ball flying toward its target at high speeds, compared to a crossbow. Only thick, cumbersome, heavy armor can stop a musket ball. Medieval armor is not that thick since it is meant to be worn while fighting strenuous battles. One soldier could prepare the musket for firing in a couple minutes, or so. As he worked, several others could attack opponents, using traditional weapons. (End of note.)]

A crowd of villagers walked about the cobblestone streets of the town, buying, selling, doing errands, or gossiping. Fruit vendors haggled with potential customers. Jesters juggled brightly-painted, wooden balls or batons. Among the crowds, Markus noticed a troubling sight. A man was cursing at a woman and shaking his fist angrily. And, she cursed back at him. Both were uttering foul swearwords. Somehow, the general public didn’t seem to notice as they went about their business.

“Markus,” Henry said from beside him, “look over there.” The bearded 50-year-old was pointing toward some men who were walking in their direction.

“What? Oh,” Markus said with surprise.

Marching with grim expressions on their faces, four soldiers approached the seven pilgrims through a busy street. Each guard was equipped with a halberd, shield, and sword. A fifth soldier followed behind, carrying a matchlock musket. Markus looked down at his broadsword. While being very shiny, it was nearly invisible. Somehow, he knew that the people didn’t see any trace of his armor. They only saw his white tunic, trousers, and leather boots.

“Brothers, do you have any idea why our Ephesians 6 armor is now invisible?” Gregory White-peak said as the soldiers marched.

“I believe it is because our armor is supernatural,” Markus said, turning to face the man on his left. “This armor will give us power to overcome all obstacles when we look to God for help, and strength, and everything we need.”

“But, what about physical harm? Will we be protected from physical harm?” Gregory said, eyeing the soldiers.

“I understand from God that the sword of the Spirit will indeed protect us from physical and supernatural harm,” Markus said. “But, we must have faith in God and in who He is for it to work. That is what God has shown me.”

“Okay,” Gregory said. “I believe you.”

“I believe God will confirm it to you, if you ask Him,” Markus said.

“I will,” Gregory said, swallowing.

In a few moments, the group of five human soldiers came to a stop before the pilgrims. The leader, a brawny man with a blond beard, stepped forward and said, “Excuse me, gentlemen, I must ask you a question. What is your business in this town? We are here to make sure there is no trouble.”

“We are men seeking to be at peace with our fellow man. We only wish to make an announcement in the town square,” Markus said. “Then, we will be done and leave.”

“What do you wish to announce?” the soldier said.

“We wish to tell the people of this town a warning,” Andrew said, stepping forward. “It is an important message that they must hear. It is a message that God will have to judge this town soon if it will not repent.”

The soldier with the blond beard frowned and sighed. Then, he shook his head, “No, we cannot let that message be given in this town.”

“Would you let us speak with the lord mayor of this town?” Markus said earnestly, facing the soldier.

“The lord mayor will not have an audience with you, I believe, because you are not of this town,” the soldier said, studying the seven pilgrims’ clothing. “Your clothing is somewhat strange. Why is it white and glistening?”

“I didn’t realize our clothing was so strange,” Andrew said, stepping up beside Markus.

“You must be from a different country. Hmm,” the soldier said, muttering something quietly to himself. Then, he faced them and said, “I think the lord mayor will want to see you, after all. He likely would want to learn about your country.”

With that, the soldier motioned for the pilgrims to follow him as he said, “Come with me. I will take you to see the lord mayor.”

The Mayor’s House

They were led by the soldiers through the crooked, cobblestone streets to a fortified mansion or chateau on a hill. The grand structure had turrets and towers at each corner. Large, glass windows brought lots of daylight into the chateau. And, towers with crenellated curtain walls surrounded it. Circling around the walls was a moat.

The pilgrims and their escorts passed over a drawbridge and marched up to a large outer gate, which opened for them with a dull squeal. Soldiers behind the oaken gate nodded toward them as they passed through the gate corridor. A pair of soldiers standing before the inner gate slid out a drawbar and opened the gate quickly.

After entering the bailey, the pilgrims and their escorts climbed some steep steps up to a large, heavy door in the front of the three-story chateau. The blond-bearded soldier knocked against it with his armored gauntlet–thump, thump, thump–and waited.

[Chateau: A French-styled castle or fortified house.] [Crenellated (adjective): This refers to having crenels. A crenel is a gap in a parapet through which stones or arrows can be thrown or fired.] [Moat: A ditch filled with water, surrounding a medieval fortress.] [Drawbar: A wooden or metal bar which is stored in a slot in the gatehouse corridor. The drawbar is slid through iron loops that are fastened to a gate door. When the drawbar is in a locking (or closed) position, it passes from a slot (in a corridor wall), and goes through metal loops in the wooden gate, and slides into a second slot on the other side of the corridor.]

The door squeaked open and a butler greeted them.

“Welcome to the home of Lord Tench,” said the butler, a tall, clean-shaven man wearing a black robe and black trousers. “Make yourselves comfortable.”

The pilgrim knights and their escorts stepped into a large foyer which was decorated with vases of potted plants, paintings of rural countryside, and tapestries of mountain landscapes. An expensive, marble floor echoed underneath their feet as they walked through the foyer.

After waiting for half an hour, the pilgrims saw a man wearing expensive clothing and a long, ultramarine robe standing at the top of a grand, marble staircase. He appeared to be studying the pilgrims from his lofty perch. Two soldiers stood behind him a few paces back.

[Ultramarine: This is a deep blue dye made from lapis lazuli gemstones. Or, it refers to a color that resembles the deep blue color of lapis lazuli gemstones.]

“This must be the town’s lord mayor,” Markus whispered to Andrew.

“No doubt, you’re right,” Andrew said.

The lord mayor descended the steps quickly with his guards. Once on the marble floor, he regained his regal composure and walked toward his guests. He stopped a few yards away and motioned to the blond-bearded commander of the troops to come forward. The two spoke quietly for a couple minutes. Then, the lord mayor and his escort walked toward the pilgrims.

“I am Sir Abner Tench, the lord mayor of this fine town of Insipidity and Ignorance,” Abner said. He was a medium-sized man with a brown mustache and goatee.

The men nodded, respectfully.

“I’ve been informed that you wish to speak in the town square and you want to warn this town about some impending disaster or…” the lord mayor said. “What exactly do you wish to say, gentlemen?”

“Honorable mayor, God will give us the words, sir,” Andrew said, stepping forward a pace. “And, He will show us what to speak to the people.”

Abner Tench looked at him with a frown on his face. “That is very vague. What will you actually say to the people? I can’t let just anything be spoken in this town. For all I know, you could be desiring to stir up a rebellion or insurrection against me.” [Insurrection: A rebellion against the rulers of a country or region. Insurrections often involves violence with weapons.]

“Honorable mayor, we will not incite or provoke a rebellion,” Andrew said respectfully. “We have come to give the people two choices.”

“And, what are they?” the lord mayor said, frowning.

“Your town is on the verge of being destroyed by a judgment of God,” Andrew said boldly, “for its wickedness and rebellion against His Word and His ways.”

The nobleman blinked his eyes several times and swallowed nervously.

“God has been warning this town repeatedly,” Andrew continued, saying, “but your people have arrested, persecuted, and ignored His messengers and prophets. This is a final warning God is bringing to this town before the judgment falls. If you are willing to repent from your evil ways, and you choose to turn to Jesus Christ for salvation, God will forgive you and blot out your sins.”

The brown-haired, clean-shaven pilgrim drew a breath and continued, saying, “But, if you reject God’s final offer, God’s judgment will have to fall upon this town to utterly destroy it, except for those who listen to the message and leave.”

The mayor remained standing and staring at Andrew, blinking occasionally. He inhaled slowly. Paused, and exhaled slowly. ‘The man is clearly stressed and nervous,’ Markus thought to himself.

“You, you’re telling me that God is going to judge this town … that He will destroy this town?” the lord mayor said, trembling.

“If they don’t repent, God will have to destroy it,” Andrew said.

The goateed man looked down at the floor and inhaled deeply. A minute of silence passed. Then, he stared at Andrew and said, “Go speak your message. I will give you escorts for protection in case you need them. Godspeed.”

With that, he turned and walked back toward the staircase, followed by his bodyguards.

“That was very interesting how he behaved,” Markus whispered to Andrew.

“That man seemed that he was full of conviction,” Andrew said. “I believe God is now able to begin reaching his heart.”

“Well, let’s go to the town square, then,” Henry said, as he approached Markus, smiling. “He gave us the ‘go ahead.’” 

  

Click here for the Table of Contents 

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[Read BOOK 2: Chapters 1 and 2 here.] 

[Read BOOK 2: Chapters 3 and 4 here.] 

[Read BOOK 2: Chapters 5 and 6 here.] 


[Read BOOK 2: Chapter 7 and 8 here.]


[Read BOOK 2: Chapters 9 and 10 here.]

[Read BOOK 2: Chapters 11 and 12 here.]
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[Read BOOK 1: The Quest for Heaven: Chapters 1 and 2 here.]