The Armor of the King: Part One of the Beautiful Dreamer

By Justin R. Mullins

Caleb has heard whisperstales of a King of Old who gave his life for his peoplebut such stories seem like legend in a day when the evil Shadow Lord rules the Land. In the quiet fishing village of Cliff Cove, even the Shadow Lord seems distant until one day his evil forces attack and everything Caleb loves is taken from him.

Escaping with his life, Caleb sets out on a quest to find the Truth. As he learns more about the King of Old, Caleb discovers that he must obtain the Kings armor to be ready to fight the Shadow Lord.

But gaining the armor is no easy task. For each piece he must pass a test and prove he is worthy to bear the armor of the One True King.

With the help of a friend and faith in the King, Caleb will fight a jackal and a vampire, befriend gnomes and dragons, and stand against a banshee and a corrupt official all leading up to an epic battle to defeat the Shadow Lord and free his people.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490843308

Justin R. Mullins

Justin Mullins was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He earned a bachelor of arts in communication from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and a master of arts in Christian education from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently serves as a pastor at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee. Justin became a follower of Jesus as a young teenager and has obeyed God’s call to ministry since that time. His life’s work is devoted to drawing others into a deeper and more intimate walk with Christ through pastoring in the local church and his writing. Many of the ideas for his works derive from his vivid and imaginative dreams. Justin is married to his college sweetheart, Heather, and they have a daughter named Madelyn.

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Copyright © 2010, 2014 Justin R Mullins.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means,

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except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

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views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4331-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4332-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-4330-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014911978

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/01/2014

CONTENTS

Chapter 1     The Cliff People

Chapter 2     Cries In The Night

Chapter 3     Hope At Last

Chapter 4     The Jackal

Chapter 5     Uphill

Chapter 6     The Misty Cathedral

Chapter 7     The City Of Men

Chapter 8     The Shadow Lord Speaks

Chapter 9     Thornspike Valley

Chapter 10   The Lonely Traveler

Chapter 11   Lightning Lake

Chapter 12   Helping The Helpless

Chapter 13   Rounding The Troops

Chapter 14   The Corrupted Court

Chapter 15   The Maldatians Cry Out

Chapter 16   The Grove

Chapter 17   Crossing Paths

Chapter 18   The Eagle Warriors

Chapter 19   A Battle For The Ages

Chapter 20   Reunions And Farewells

Chapter 21   Vows From The Heart

For my daughter, Madelyn.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

On my way to work one day I was thinking about something that I had read earlier that morning, a powerful passage of Scripture about the armor of God. It was in that moment I thought it would be awesome if the Armor of God were not just a spiritual picture, but physical armor that God once wore. I loved the idea and immediately began writing my story. And along the way, many people encouraged me.

My Lord and my God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You placed this book upon my heart and I pray that it points people to Jesus.

My wife Heather, my greatest support. You always encouraged me in the writing process and were kind enough to read the first draft of this book. Your opinion has always meant the most to me. I love you. Thank you.

My dear friend Barry. You were my first friend to read the book. You were patient to hear my ideas and give me some thoughts of your own. Thank you.

My parents, who constantly asked me when this book would be printed. You believed in me like the great parents that you are. Thank you.

Amy Wolcott, for your brilliance in editing this book. Thank you.

Everyone else, who has prayed over this book. Prayer is the greatest form of support. Thank you.

CHAPTER

I

THE CLIFF PEOPLE

The sun was shining particularly brightly through the wood-framed dome window in Caleb’s hut as he hurried to put on his white laced shirt, brown pants, and rope shoes. Most days Caleb would have taken time to enjoy the warm sunlight prickling his face, the sweet smell of the salty air, the squeaking of the seagulls flapping over the bay. But today was not just another day. Today Caleb was on a mission, and he only had a few hours left before the Summer Festival would begin. Caleb stirred a pot of fish stew that simmered on his stove, grabbed a bag of supplies, and stepped out of his door.

Caleb lived on the west coast of the Land in a fishing town called Cliff Cove. Like most of the other small towns in Land, the name known only to those who called it home.

The town itself was small, though its towering cliffs looked imposing to approaching ships far below. The village itself—an inn, a stable, and a variety of shops—rested flat on a grassland above the cliffs. The homes of Cliff Cove’s residents peppered the cliffs below, small wooden buildings jutting out from the rugged rock walls. The structures were complete with solid wooden floors and walls, high dome windows, and giant clam shell roofs. The Cliff People took pride in their ability to use all that the sea gave them. Every fall the oldest and weakest of the giant clams from the Great Sea would make their final journey into the waters of Cliff Cove and live out their last days in the warmth of the shallow waters. The Cliff People would hold a great feast in honor of their passing, then use the shells they left as protection from the weather.

Caleb hopped onto the stone steps outside his door, which quickly gave way to a bridge leading to the row of homes below his. The Cliff People were excellent climbers, for there were no roads to be found near their hill homes. Stone steps were carved into the side of the cliff leading from the town above to the houses below. Where no step could be carved, there was a bridge, rope, or ladder connecting house to house, all eventually leading to the main pathway on the north side of the cove. The main pathway led to a great stone arch, which opened up to a staircase carved out of the tough stone wall. Down and down the steps went until they reached the village’s docking bay. The Cliff Cove harbor was not outside like most, but housed inside a giant cave. The dark cave walls towered high above ships resting in the calm waters. The echoes of fishermen yelling loudly to each other seemed to resound forever inside those walls.

The Cliff People themselves were very hard working. Every man, woman, and child in the village worked six days a week. Cliff women worked in the town, making clothes, glass, tools, and planting crops along the coastal plains above the cliff walls. Some Cliff men stayed in town as well, running shops and businesses. Few were hunters who went on long journeys into the woods, being away from their family for days at a time, in search of meat. Like most Cliff men, however, Caleb was a fisherman. Six days a week he would leave his home early and head down the Great Staircase to where the fishing boats were docked. After the nets and boats were prepared for the day’s journey, the harbor master would walk up the ledge at the entrance of the cave, take a deep breath, and blow a conch shell to symbolize the commencement of the daily fishing voyage. All in unison the boats would leave out of the cave, into Cliff Cove, and ultimately out into the deep blue sea.

Even the children in Cliff Cove spent the first few hours of the day working with their parents, learning the trade of the family. In the afternoon they would go to the Great Hall to study reading, writing and history from the village historian, Mr. Muggles. He was a quirky, short, balding man. Most of the children spent their time in class making jokes about his height and trying not to giggle too loudly. In return Mr. Muggles would get angry and yell at them. But everyone knew that he couldn’t hurt a fairy if his life was on the line.

Though the children made fun of Mr. Muggles, the adults greatly respected him. He was the keeper of the books in the village. Books were such a rarity in those times. A single book was worth more than the most beautiful sapphire or ruby. Stories were told in the Great Hall of a time when books were everywhere. Families used to have whole cases of books in each home. People loved to read, and certain books gave direction to people’s lives. Legend even spoke of a time when a book existed that explained all of human life: where people came from, how people should live, and what would happen in the future. But those days, known to the Cliff people as the Old Age, had long passed. They lived in the Second Age. In the Second Age the Shadow Lord made it a point to destroy all books, and no one dared stand up to the Shadow Lord. Most people thought the legend of such a remarkable book was just that—a legend. But then again, Caleb thought, how could anyone really know with so few books still around?

Caleb loved the ocean and enjoyed being out on the waves each day, but something inside him longed for more. He always had a thirst for knowledge—knowledge of how things worked and how the ripples of the past brought forth tidal waves in the future. Caleb spent much of his time wondering about such things.

When Caleb was younger, he would ask his questions out loud to Mr. Muggles. Questions like, Why would the Shadow Lord want all of the books in the world destroyed? and What is so important about the book from the Old Age?

Silence young man! the teacher would snap. Though I do believe such a book exists, it is unwise to speak of such things. The last thing we need is for the Shadow Lord himself to make a trip to our far corner of the Land and stir up trouble. It’s been so long since anyone has seen him. You know better than to blab on about that! Even the simple life of a curious boy in Cliff Cove was always overshadowed by the fear of the Evil One and his power.

So six days a week Caleb tended to the nets, keeping his mouth shut but his mind busy. Today, however, was the seventh day of the week—the day when the Cliff People rested. Most people would be heading to the Great Hall to hear music or to listen to stories by Mr. Muggles. But today Caleb had plans of his own. He stepped off the main pathway and climbed down the ladder that led to the home of his best friend, Patrick.

Come on you lazy bum! yelled Caleb as he banged loudly on his friend’s door. What are you so tired for? It’s not like you work all that hard anyways.

This is my one day to sleep in! Let me rest in peace! Patrick shouted. But a moment later the door opened and Patrick welcomed his friend with a half-hearted smile.

Alright, you’ve got five minutes. Make sure you bring your dagger. You’re going need it! exclaimed Caleb as he paced impatiently around the small room.

What? Think we are going to run into a sea dragon while we are out? Or perhaps a band of pirates? chuckled the half awake Patrick.

Sea dragons don’t exist. We have been over this before. You know you will need it for the mollusks. How else are we going to pry them open? Caleb reminded him.

Patrick slipped on his rope shoes, fastened his dagger to his side, grabbed his water pouch, and the friends exited the house. They walked to the platform outside the door, climbed down the ladder, walked down the main walkway towards the great arch, and proceeded down into the docking bay.

We must be the only two people going out today, Patrick observed as he stepped into the skiff. It feels weird being alone in here. Seems kind of quiet. Caleb was too excited for such reflections.

Woohoo! he yelled as he unfastened the boat, threw his bag into Patrick’s lap, and began to row out of the arching cave.

As they exited the cave the morning sun beamed on their faces. Caleb and Patrick worked their way into the middle of the circular bay. The bay was surrounded mainly by land, with the highest cliffs near the center facing a gap that opened to the vast western sea. Once out of the gap they raised the sail and headed north, traveling along the coast. Patrick lay sideways in the boat with his hands behind his head as the boat moved gently along the ocean waves. Caleb steered the rudder. He took in a deep breath and smiled up at the sky.

Still working on the necklace for Anna? asked Patrick as he opened one eye to look at Caleb.

You know it! Why else would we be out here? exclaimed Caleb. Only the most beautiful pearl will do!

It was no secret in the town how Caleb and Anna felt about each other. The two had been inseparable since they were small children. Caleb remembered how they would walk past the farmland on the coast to the fields of daisies where they would chase each other and sing songs of the Old Age.

One day the King will return

When every ear has heard and beating hearts burn

The Shadow Lord will rule no more

We will rest on Golden Shores

Caleb loved the songs of the Old Age, songs that told of a time when a good king lived and ruled the Land. Now things were much different. The Shadow Lord roamed the Land, causing destruction and misery. In the songs, however, the truth of the Old Age was preserved. And for Caleb and Anna, it was those songs that gave them hope. It was hope that mankind needed…hope above all else.

As Caleb and Anna grew older their feelings became stronger. The smallest qualities of Anna caught Caleb’s attention. The way the sun beamed off her short blonde hair. The way she would hum as she worked. The way her smile could brighten up even the worst of days. Nothing went unnoticed when she was around. During the annual feast at the beginning of the fishing season Caleb looked across the Great Hall and saw Anna talking to a friend. He couldn’t help smiling. He leaned over to Patrick, who was stuffing his mouth with chicken, bread, and berry juice, and said, You know, one day I am going to marry that girl.

Uh huh, grunted Patrick, with eyes only for the feast spread out before him.

Caleb merely smiled again and looked back at her face, thinking it looked even more beautiful than it had the second before. And so it was with Caleb and Anna as they grew older. Now they were both twenty years old—the age when most of the Cliff People married. And though Caleb longed to settle down and marry the woman he loved, another part of his heart yearned to explore the world.

Caleb sighed and determined to simply enjoy the day before him. Today he was diving for mollusks in search of a beautiful white pearl. The boat reached the shallow waters to the north and Caleb took down the sail, tied it, and threw the anchor overboard into the water.

Alright. I only need to find one perfect white pearl to complete the necklace. Hopefully we can find it today, he said as he took off his shirt and tightened his dagger around his waist.

He intertwined his fingers, stretched his forearms, and without hesitation dove into the waters. The Cliff People had developed the ability to hold their breath for several minutes. Caleb swam about twenty feet to the ocean floor. The water was crystal clear, and he could see every grain of sand. He searched in the open sand, around the coral, and near the rock wall. After searching for a few minutes he surfaced to catch his breath.

Nothing! gasped Caleb as he signaled for Patrick to join him.

I could have told you that. Pearls are very rare. You can’t expect to find them on your first dive! laughed Patrick.

I love how no matter the circumstances, you are always so positive! yelled Caleb sarcastically. Let’s go, Sunshine!

Patrick reluctantly took off his shirt and rope shoes and flopped into the water, purposefully to splash his friend. So funny… said Caleb with a roll of his eyes.

The two swam around for the next hour looking for the perfect mollusk and the perfect pearl for the perfect necklace.

Any luck? asked Patrick, beginning to feel tired.

I think I see one, but I’m not sure. Throw me the fairy bottle! Caleb answered.

Patrick swam over to the still boat, reached into Caleb’s bag, and pulled out a small glass bottle. Inside the bottle was a small creature beaming with light.

What exactly is a fairy? asked Patrick as he swam to Caleb with the bottle in his hand.

I’m not sure. All I know is that they produce light when it’s dark. And where I’m looking, it’s pretty dark! I heard once that the male fairies are green and the female fairies are yellow. But who knows! Caleb laughed. Be right back!

With those words Caleb dove back down, swimming past the coral reef to a small opening underneath the rocky cliff. As he got closer, a clam came into view. The darker it got around him the brighter the fairy would glow in the bottle. He approached the clam with a smile on his face. He placed the fairy shining bottle between his feet, grabbed the clam with his left hand, and wedged his dagger between the two shells. Twisting his wrist he pried it open. Inside it was a perfectly spherical, white pearl, illuminated by the mystical glow from the fairy. He shoved his dagger into his sheath, pulled the pearl off the clam, and swam back to the surface. In his right hand he tightly squeezed his prize, the other carried the small glass bottle with the fairy in it.

Yeah! screamed Caleb as he took in a well-deserved breath. Raising the pearl up in the air he yelled, I got a good one!

Great! said Patrick as he swam over swam over to the boat to meet Caleb. Let’s see the loot.

Check it out. I think it will be perfect. Don’t you think? asked Caleb.

It looks good to me. You ready to head out? I’m getting hungry and tonight is the Summer Festival, Patrick said as he rubbed his stomach under the water. Caleb laughed at his friend, but knew Patrick was glad he had come. The Cliff People loved the ocean, and not even the lazy Patrick would deny himself the opportunity to go pearl diving.

With a nod from Caleb they climbed back into the boat, raised the sail, and turned back for Cliff Cove. As Patrick thought about the feast foods he would eat that night, Caleb thought about how wonderful it would be to dance with Anna.

Other than the Passing Feast in the fall and the Sea Feast in the spring, the Summer Festival was the only time in the year when the entire village met in Great Hall. As Caleb’s boat passed under the great ceiling of the docking bay cove, they could hear excited laughter and chatter already filling the air.

Well, see you tonight. Good job on the pearl, said Patrick. And with a wave, he headed back for his hut.

After dropping off the pearl at the craftsman’s shop, Caleb climbed to his hut and opened the door. Immediately he could smell the fish stew he prepared that morning to bring to the festival. Everyone in the village brought something to the festival, and a stew was a simple way to show the villagers that he was responsible. Deep down Caleb knew that the real reason he made the stew was to impress Anna’s parents, who were always reserved when it came to him. He knew they thought he was a little odd—that he spent far too much time going on adventures or listening to Mr. Muggles babble on about the book from the Old Age.

At least she has parents, sighed Caleb as he stared blankly at the potatoes, carrots, and fish meat cooking slowly in his stew.

Caleb’s mother died while giving birth to him. He lost his father a few years later when he went on a journey to the east. Caleb had been left in the care of Mr. Muggles. Most people of the Cliff People thought Caleb’s father was crazy for leaving the town on his own. They lived in dangerous times. To travel a great distance on your own into foreign lands was very risky. So most people never left Cliff Cove, unless to go out on the sea.

Caleb remembered the day his father rode away on his horse. He could still see the expression on his father’s face as he looked back at Caleb holding Mr. Muggles’ hand and waved goodbye. A few weeks later a messenger arrived to Cliff Cove. All that Caleb could remember was the man reaching into his bag, pulling out a parcel wrapped in cloth, and handing it to Mr. Muggles.

Caleb took a deep breath and shook his head to clear it. This was supposed to be a happy day!

And it soon will be once I see Anna, said Caleb as he walked over to the cupboard, took out his green evening shirt, and pulled it over his head. Using fresh water out of a round wooden bowl he washed his face and batted it dry. Then he grabbed his stew and headed out of his house toward the craftsman’s shop and the Great Hall.

People were everywhere, walking across bridges, steps, pathways, and ladders, all headed to the Great Hall. Everyone carried something. People brought bread, cheese, butter, honey mead, coco cakes, coconut mead, teas, pork chops, chickens, salted meats, baked fish, oysters, oranges, pineapples, bananas, mangos, seaweed stews, carrots, potatoes, and greens. Some people brought flowers from the hillsides; others brought colored cloths that were hung high from the ceiling in the Great Hall.

So what did you bring? asked Caleb as he met up with Patrick on a platform.

Just some grouper steaks from yesterday’s catch, replied Patrick.

The two walked across the main bridge and up the stone steps to the Great Hall, which rested at the top of the cliffs on the flat land.

The hall was big enough to fit the four hundred or so residents of Cliff Cove. The building itself was fairly simple. It was made up of one main room with long wooden tables that stretched the length of the space. On each side of the table was a long bench made of dark beach wood. The ceiling was carved into the shape of giant seashell that arched from top of the tall roof downward toward a small stage. On the stage was a small group of musicians: one vocalist, one drummer, and three pipe players. The stage, walls, and tables were decorated with beautiful flowers, unique seashells, and cloth paintings of colorful fish. The outside of the building consisted of a fenced courtyard made just for the festival, and on the side facing the ocean, a wooden balcony that hung over the water.

As Caleb and Patrick passed through the courtyard they could hear the singing and cheering from inside.

It’s going to be a good night, Caleb said as they opened the big doors to the Great Hall. As soon Patrick saw all the food before him, a tear almost formed in his eye.

It’s all so beautiful,