Renwar Vallée: The Battle for the Souls of Néarbi Town

By Mary D. Johnson

Narbi Valley Town, also known as Middle Quarters, was established in the early eighteenth century in the land of Cantala. It is home to humans, light and dark witches, as well as warlocks who occupy the North and South of the land. It was forbidden for humans and witches to marry or intermingle, unless it was for ritualistic purposes. Humans lived in constant fear of the evil beings that would sacrifice their loved ones and use them in demonic rituals toward Satan.
A battle between good and evil resulted in the death of one of the members of the upper echelons in the witches hierarchy. As time passed, witches and warlocks soon intermarried with humans, as the former chose to give up their craft and live a human or Christian life. However, as good as life appeared to be, evil still lurked in the darkness, growing and hiding while biding its time until it launched a new onslaught of wickedness on those that lay below.
One hundred years later, with the rise of the upper witches bloodline, the threat of raising Satan and his demons in the twenty-first century is real. A prophecy was foretold of eight souls that would help save the town and neighboring countries whose livelihood is threatened by the sudden rise of demonic activities, resulting from the agents of Lucifer infiltrating most of the town. With the threat of complete annihilation on the horizon, a young man will face the biggest question of his life: does God really exist?
His name is Renwar Valle, and together with his young friends, he will need to stand against evil to rescue the souls of Narbi Valley Town. When the curtain falls, will good prevail, or will evil take full control?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514421604

Mary D. Johnson

Mary D. Johnson, born June 18, 1978, is from the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica. She is the eldest of four children and enjoys reading, fantasy writing, watching TV, fashion, and drawing. She is a devoted Christian, not perfect, who wants to help influence others to Jesus Christ. She is fun loving, a bit crazy, free-spirited, and enjoys hanging out with family and friends. Her passion is to be all that she can be and to inspire others to become great while recognizing their own potential and calling. Favorite phrase: Put Jesus Christ first in all you do, and he shall direct your path.

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Copyright © 2015 by Mary D. Johnson.

Cover and graphic illustrations by Mary Johnson

Book design by Mary Johnson

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Bible, The; King James Version, SearchByVerse; King James Bible, SearchByVerse (2011-06-28). SearchByVerse™ Bible (KING JAMES VERSION): Fully Searchable By Book, Chapter and Verse: SEARCHABLE KJV BIBLE WITH COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS [Illustrated] (SearchByVerse Bible | Search By Verse Bible) (Kindle Locations 49337-49342). SearchByVerse | Search By Verse | International Bible Seminary. Kindle Edition.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/28/2015

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgment

Prologue: Celestial Eclipse

Chapter 1: Destiny

Chapter 2: The Encounter

Chapter 3: The Town’s Prophecy

Chapter 4: The Wick Twins

Chapter 5: Taken

Chapter 6: Illusions

Chapter 7: Zamora’s Dimension

Chapter 8: The Hitchcock and Farfo Family Secret

Chapter 9: Forgiveness

Chapter 10: The Release of Seven Deadly Sins

Chapter 11: Ren’s Return

Chapter 12: The Church

Chapter 13: The Battle

Chapter 14: The Dragon

Chapter 15: Epilogue

Glossary

Dedicated to God, my pastor, my family, and my friends, who kept me inspired and humbled to complete this book.

In Loving Memory of Clarence Mullings

September 21, 1923–May 21, 2015

Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

—Ephesians 6:11(KJV)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I want to first thank God for inspiring me to create this story. I first hoped to have the graphic novel out before the novel itself, but here is my first novel. I want to thank my pastor, who prayed continually for me and my family, and my friends and supervisor for supporting me through the creation of this book.

Thank you, David and Blake, for helping me create the world I envisioned and for the character designs of my upcoming graphic novel. Also for your encouragement and support. I know we will continue to collaborate on many more future projects.

Thank you, Blake Richards, Verna Johnson, David Johnson, Stephen Johnson, Sanjay Johnson, Easton Johnson, Mr. E. Gilzean, Roy Thompson, Diane Sinclair, Sanjie Clarke, Kamille Morrison, Zahra Oliphant, Roxann Morgan, Antonette Green-Mathews, and Donna Traz and all the team from Xlibris for making my dreams come true.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Cor. 10:3–6)

Map of Renwar’s World

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PROLOGUE

Celestial Eclipse

In the early eighteenth century, in the land of Cantala, a few groups of witches migrated from Sancia to escape the persecution of the Sancian Church. The Sancian Church was formed after the resurrection of Christ. The teaching would follow on through his disciples offering good news of repentance, as there was none in the grave, as we would come to find out.

The witches’ groups infiltrated some of the churches that were formed in Sancia, others formed their own satanic church, and other witches cast spells, read palms, and had formed contracts with demons to do their bidding, while some lived in the wild, preferring to be free of any laws, whether it be man-made or the head witches’ decree. They only lived in the moment, not looking ahead, taking what they wanted in the now. Others of higher morale wanted to raise Satan to rule their land and would kidnap, men, women, and children from nearby villages, offering them as sacrifices. This went on for generations, until the Sancian priesthood and evangelists learned of the heinous atrocities committed against the people of Sancian.

A revolt was inevitable.

As the witches feared no man, the Sancian priesthood and evangelists sent in only men of strong faith who would not fall prey to the witches’ beauty, tongue, or spells. They chose seven men who were found to be strong in faith whose shadows passed by the sick and dying and healed them instantly. They were called the Apostels. These mighty men of God would pray several times a day to keep a constant communication with the Lord. They made the sacrifice of giving up all things of the flesh, always asking God to keep them from slipping as temptation was everywhere.

The Apostels went into the witches’ territory, leading a small army of soldiers called Knights Templar who were there to help bound the witches so that they may be purged, burnt at the stake, and brought to justice. Each soldier was baptized and especially equipped with the armor of God. The men were surrounded by the angels of the Lord that came with them, not visible to the human eye. With each witch, the Knights Templar bound, prayed, cast out demons, and purged them. A few repented and wanted to follow Christ and were given mercy and grace, while other witches fled, not wanting to be free from the power of Satan. The rest that refused to be saved were bound and charged for their crimes against God and humanity and were also purged.

The Apostels Seven Mighty Men of Christ (ASMMC) returned to the Sancian capital to renew their strength and report that the country had been cleansed of witchcraft and a small remnant had escaped to nearby countries. The head of the Sancian priesthood decreed that anyone offering asylum to witches would be committing treason against God and humanity and would receive the punishment befitting a witch. Neighboring countries agreed to the decree, submitting to the request of the priesthood.

As time passed by, a prophecy was passed on from generation to generation:

The blood of the Hitchcock bloodline shall raise a dragon born under a blue moon and shall open the portal for Lucifer to rise, and the world will be for him to take. Demons, witches, warlocks, and all foul creatures of the earth shall rule its inhabitants. There will be only one god—Lucifer—and he shall cast Christians and anyone that opposes him to be destroyed in the lake of fire. Néarbi Valley will be Lucifer’s headquarters, and the world will be his for the taking. Redemption will come when seven planets align, seven stars burn bright, and the moon turns blue. One young soul will help guide the town to the true light and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. A war for the souls of man will be in the balance as Satan and his demons try to enslave the town and the world. Trials and tribulations will be burdened on man. The balance rests on the shoulders of the church and eight souls—the travelers, the reborn, the Nephilim, and the stranger—who must work together to defeat the dragon known as Logoás, formed by the dark sisters of one of the witches’ upper echelon. To defeat Satan, his legion of armies, and the occultist, the town and all who dwell therein need to work together and call upon God for salvation. They must also help spread the Word to other countries or have Satan rise and relocate to try again to gain a foothold in this world. Let it be known that the number 7 signifies completeness and perfection, and 8 means new beginnings.

* * *

One hundred years later …

It was 1915 in the land of Cantala. This country was divided into three regions, North, South, and Middle Quarters, also known as Néarbi Valley. The dark witches and warlocks lived in the North, while the light lived in the South, and the humans lived in Néarbi Valley. The land was filled with lush green trees and beautiful, breathtaking views. The air was crisp, clear, and clean. It was an inviting haven for wanderers that got lost in its beauty and surrounding historic sites but was deadly for those that ventured too far north, as they were never seen or heard from again.

The humans lived in constant fear of becoming a human sacrifice to witches and warlocks that dwelled in the surrounding areas. With a population of 1,150 humans, a figure that continued to decrease each time there was a celestial eclipse, some humans would gather with their loved ones and pray that they would be safe for another day, while some would try to fight the demons that threatened to take their lives or their family’s. In this quiet country, a battle between good and evil had been fought for generations, each side hoping that victory would one day be theirs.

There were two major types of witches and warlocks (as one would already know), light and dark, and their added power was called influence. Witches were pulled over either to the darker or lighter side due to the intensity of their influence, measured by degrees completing a circle. There were many witches that thrived in the land of Cantala, but out of all them, only four major bloodlines held high powers in the witches’ upper echelon. The Hitchcocks, the Farfos, the Saunders, and the Degrees family were known throughout the land of Cantala for their witchcraft and sorcery, some being of light, some of dark.

No witch or warlock on either side was able to complete a full turn, or so it was said. But there were tales that said if a darker witch were to succumb to their influence, then that witch would be consumed by darkness from the depths of Lucifer’s crypt as another of his controlled generals, seeking more influenced witches for his pleasure, while on the lighter side of witches, once consumed by the influence of blinding light from the solar eclipse and subtleness of the blue moon, they would complete their degree as powerful of witches, as light would dispel darkness in any take, or so the saying was.

These witches and warlocks of pure descent, whether light or dark, were said to be crafted. The ongoing generations would enhance each newborn beautifully, and only a glowing difference at the peak of their full influence, by completing the zodiac degree, would turn, with each degree intensifying the summoner’s or occultist’s influence, thus increasing abilities. Only a few purebloods ever attained this height of power, pureblood meaning both parents were witches and warlocks, not just any witches and warlocks, of the four factions. As word had spread to other countries that a powerful coven of witches were in Cantala and were free to do as they pleased without restrictions, witches and wizards of other countries travelled far and wide to join them.

* * *

It was a lunar eclipse, and three of the four powerful witches’ factions’ elders gathered to bring the new hell on earth, the Hitchcock bloodline leading the ritual. The Farfos and Saunders were next in line to lead as they would be generals when Lucifer would rise this night.

Mama, look. The moon is bleeding, shouted five-year-old Anna Hitchcock as she looked out the white glass window of the eccentric little cottage to witness her first blood moon.

No, baby, that is one of the celestial eclipses, a blue moon, Mrs. Hitchcock replied as she walked over to pick up little Anna in her arms.

But the moon is red, not blue, Mama, Anna said, stretching to touch the fleeting, pretty colors.

It has many names, my child, but this one serves our kind, Mrs. Hitchcock replied.

"What’s an eclipse?" Sáphire asked, watching the shades of brilliant reds and many shades of bright oranges fill the night sky.

Well, it’s when the Earth completely blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon. This is when we are most powerful, replied Mr. Hitchcock.

So we have superpowers now, Mama? Anna asked, flexing her little fingers for show.

Yes, little one. Our powers are influenced by the lunar eclipse, of which the three celestial bodies we use to increase our powers, and every one hundred years, the celestial bodies align with seven planets and stars that make it the perfect day to fulfill our prophecy, Mrs. Hitchcock replied while showing Anna her hand producing multiple colors that danced before her smiling daughter, who was trying to catch the elusive lights.

At the knock on the door, Mrs. Hitchcock ended the magic light show and went to see who it was, leaving Anna to pout at the abrupt end of the show.

There is something very important your mother and I need to do with the elders in the town. I need you girls to stay home and keep the doors locked, Mr. Hitchcock said as his wife nodded at him when she returned from the front door.

"Why, Papa? And what’s a prophecy? Why can’t we come with you and Mama? We promise to be good," Sáphire whined.

We want you to be safe. Once everything is ready, we will return for both of you, Mrs. Hitchcock replied. Now, hug your mama and papa and go to bed.

"I still don’t know what a prophecy is," Sáphire said as she hugged her parents.

All will be revealed in time, little one. Later, I will explain everything, Mrs. Hitchcock said.

As the girls pleaded with their parents to let them join the elders, they waved good-bye then locked the girls in by casting a spell as they left.

Sáphire, wanting to follow their parents, convinced Anna to follow her; however, Anna would not leave without her favorite doll in her possession. Knowing she couldn’t leave Anna by herself, Sáphire then ordered Anna to fetch her doll. As Sáphire tried to open the door to their cottage, there was a thin light that began to peek underneath it. As suspense pierced through her heart, the door opened. Sáphire, holding Anna’s hand, swallowed hard then took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and stepped through the door. As she opened her eyes to see the great outdoors, she realized she was in the same position, as if they hadn’t moved. They made several attempts to escape their prison home before trying the windows, and the same thing happened. Cursing her parents for locking them inside, Sáphire finally gave up out of exhaustion, and both girls went to bed, falling asleep in their outdoor clothes.

* * *

As darkness slithered through the air, the dark witches gathered on the northern side of Néarbi Valley, waiting for the time to strike. Some humans stayed indoors, afraid of the evil that the lunar eclipse would bring, while others went with family and friends to the old Sancian Church subdivision, which held several short services per day, seeking safety, gathered indoors, praying the night would pass without incident. While they prayed in silence, a secret meeting was held in a private back room.

The people are tired of living in constant fear, Father Bishop. The church needs to protect its flock and the people living in the surrounding areas, implored Brother Enoch, a short bald man with a shorter fuse.

I know, Brother Enoch. We have sent word to the Sancian priesthood for help. They say they will send someone to investigate our claims before they send assistance, replied Father Bishop.

Do they not believe your word, Father Bishop? Do they not hear the cries of our brothers and sisters and of our children crying out for help when these demons come and take them away? Why are they taking so long to purge our lands? Another eclipse is upon us, and we are no closer to defending ourselves from Satan’s spawns, Brother Enoch continued.

I understand how you feel. I have also lost family members to these occultists and their constant crave for innocent blood, Father Bishop said as he tried to calm Brother Enoch, patting him on the back.

What we need to do is to form our own secret army, trained just for that, to seek and destroy these monsters. We have to strike now before it’s too late and no one is left to protect, Brother Enoch suggested as he brushed aside Father Bishop’s hand.

We must not be hasty, Brother. We must give them time to hear the Word of God and change their ways.

Are you blind? Have you not seen our people dying? How much longer must we be persecuted, sacrificed before we receive help from God? Do you not see he has abandoned us? Brother Enoch complained.

It is we who have abandoned him. We hold church services and only a few come, and those who come, they are only looking for food and shelter. No one wants to worship or fast and pray anymore. We only want what we want, and we want it now. How do you think the witches have managed to survive all these years? They must have had help from us humans. Some of our community members want to be rich and be in power. The witches grant them this, but in return, they sell their souls to the devil. The evil that we fight is not just the witches, my brother. It’s ourselves and our greed for power. We need to win the battle against the seven deadly sins—lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride—which mankind is plagued with every day, Father Bishop pointed out to him.

I still believe waiting will be our downfall— Brother Enoch began, but he was interrupted by a piercing scream in the middle of the night.

What was that? Brother Enoch asked. Within that instant, a figure stood in the doorway.

Father Bishop, the witches are back, and this time, they sent seven demons to capture seven children, Father Venjamin said as he entered.

What does this mean? Who were the children? Father Bishop asked.

I am not sure, Father. I have sent for the parents and guardians of the missing children. They should be here shortly, Father Venjamin continued. Brother Enoch, can you give us a minute? I need to have a word in private, Father Venjamin added.

Sure. I will wait for the family and direct them to the conference room to await your arrival, Brother Enoch said as Father Bishop nodded his approval before Brother Enoch closed the door.

What is it, Father Venjamin? Father Bishop asked, drinking a glass of water.

I have received word from the Sancian priesthood.

And what is it?

Over the years, they have been searching for a way to rid this world of evil once and for all, and so they are working on a secret mission to have this done. However, they are unable to state what they are working on or when it will be ready, Father Venjamin stated.

I don’t understand. They said they would send help once they investigated our claims. I am sure they know what is happening, Father Bishop fumed.

I was only able to hear that they are under a new leadership and that the Apostels Seven Mighty Men of Christ have been killed by unnatural methods.

That is not possible. God would never allow it.

I am afraid we are on our own. You are the only one that can lead us now. We can no longer trust the Sancian priesthood. I’m afraid the church has been compromised. We need to find those children. Another thing, before I was rudely escorted from the Sancian priesthood, one of the elder priests had told me about a hidden prophecy. It’s a prophecy about seven stars, seven planets, and the blue moon that comes in alignment. He says we must find this prophecy for it holds the secret to defeating the witches, Father Venjamin explained.

Knock, knock. Father Bishop and Father Venjamin, come quickly. There is a mob heading to the witches’ coven to get back the children, Brother Johnson said as he entered the room.

Thank you, Brother Johnson. Where is Brother Enoch?

I am afraid he and the parents, along with other townsfolk, took up arms and are heading to battle, Brother Johnson explained.

This is not right. This is not the way God wants us to handle this. Can you bring the carriage around, Brother Johnson? We must stop them before it’s too late.

* * *

Knock, knock.

What was that? Sáphire asked as she jumped out of bed and rushed downstairs to the door, with little Anna fast on her heels.

Who is there? Sáphire asked, looking at Anna as she pulled on her sister’s elbow.

It’s me, Tommy.

Sáphire opened the door and saw her friend standing in the doorway with a crooked smile on his face.

What are you doing indoors? You’re missing all the fun and excitement, Tommy asked.

Our parents locked us inside with magic, and we can’t come out, Sáphire explained.

Oh, hold on. Let me get Girda. I am sure she can break the spell, he said, smiling, as he ran to get his older sister in the distance.

Sáphire waited for what seemed like a lifetime before Tommy returned with Girda, his older sister, who was always making mischief in the valley with her other teenage friends.

Hi, girls, Girda said as she examined the outside of the house and whistled.

"Your parents really didn’t want you girls leaving this house any time soon. I need you two to hold hands and repeat after me. Sempala dispel, sempala dispel. As Girda joined hands with Tommy and Sáphire with Anna, they chanted the spell over and over until a light burst out from the house and sent them sprawling to the ground. Brushing off their clothes, Sáphire and Anna tested the doorway by placing their hands through it—nothing happened. They closed their eyes, stepped through the door, and started jumping up and down, shouting It worked, it worked" when they realized they were no longer indoors.

Tommy grabbed Sáphire by the hand and led them to a clearing in the woods where a bonfire was held and seven posts were erected with children tied up to them, screaming for help. Someone in the center of the ring was holding a seraph blade.

"What are they doing? And isn’t