James and The Armor of Solomon

By Dr Brandt R Gibson

When You Can Hear Every Voice Inside Your Head,

Which One Is The Right One To Listen Too?

 

James Adamson, the special young Titan, returns to Campus Gaea with his friends Bekah, Michael and Kari as the noise in his head becomes almost deafening. Last summer seemed almost perfect as h

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Academy Elite
• Release date: Oct 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781647468859

Dr Brandt R Gibson

Dr Brandt R Gibson is the father of 11 children, 2 bonus chil-dren (that married two of his children), grandfather to 1 (so far) and husband of an amazing woman, the three roles he enjoys the most. He is also a podiatric physician (specializing in foot and ankle care) and has revolutionized the care of Peripheral Neu-ropathy for his patients. He also thrives on service to his com-munity, state and his church, including serving a church mission to Brazil for two years, coaching many soccer teams over the years and previously working in the Boy Scouts of America for over 24 years. As an Eagle Scout and a former Scoutmaster for over 10 years (the most recent time), he has learned to love "God's beautiful world" and enjoys taking youth out into the wilderness to camp and hike. He feels it is one of God's secret training grounds that is underutilized today. These trips are still some of his most beloved experiences.Dr Gibson is as physician, author, coach and speaker who em-powers individuals to Be Extraordinary by Becoming Concord-ant in their strengths, talents and weaknesses and Unhackable in their daily choices so they can Reach Their Goals, Live Their Dream and Enjoy an Extraordinary Life.

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JAMES AND THE ARMOR OF SOLOMON

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JAMES AND THE ARMOR OF SOLOMON

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DR BRANDT R GIBSON

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Copyright © 2021 Dr Brandt R Gibson

All rights reserved.

Cover design by Devdiaart Digital Artist

Printed in the United States of America

Published by Author Academy Elite

P.O. Box 43, Powell, OH 43065

www.AuthorAcademyElite.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Paperback ISBN-13: 978-1-64746-883-5

Hardcover ISBN-13: 978-1-64746-884-2

Ebook ISBN-13: 978-1-64746-885-9

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021917604

To my Angel Wife who sees me as I could be,

Helps me be who I should be,

And inspires me to be who I must be!

To my 11 amazing children, My 2 bonus children and

My amazing grandson.

You are my greatest blessings in this life!

To my readers,

You Are Extraordinary! There is Nobody Just Like You!

Table of Contents

Title Page

CHAPTER 1: Camping With Dad

CHAPTER 2: Crossing The Ravine

CHAPTER 3: The Mission’s Just Begun

CHAPTER 4: The End of A Journey

CHAPTER 5: The Anger of Hades’ Queen

CHAPTER 6: The Byakko

CHAPTER 7: Return To Mount Othrys

CHAPTER 8: The Earth Stones

CHAPTER 9: New Titans In Camp

CHAPTER 10: Phoenixenses Renewed

CHAPTER 11: The Midnight Ride

CHAPTER 12: Signs, Signals and Codes

CHAPTER 13: Telepathy Expanded

CHAPTER 14: Strengthening Each Other

CHAPTER 15: Wilderness Cooking

CHAPTER 16: Become Concordant

CHAPTER 17: She’s In My Head

CHAPTER 18: Order of The Kraken

CHAPTER 19: Mom Helps Again

CHAPTER 20: Winter Camping

CHAPTER 21: Ryan’s New Friend

CHAPTER 22: Herculopathy In Secret

CHAPTER 23: Roma Antiqua

CHAPTER 24: The Forgotten Secrets of Being Concordant

CHAPTER 25: The Weapons of War

CHAPTER 26: Camilla and The Armor

CHAPTER 27: The Primary Patrol Challenge

CHAPTER 28: More Secrets In The Cave

CHAPTER 29: Doc McAdams Is Missing

CHAPTER 30: Are You Listening?

CHAPTER 31: Can You Help Her?

CHAPTER 32: Onyx

CHAPTER 33: Kari Teaches Zoonophonia

CHAPTER 34: The Luminesent

CHAPTER 35: The Great Forest

CHAPTER 36: Camilla Comes For James

CHAPTER 37: The Armor of Solomon

CHAPTER 38: The Power of Failure

CHAPTER 39: The Protective Power of Gratitude

CHAPTER 40: James Humble At Last

CHAPTER 41: The Fire Ceremony

CHAPTER 42: The Band of Fire

CHAPTER 1

CAMPING WITH DAD

She stood at the cusp of a hill, all alone because she needed time to think. Fogo was up the hill examining the cave and The Order members were all miles away in camp. She felt energy surging through her body from the hike and for the first time in months she felt power, raw power in every cell of her body. As a Concordant, she had underestimated Doc McAdams and The Band of Fire. She had let Simon and James slip through her fingers. The incompetence of her friends had been grossly apparent last summer and she would not allow them to fail again. Her mind began to wander as it had so many times since last summer…

Doc McAdams stepped out of the shadows with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his blue eyes. She truly hated that smile and hated him for suppressing her Concordant abilities while she was a member of Campus Gaea. His blue eyes just made her even more angry.

You never learn do you Camilla? You have assumed you could capture any of my students without my knowledge?

That comment surprised her a little. Was he really so stupid that he didn’t realize she had already captured Bekah? Did he not realize that she walked into Campus Gaea and took her right under his nose?

I did capture her.

Is she still here?

Her mind thought of Katie’s mistake and she knew that she would still be in their custody if not for the attempt to kill Bekah and invoke the Titan Protection. Why was her Band so incompetent?

No, but that is because of a mistake made by Katie.

She knew Doc hadn’t done anything to save her, so why was he so cocky?

Medley was sent by me. All of these Titans will be going free! Even Simon!

Medley, the white Pegasus-Unicorn mix, came walking out of the shadows with Bekah on her back and moved toward the students. She hadn’t seen Medley since she left Campus Gaea years before.

All of you go. Including you James. Master McAdams nodded to Medley.

I will not leave without my father. James said defiantly.

She admired him. How could a young 12 year-old be so brave? Well, he was her brother after all, even if he was confused about what side would be best to develop his powers.

He is to go also.

How dare Doc McAdams think he was in control. She had far more power than he knew. This was her camp and she would be in control of everything happening. Nobody was leaving, not without her permission!

You think you can command in my camp?

You lost control of your camp when you captured Simon. James has known your plans the entire time. Doc McAdams smiled at James and then continued. And I have been monitoring his mind the entire summer. He even saw your plans to attack his mother, but that was from your mind!

She felt anger well up in her chest and her hands began to shake. She wanted to kill him, and anyone that would stand with him. As the anger coursed through her body, she stepped towards the walking stick on the ground.

I will not fight you now! Doc McAdams said. Not until everyone is free.

She thought she heard fear in his voice and she pulled the stone from her pocket. As the warmth of the stone filled her hand, she saw an opening and called down lightning from the sky. Through the flash, she successfully separated Medley and the others from Doc McAdams and James. She now had them separated from the rest of the group. Once again Doc had underestimated her abilities.

As she stepped towards James, Simon began to scream, Don’t hurt my son! Don’t hurt my son!

Simon really was pathetic. If he knew her at all, he would know that she wouldn’t hurt James. But he would! She had seen it before with her mother and her! It was very important that she help James see it too.

As she was looking at James, Doc McAdams started to laugh. So you found the stone. Well fire needs oxygen.

To her great surprise, Doc McAdams moved at an amazing speed and all the fires were out, covered with dirt. James was quickly lifted to Medley’s back and they were all gone. She watched Medley fly away with everyone, except Doc McAdams who stood before her. She’d missed her chance to talk with James. But this mistake was hers!

You need to know, Camilla, that I will stand in your way. You don’t have the knowledge or wisdom that you think you have. You cannot stand against us!

And then he was gone. Vanished as if into thin air…

Her hands tightened into fists. She would have her answer today. After months of research and months of searching, she would know where to find the armor. She would have a tool, a secret tool, to ensure they didn’t keep making mistakes…

James woke in a cold sweat, breathing heavily after having the same dream for the fourth time in three weeks. He had thought about that encounter with Camilla many times since last summer, but this repeated vision was not of his creation. What was she doing? What was this armor? Why was he seeing Camilla’s mind? Doesn’t she usually block everyone?

Since Christmas, strange visions, or seeing into others’ minds had become more rampant. Yes, he had multiple visions when in close proximity to friends and acquaintances at Campus Gaea, but it was different now. He was seeing hundreds of visions, hearing many thoughts and often at the same time. Many times he was even unable to perceive his own thoughts because so many thoughts from others were in his head. It was becoming increasingly annoying!

Bekah, however, seemed to get excited as he talked about this occurrence. She had been working with him since the summer and both had improved their Telepathic abilities a great deal, but then a switch seemed to flip and he was hearing everyone’s thoughts. Sometimes even individuals down the street or in other areas of the house. He seemed to have no real control of his ability. School was where it was very difficult, because he would perceive the surrounding classrooms, see daydreams from other students and even hear the teacher’s frustration. But again, Bekah thought it was the coolest thing ever. She called it a special acceleration of the growth of his Telepathy abilities. She even sometimes called it Telephony, which he thought was just a play on words, but she assured him it was not.

As his thoughts continued to whirl, he perceived the entire camp was starting to awake. His mind began to race with thoughts from those around him.

I wonder what’s for breakfast? I am staving.

I really think he is cute. I wish he would notice me.

The plan today is to climb to the cave. Doc McAdams thinks there is an important artifact there.

James is already awake. I guess I better get moving.

James turned to see his dad climbing from his sleeping bag with a big smile.

Your Telepathy abilities are getting better. You heard my thoughts, didn’t you?

And everyone else’s! How do I control this?

Don’t ask me. I don’t have Telepathy! As you already know, that has never been my ability.

James crawled out of his sleeping bag and stood, while dad was starting to dress on the other side of the tent. Now that he was 13, he had asked for one present, a camping trip with dad and finally he was blessed with the opportunity. His dad had finally brought him camping.

Unlike a normal father, however, they didn’t go camping in the backyard or the mountains close to home. He was instead invited on one of Dad’s trips. He was traveling with The Band Of Fire as a 13 year-old boy. Watching dad at work was absolutely amazing, as he guided the group with ease. The more he saw, the more James knew his own Orientopathy ability was still poorly developed even with all the work dad had spent trying to help him. Dad didn’t need to close his eyes or even concentrate to just know everything about his surroundings. Even as James tried to orient himself, dad was miles ahead with the whole progression planned.

Simon laughed at the door as he looked back at James. My boy are you hungry, or still daydreaming too much? he said with a wink.

James climbed from his sleeping bag, put on his clothes and went out for breakfast. Today had started and he had no more time to think about the dreams or any of the happenings of the night.

As he stepped from his tent, the camp was already abuzz with activity and breakfast was being served. As the only kid on the trip, he raced over to eat so that they wouldn’t need to wait for him.

CHAPTER 2

CROSSING THE RAVINE

James walked to the ravine, a large ravine over 400 feet across that fell to the valley below. As opposed to the Titan Challenges last summer, there was no bridge and he was not sure how they were going to cross this huge obstacle. As he carefully examined the ravine, he saw his dad talking with others and plans were being made….

Simon shouldn’t have brought his son…

I want to help, please let me help Simon. I know we can…

Simon is our guide, he can bring whomever he wants…

The ravine is 400 feet across and will require….

Should we be making a bridge or is there another way? Simon said carefully.

James shook his head as the voices continued to surround him. His head was starting to hurt already this morning because of all the noise. Could he be of any help with his mind filled with voices? He couldn’t even hear the planning because the voices in his head were so loud. If only he could learn to focus on one voice and not hear all the others. He was sure Bekah could help him, or at least teach him what to work on…

…we do have the equipment here, but your son…

Man, she is so cute, I wish she would pay me attention…

The Band of Fire is misguided this time…

As the voices continued, the surroundings started to fade and James felt weak. He stepped back from the ravine but knew he couldn’t fight it very long…

The opening of the cave wasn’t visible. She could feel the opening, and knew it was near the top of the mountain; but it had been many years since she traveled alone without her friends. They wouldn’t be any help this time. It was very important that she find the cave, find the final clues and locate the hiding place that has been the vault for Solomon’s own possessions. It was no surprise to her that he would not hide his possessions in his own kingdom, or that nobody had found them over these many years. But she would find the location thereof. Only a few more clues and this cave was an important part.

James stumbled and fell, hitting his head on the ground as his eyes cleared. As he hit his head, all sounds around him stopped and he heard the familiar sound of music, his song from Helia. Maybe she was the key. As the music continued, his mind began to clear, his eyes came into focus and the pounding of his head stopped. He felt strength pulsating through his body and then he realized what was happening around him.

Four men were in a tree and had already built a platform and lowered a rope ladder. They had attached a rope to the large tree, about 200 feet into the air, just above the platform. The other end of the strong rope, or cable was already attached to a man, a very large man who was preparing a winged device near the edge of the ravine. James had seen hang gliders in the past and felt this was some form of similar flying machine. There was no engine, but very large wings formed above a frame that would allow a single man to mount and fly. He wasn’t exactly sure what the plan was, but assumed the man was planning to cross the ravine with the large cable.

As James watched, a second man was preparing several other devices and loading a backpack. Both the very large man, named Simeon, and John the second man were Herculopaths and seemed to be some of the leaders of the group. They were preparing for a trip, but there was only one flying device. Would they be flying together? How would they get across the long ravine?

"James, are you okay?’

As he turned he saw his dad walking towards him.

Were you daydreaming again when you fell? Then Simon continued without waiting for an answer, You may already know the plans, but you will want to watch this. Have you heard the story of Icarus?

As James nodded, Simon continued, Those wings Simeon made are much better than Daedalus and Icarus, his son, had. And they will work really well with his strength, he said with a smile.

James mind began to race back to the story Doc McAdams shared last summer.

"Now you need to know that Daedalus was truly a great craftsman and was able to develop two pairs of functional wings from a wood frame, wax and feathers. After Daedalus tried his wings first and found them to be functional, he instructed his son on how to leave the island. But the instructions were very specific:

"Please, my son, don’t fly too close to the sea, because the spray from the water will moisten the feathers and you will be unable to continue to fly. But these instructions are only half as important as not flying too high, too close to the sun. Your wings were fashioned from wax that will melt with the heat of the sun and you will fall to your death. Please follow my path of flight and you will be safely freed.

"Icarus looked to his father with excitement and agreed as his father flew out from the island, positioned halfway between the sun and the sea. Icarus spread his wings and jumped out and began to flap his wings. To his amazement, he began to fly just like his father. He looked around and saw birds above him and birds below. He was really flying. As he continued to flap his wings, he saw the island moving away from him and he was filled with the exhilaration of flight. He was like the birds and he began to rise into the air. His father called back to him to stay on the path and not lift up towards the sun, but he ignored him. His father was just trying to limit his ability to fully exercise his power, his new strengths. And he assured himself that he would be careful.

It was at this point that the heat of the sun began to grow and the wax on the wings started to melt. As Icarus realized what was happening, he tried to move away from the sun, but as he flapped his wings he watched the feathers fall from the wooden frame and fall toward the water. He flapped harder and called to his father, but it was too late. He fell from the sky to the sea below where he would not rise again. Deadalus watched his son fall from the sky with no ability to help him, and continued his journey with tears falling from his eyes.

As the vision faded, James noticed John take a rope and start to wrap it around his legs. The first wrap went between his legs and around the right leg around the upper thigh. With the two feet of rope on the outside of the right leg, a knot was tied to secure the right leg. The knot was tied quickly and James wasn’t sure what knot it was. A similar loop and knot were then performed around the left leg. The long end of the rope was then wrapped around the small of the back and through the loop between the two knots. The long rope was then wrapped around the back and through the loop two more times and then a square knot was tied to finish what looked like a harness. The free end of the rope was then tied in multiple square knots. He then locked a carabiner to the front cross loop.

As James continued to watch, John pulled a small rope from his pack and attached a loop on one end to the carabiner at his waist. At the same time, Simon walked over and attached a second rope and carabiner to the back of his harness. This rope was much smaller than the large cable attached to Simeon. He was now even more intrigued. What are they doing? How are they going to cross the ravine? Why are there two guys preparing for the trip, but only one flying machine?

The answer came quickly as everything started happening at once. Simeon started flapping the wings just as John attached the loop on the other end of his small rope to the carabiner on Simeon’s harness. Both men were lifted from the ground as the movement of the strong wings produced lift. All at once the two men were headed across the ravine, Simeon flapping in a very relaxed fashion as John hung below by harness attached to harness. They soared easily across the ravine out of sight almost as everyone else in camp readied to leave.

What do you see my boy? James heard Simon ask as he continued to stare across the ravine after the two men.

Suddenly his eyes came into focus and he could see perfectly. It felt as if he were looking through binoculars.

John was lowered to the ground and unhooked his harness as Simeon continued to flap the wings. He then climbed back up the small rope and unhooked the large cable, hooking it carefully to his carabiner on his waist. John then walked over to a large tree and started climbing and rested on a branch where he opened his backpack and created a loop to attach the cable to the tree with large cords.

Just then a man flew over his head quickly with the sound of a metal wheel buzzing along the cable and crossing the ravine. James watched as this new man zipped along the cable towards John and Simeon landed below the tree and started disassembling the wings.

One by one individuals zoomed across the ravine, some carrying packages and others with large backpacks.

Before he knew it, James found himself climbing the ladder to the platform with his father behind him.

How are we going to get this kid across.

Why did Simon bring his 13 year-old on such a dangerous trip.

Oh my…I don’t want to do this! I am scared of heights!

I hope James doesn’t have problems getting across, James recognized this voice as his father’s, but he is concordant so it shouldn’t be a problem.

You’re listening to us are you? James smiled at the warm smile of Bekah’s mother. He had forgotten the Solomons were on this trip. He only wished his friend was also here.

As the harness was tied around his legs and attached to a metal wheel they called a trolley, he began to receive instructions:

Now you must listen very carefully! You are attached to a trolley that will carry you down the cable. We have you attached, as were most, to slide down backwards. It is important you not touch the cable or the trolley itself. Holding onto the rope from the trolley is usually recommended. As you move across the ravine, if you are moving too quickly and need to slow down or stop, use the brake here. James was then showed a small black rope that when pulled activated a magnetic braking system. Any questions?

James smiled and shook his head trying to not act nervous.

You do know I can read your mind? Mrs. Solomon said with a smile. You are perfectly safe.

You can do this James, I will be right behind you. Simon said as James was attached to the trolley.

With a push from the tree, the trolley wheel started to buzz as it moved along the cable. The sky started to move quickly above him and the wind blew through his hair. The ravine wall and tree moved away from him and the speed continued to increase. He felt as if he were flying as he looked around and for the first time in weeks he heard nothing in his head, no voices, no thoughts, just the sound of the trolley wheel and the wind.

As he relaxed into the harness, he felt an excitement, like a deep tickle in his stomach, move through his body. He felt his heart beating more quickly, his breath almost taken away and he felt the same feeling he felt a year ago when he knew he was a Titan.

As that thought rested upon him he closed his eyes and felt the leather spine of the book in his hands. He really was a Titan and The Book of Adam had become a trusted friend since last summer…

Suddenly he heard voices all around him, filling his mind and echoing through his ears.

Pull the lever!!

He’s not going to stop.

Why did we let a kid come with us?

This isn’t a game, if he doesn’t stop he will get hurt!

I can stop him if needs be!

Camilla would never forgive me if he gets hurt, but the father would be a different story.

I hope he notices me…wait, why is everyone yelling?

I am tired of this. Why can’t I just go back home?

All the voices came at once and James realized he had failed to listen to the instructions before leaving. Where was the lever? The brake?

James, my son, pull the cord above your head. It is in front of the trolley.

James recognized that voice at it came from behind him. Dad could tell something was wrong.

As James looked up, he saw the small black rope and remembered the instructions. He pulled the black rope and the magnetic braking system was activated and the friction quickly slowed him as he approached the tree.

Simeon grabbed James almost roughly and started unhooking him from the trolley.

You scared us all young man! he said rather brusquely. I climbed up here to make sure you didn’t get hurt. Lucky you are not heavy or the brake would have never worked that late!

Simeon then turned and climbed down. Nothing more was