The Mighty: Overcomer: Book 3 in Series

By Yader Hernandez

After an infestation of phantasms creates havoc on the island villages of Town Real, Ivan, the king and priest, and all the Truecians are once again called to put an end to foreign menace. This time around, horses won't be the primary chosen source of transportation. They are going to need something with a capacity to float. Forty years after the enemy dried out a branch of the river and left the Overcomer ship shipwrecked, it has been rebuilt and is now ready to rule the waterways.

With the application of biblical knowledge and searing force, the Truecians will have to battle phantasms and their dark influence in order to free the five island villages they are tasked to visit. Inside this imposing cannon-wielding ship, things get feisty as well, leading Ivan to navigate through troubles in his own growing family and debilitating confusion within the group.

Join the king and priest, the Overcomer, the lion, the Altar of Gold, and the Truecians as they clash against forces that fill the air and control the islands of the river. The Mighty: Overcomer, a young adult fictional story based on God's eternal purpose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887638102

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Chapter 1: He Who Overcomes

Chapter 2: Repair the Breaches

Chapter 3: One Lover

Chapter 4: Unequal

Chapter 5: Clear the Air

Chapter 6: Prince of Cathedra

About the Author

cover.jpg

The Mighty: Overcomer

Book 3 in Series

Yader Hernandez 3

Copyright © 2023 Yader Hernandez

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88763-809-6 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88763-810-2 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1

He Who Overcomes

After frantically climbing a ladder, a young man reached the rooftop of a house now serving as a lookout. He ran to the village elder on the opposite side. Are we to spend another day without any real protection? How are we to stand firm against a being that has neither flesh nor blood? bellowed Cora.

The village elder looked out into the distance. We have endured this invasion long enough and, finally, received word on how to fight back effectively.

Yeah, how's that?

We need the Altar of Gold. Its flames can repel any advances from these phantasms, answered Ander, the elder.

Great, where is it?

It's supposed to be at the Village of Bacade, a neighbor in the waterways.

So what are we waiting for? I leave for Bacade as soon as possible. We cannot spend the dark of the day just waiting to be controlled by these hellish creatures.

I am thankful for your disposition, but we need to act with higher judgment. The altar does not burn at this time and the only way to set it aflame is with the torch of the ark.

So tell me where that is, and I'll go fetch it.

Good question. I don't know, but I know who wields it, the Truecians. They are probably the only ones capable of overcoming this menace that ails us.

A scream coming from the harvesting fields rattled them.

Oh no, it started! said Cora.

The village elder looked at Cora firmly while his eyes somehow shook. Leave now. There is a boat prepared at the docking area. It's one of the fishing boats, with brown sails. Sail downstream to the mainland, and go to Parissia and speak to its elder, Spoof. He will know what to do.

As he turned to the ladder, more people cried for help.

And you? And the people?

Wailing and swooshes in the air now accompanied the desperate pleas.

We will do the best we can with the resources at hand. But we can only withstand so much, so go!

I won't take long. He ran to the ladder to climb down. Parissia, you said?

Yes! Tell them the horrors you've seen.

Cora landed on the ground and suppressed the cries for help that he heard, knowing that the best way to aid them was with what he was entrusted with. He reached the docking area and searched for the boat. He found it, but no one was on the deck or cockpit. He went to knock on the cabin's door.

Go away. Come back tomorrow.

I was sent by the elder, Ander, to sail for the mainland.

The boat owner opened the door. If it wasn't for the amount of torins he is paying—oh my goodness! His sight was captivated by something. You know what? Maybe it is a good idea to leave this village behind. We leave in haste!

Cora looked back at the darkened sky and the multitude of dark shadowy figures flying about. He sat down in anguish until he was shaken by the boat owner.

Cover your ears with these.

What do you mean?

I experienced the weirdest thing a couple of days ago. There was a team of hogs that became startled just inside the bushy area. I witnessed it all from my boat. They squealed and moved abruptly around the area making much commotion. And then I saw them, flying phantasms. It seemed like a dream or an impossibility. I was thrown back on my chair by the shock. The hogs in their desperate flee attempt ran over to the edge of the river. Then, with a wailing sound two of those things descended and entered the ears of a couple of hogs. The two hogs froze for a while, standing still on the edge of the river.

How about the other ones?

They retreated from those two and back into the bushy area.

Disturbing.

Wait, I'm not done. After that, they stared at me as if they wanted something from me. Their eyes appeared to glow! I stood up to get a better look as they jumped in the water. I freaked out, so I grabbed my bow and arrows and shot them.

You are kidding?

What was I supposed to do? Anyway, to my surprise, they kept coming. With arrows stuck to their bodies and all. They reached the boat and tried to climb on board. With few options at hand, I remember how my uncle showed us a new method of fishing. He would tie a wooden box that served as a trap, with a rope and a rock at the other end. The box would sink from the surface of the water. So I tied a couple of rocks to two arrows and shot at them, piercing their skin. I then proceeded to throw the rocks into the river. They sank.

And what happened to them?

I don't know, and I don't care. I put the sails up and left to another place to dock.

You never went back to check?

No! And it's not in my immediate plans to do so.

So that's what happens to people.

Let's hurry. You go for the ropes while I extend the sails. With this wind, we will be out of here in no time. I will not be possessed by one of those things. Come on help me!

Cora stood up and went for the ropes. There was favorable wind and, more importantly, willing hearts. They both sailed away and out of immediate danger en route to Parissia. After about forty minutes of sailing, the boat owner took out a map.

I couldn't break the news to you before, but we cannot sail all the way passed the Village of Bacade and unto the mainland.

Why not?

Well, ever since some of the mainland villages drove away polyp rule, weird things have been happening on this end, to all the island villages, not just the village of Spector.

Can it actually be weirder than what we are experiencing?

No, but different. Different in a bad way, I mean, which means we cannot cross in front of the villages through the river. We would be risking too much being out in the open on the river. We will go as far as we can on boat, then hitch a ride on horses the rest of the way. Through the forest area, we will travel in cover.

You mean through the countryside?

Yes.

It's going to take much longer.

It will, but we will have a better chance of making it with all our limbs intact. Comprende? There is no other way unless you can defeat mystical creatures of great size and strength. Sorry, but limited as we are, we wouldn't come out unscathed.

We might not, but I heard who can. I'll go along with your plan!

They sailed a total of about an hour until eventually pulling in the sails near an island village that boasted of having a wooden bridge to the mainland.

We'll stop here. Leave the boat, and go rent some horses.

Sounds like a plan, except that it's like one at night and everyone is asleep.

Let's go check either way.

They secured the boat and walked inward. The islands in the river waterway were not big. They held a few hundred people each and survived on fishing and hunting from the mainland. Being that they were on the river, the islands had become isolated over the past forty years from the rest of Town Real. Only the kings and priests sailed the river, fending off polyp pirates and visiting each of the villages. Now, they had become similar to the tribes of Reuben and Gad who never crossed the Jordan, being the first to be taken captive and adopt foreign customs.

The two of them went up a hill and were surprised that the villagers were still awake. Suspicious of the situation, they observed from the cover of big rocks.

What's going on? Why do you think they are awake?

Told you. Bizarre is normal here.

They stayed up there observing what was happening. There were a number of people dressed in white or maroon robes. They carried a censer that was smoking. A big pot was over a fire, apparently boiling water.

Obviously, they are making an offering to something, said Cora, who stayed watching with his mouth open.

Some tree branches partially blocked their view, but they did catch to see a fancy big chair.

Am I seeing things, or are they all women? said Duste, the boat owner.

Well, someone else is coming out from behind the shed. That one looks like a man.

Is he tied up?

He appears to be.

Five people dressed in robes escorted a man with hands and feet tied up, to the chair. Three of the women held spears, while others around them, held big sticks. They had the man sit down, and tied him to the chair. They gave him a piece of meat to hold. The blood dripped down his hands and unto his pants.

What's the name of this village? asked Cora.

Rytes.

One woman pushed the man, and he fell backward to the ground. They walked around him chanting and kicking dirt at his face.

I've seen enough, said Cora.

Enough to know that it's time to leave.

Yeah, I agree.

There is the stable, way over there. Let's go for a horse…or two.

They moved around the whole ceremony thingy and ended up behind the stable. Being that there was no one there, they went to the front, unlatched a couple of doors, and took two horses out. They wouldn't mind. Right? They galloped out to the perimeter of the island. Finding the wooden bridge, they crossed to the mainland and headed for Parissia.

Prepared

The sounds of hammers and the shouts of men working were heard outside the walls of Parissia. The threat of the gorillas was all but gone. Those elongated tooth animals were driven away by Parissian ingenuity. The victories achieved by the Truecians had given all the villagers the drive to extend beyond their walls. The Parissians' immediate target was the tilted stranded ship that was once synonymous with the arrival of the rulers and ministers.

About three months ago, by the order of Mr. Spoof, work had begun to restore it to its original magnificence, plus a few additions. The work had been coming along with the repairs to the outer shell completed, and now the mechanics was well in progress. The cannons had been replaced, and more importantly, the gorilla poop had been swept and the urine-infested wood replaced.

Ivan had repeatedly returned for brief stays to check on Town Real and especially on Vixy. Something curious happened the first time he returned through the ark. Instead of coming out from one of the rooms on the ship, he came out from a storage shed at the church gathering area, close to his house, the KP's house. This also kept him from disrupting the work getting done on the Overcomer. Vixy had stayed at the KP's house to live. She was accompanied by Cinthia, a close assistant or maid you might say, who provided company on those many days Ivan was out. Sen, the boy who found the sword in the field across from Manor Murcielagus, had also become close to Vixy. He served as her messenger for her business needs.

Two days after Duste and Cora's departure from Spector, Mr. Spoof and his nephew, Rook, were watching the ship from the village wall. They had renewed it, to its former glory, and more.

"Why did they name it the Overcomer?" asked Rook.

In the beginning, God used all of humanity to fulfill His purpose. Then He used a nation. After that, He used the church. But today, God uses the overcomers from the church to fulfill His purpose to the fullest.

So they would be who?

The ones who through meekness, found victory over disobedience, and reached perfection—he spun his head from side to side—or close to it.

Did anyone realize it's in the middle of a field? And it's not like…light for us to just to pick it up and move it to the river.

Don't worry about that. We have a plan for that too.

They were amicably talking till someone shouted from afar. We need help!

Mr. Spoof and Rook looked down and noticed a couple of men getting close quickly on horses.

Open the gates! shouted Mr. Spoof.

Sir!

Open the gates, I said!

The guards at the front spun the rotary gears to open the gates and the men came in.

We come with news of hostility. Our village is under attack from forces impossible to combat.

The guards held the horses as they climbed down.

Take them to my office. Rook, get some food and drinks. They might be coming from far away.

*****

At the KP's house, things were running like any other day. Vixy was fixing her bed, while Cinthia, who slept in a downstairs bedroom, was preparing breakfast. It was not your normal home setup, but it functioned smoothly. Vixy was now a KP's wife, and as such, she acquired everything that pertained to Ivan. Cinthia, having left the Village of Souque behind, enjoyed many of the privileges of living in the house, including enough torins to satisfy many desires of the heart. She was also held in high esteem by all, because of her proximity to the ruling authority of the whole town. Although this was true, she lived simply, allowing Vixy to lead the way when Ivan was not home, not concerning herself with extravagancy. Her simple life derived from a gratitude she held strongly to—gratitude born when her life was spared from Batton's evil grasp. The money, well, she would send her mother some of it for her needs.

There was a knock on the door. Cinthia, who is it?

She looked through the window. It's Sen.

Oh, have him come up.

She adjusted her robe and opened the door.

Maybe I made it too early today, said Sen, excitedly.

No, you are fine. She is waiting for you upstairs.

Thank you. Sen had shepherded sheep since he was almost a baby. But ever since his father hired a couple of people to aid him, he took advantage of the avenue and got closer to the Truecians. Now ten, he valiantly opened doors until he reached Vixy. She was struck by his willingness to serve, and his cuteness, so she gave him a job as her personal courier.

Sen, I need you to take these papers to the lead person at the milk production place. He needs to know how much milk is to be transported to Cadaecia. After you deliver the papers, come back, there is lots to do in the house that we need your help with.

Will do. He dashed down the stairs.

Hey, Sen! Vixy shouted from upstairs.

Yes?

Actually, before you go. Come and sit down for breakfast with us.

Me?

Yes. I don't want you to go on an empty…or half-empty stomach.

How did you know?

Because you are here so early. With just one glance at the breakfast table, he was enticed to stay. The three of them sat down. Sen was like the little brother both of them never had. And with all the trouble he got into, an Ivan who wasn't always around to keep the comic relief and spark going in both their lives. He ate up and left for his task.

Who was it you wanted me to go talk to?

Cinthia, the merchant that sells the corn needs reassurance that the fields are ripe for harvesting. So take the phone, and take a picture of the field to show him.

Cinthia giggled. I don't know if I can get used to this. This apparatus has some major interesting but confusing properties.

I know, at first I couldn't figure it out either. But it can come in handy sometimes.

All right, I will go to the marketplace and talk to them.

Oh, and, Cinthia, get us some more fruits and sweets, please. You know the cravings we get in the afternoon, but feel too lazy to head over there.

You are right. Better stack up, especially with your cravings.

Cinthia changed and left to speak to the merchant, while Vixy stayed home to scan through inventory spreadsheets from her family business. When Ivan wasn't around, she was the person to approve or disapprove important changes suggested for the village. Paradise Crafty Village had become a major attraction for townspeople, and its popularity had grown since the Truecians decided to call it home. It had captivated the imaginations of people to such a degree, that they would make the walk just to hear what was new and take on its beautiful scenery.

After a tiring glance at a few papers, she decided she needed a break and went outside for some gardening. Her soiled filled hands told the story of how much she enjoyed taking care of the plants. While planting a coconut tree, she heard the front door open. She was alarmed, Cinthia never opened the door so harshly.

Hello? Vixy?

It's just Sen, she told herself. I'm over here! Outside!

Sen ran over to the back door. Vixy! Vixy! I gave the papers you wanted to the man but…but someone grabbed me and told me they wanted to speak to you, he panted.

Who grabbed you?

Someone, I didn't get his name, sorry. But he did say that Mr. Spoof wanted to speak to you.

Is that right? And it sounded urgent?

He seemed scared of something.

Mr. Spoof? He's supposed to be at Parissia.

No. He told me he is here, at Surri's office.

She lifted her hands and shook them for him to see. Well, I have to wash up before I can go. Will you accompany me? I need a brave boy by my side.

At your service Mrs. Vixy. He assumed a position as if on guard.

She lightly laughed. Good. Help me move this over there and feed the horse. Yes, the white horse had its own stable in the backyard.

At the elder's office, the hearts were stirred up. Did you speak to Vixy?

Traper was sitting on the sofa. I did not, but I did speak to her assistant, the boy.

Sen! He'll relay the message, asserted Surri. So tell me, has this happened before?

Mr. Spoof sat back on the sofa. I checked and yes, we did have phantasms flying around many years ago.

How did it all end?

Not pretty. According to the documentation, all the inhabitants of the village disappeared.

Disappeared? That can't be.

When the kings and priests arrived, they found it deserted. Not one soul. And it was cold.

Traper looked out the window. Do you think this could happen again?

We can't take the risk of waiting. We must act now.

We could also go to the KP's house. She should be there, suggested Surri.

I believe the boy understood it was important. They probably won't be long.

Just as Sen and Vixy were leaving the house, Cinthia arrived, with groceries and all.

Cinthia, allow us to give you a hand so you could go with us.

Where?

To Surri's office, something is going on

Wow. Life in this house never has a dull day, she spoke loudly to the air.

Stop complaining, and let's go.

They arrived at the office and were met with a much-excited Amy.

Amy, nice to see you.

Well, you have been expected.

Yeah? What is going on?

Something big.

She led them to the main office where the other three were at. Surri stood up, while Mr. Spoof greeted them.

Vixy, we come with a request. We need to call the Truecians.

What is going on?

We have a report that a village has been overrun by shadowy spirits flying in the night.

Cinthia gasped. This is so spooky.

I can call Ivan right now. Cinthia, you have the phone?

Yep.

Do you think he'll answer? asked Sen.

He knows better than to leave me hanging.

Sen chuckled.

Ivan was throwing away the trash when his phone rang. Hey, babe.

Ivan, honey, somebody wants to speak to you. I'll place it on video call.

Wow, impressive. You are getting good at this phone thing.

Ivan?

Mr. Spoof? Ivan placed the trash bag on the ground.

We have trouble brewing and you are needed here as soon as possible.

Like all of us, right?

Yes.

I would have to get the group together. I'm guessing tomorrow morning everyone could be ready.

That's great. We'll talk when you get here. We will stay at Paradise Crafty waiting for all of you.

Will do, sir.

Vixy went outside of the office with the phone. Honey, bring me those muffins that taste so good. You'll get a special treat if you do.

You are so easy to satisfy. All I need is the right food.

Remember you are to love your wife, that means bring me what I want. Also, obey her in all things.

Are you sure that's how it's written?

Yes! Now do as I say.

He chuckled. Love you, babe.

Love you too. Tomorrow, I'll be waiting, I miss you.

Miss you too, tomorrow, bye.

Oh my goodness, this is like living a double life, he spoke softly. Stephanie!

Yes. I'm in the kitchen.

We have to pack up.

What?

Ivan informed all the Truecians, who had to halt their daily lives to once again head to Town Real. Yet it wasn't a burden at all, just a nuisance when they had to explain why they went missing for a week or two. But it was a nuisance worthwhile. Town Real was the reality of God lived out. An experience lived out to fullness otherwise unachievable in the Illusion Realm. So when the chance comes up to go back, they are more than thrilled. Although in their hearts, they did weigh the possibility of getting hurt chasing after fiendish creatures.

The Truecians met the next morning at Kevin's house. Inside the same backyard shed that holds the revered ark. No one else knew about it, except for Sandy, the dog, which at more than one occasion had peed a little too close to it. They uncovered the cloth that they laid over it, revealing the golden-winged creatures and its different outlined images.

There were four compartments, one on each side. The original four placed their hands over them and the compartments opened…well, actually, three of them did.

What's going on? Mine's didn't open.

You might be out of the group then. Ivan laughed.

Stephanie was not pleased. Stop messing around. This is serious. How am I going to get my pouch and items?

Ivan picked up his pouch and noticed something extra. Steph, what color is the pouch that was given to you?

Purple.

Is it this one? He picked up a purple pouch.

That's it, I believe. Stefanie grabbed it from Ivan's hand and opened it. This is it. Why was it there?

Don't know.

This is different than the other times then, declared Chris.

Melissa went to check on the compartment with the birdlike-creature outline. So what's wrong? This compartment doesn't open.

Chris picked up another pouch. Melissa, I think your pouch is with me.

Give it, Chris. She snatched it from his hands.

Ivan looked around. Only one person left. Steven?

Steven approached slowly and placed his hand over the one compartment that was not opened. The outlines of the eagle illuminated, and it opened.

Oh, this is magnificent—it opened. And there are two pouches here.

Two?

Yeah! A red one and a light-green one.

Well, open them, they echoed.

Steven opened the red pouch. There is a sword, a bottle, and a kind of long gun on this one. It was his sword with the red color outlines. He pressed the button and it unfolded and became bigger. Not sure what these two are for.

What's on the other one? On the other pouch there was a miniature house, a sword, and glasses.

Steven took the items out of the light green one. What do you suppose this is for?

Somebody has bad eyesight.

Fascinating. Every other compartment has medieval-type items, but not the one you opened.

Steven pressed the button on the light green sword, but it did not become bigger.

Ivan stood up straight. "I'm