Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court (25 page)

COURAGE AND
MERCY

And thus you have heard the tale of Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court. Would you not agree that his heart was indeed clad with zeal for the Prince? He gave much, yet received much as well. In his passionate quest to give up the pleasures of men and follow the path of the Prince, Sir Bentley found more than one kindred spirit who had been forged by the same Smith. He even found a love he hadn't been seeking.

Together, Sir Bentley and Lady Eirwyn brought hope and a new life to the people of Holbrook. They taught them of the Prince and His ways. Freedom flourished in the land, for when the Prince sets people free, they are free indeed.

The stronghold that Avarick established had scarred the people and the land, but the love of the Prince made all things new. Sir Bentley and Lady Eirwyn worked hard to restore the people of Holbrook. Havens in other regions of the kingdom heard of their need and rallied to their cause. It was a labor that the Knights of the Prince found joyous to accomplish.

Bentley's and Eirwyn's love for each other grew with each passing day, and it was not long before they married. They brought Anya into their household as their first child, and they loved her as their own. Her sweet spirit enriched and blessed them and all of Holbrook.

Bentley's father, Sir Barrington, eventually could not live with a conscience that would not allow him to consider the courageous actions of his son, and he left the Noble Knights. He and his wife, Lady Deonne, joined their son and his new wife at Holbrook, and they loved Eirwyn greatly.

Sir Demus was overjoyed at being reunited with a friend from his past but even more joyful over Sir Barrington's decision to fully dedicate his life to serving the Prince. At the new haven of Holbrook, Demus trained the Knights of the Prince to defend the people against the attacks of Lucius and to live honorably for the Prince according to the Code.

The days of rebuilding were difficult, but the joy that Bentley and Eirwyn conveyed to the people of Holbrook far surpassed the challenges. The people loved them and learned to live in the freedom of the Prince, a freedom that knew no bounds of social or economic class—a freedom that frustrated the plans of darkness and brought hope to all. They experienced the goodness of the Prince and waited together with great anticipation for His return.

I, Cedric of Chessington, must now be on my way, for my inkwell is nearly dry and the parchment all but gone. But I beseech you before I leave that you would hold the story of Holbrook in your heart and mind forever.

The courage of Sir Bentley and the mercy of Lady Eirwyn are far too great and noble to cast aside without fair attention. They have inspired my own heart to seek out the Prince all the more, and I pray they have done the same for yours.

Perhaps you can join me once more when my inkwell has been replenished and my parchment supply is refreshed. I make a promise to
you that my pen shall not rest if your ears grow not weary of hearing tales of such valiant knights.

Their stories are different, but their King is the same. It is for the King and His Son that they live and I write.

For whom do you live?

Much of the allegorical symbolism in the Knights of Arrethtrae originated in the Kingdom Series. Here are a few questions to review this symbolism:

1. Who does the Prince represent?
   

2. Who are the Knights of the Prince?
   

3. Who are the Noble Knights?
   

4. What is Chessington? Arrethtrae?
   

5. Who is the Dark Knight/Lucius?
   

6. Who are the Silent Warriors and the Shadow Warriors?
   

7. What is a haven?
   

8. What is a Vincero Knight?
   

1. Bentley asks York what it was like before the Followers. What, more than curiosity do you think Bentley's question conveys?
   

2. Several times during and after the knighting ceremony Bentley feels a “tug” on his heart, which seems to cause tension with his comrades. What is the root of this tension? Have you ever felt this tension in a similar situation?
   

3. The Followers come to the Noble Knights’ aid in spite of their fierce persecution. Explain in your own words why they do this. Why is it important for us as Christians to approach people with this same perspective?
   

1. Bentley's thoughts are drawn to the King and the Prince by the vibrant sunset. Find a Bible verse or passage that shows that God's creation speaks of Him to all people.
   

2. Barrington has obviously been wrestling with the truth of the Prince. What has kept him from seeking out the truth? What other kinds of barriers keep people from seeking out the truth of Jesus?
   

1. Bentley knows that the substance of all purpose and existence in life lies in the answer to this simple question: “Is He real?” Why is this true? Do you know anyone who is wrestling with the answer to this question? What are some things you can do to help someone find the answer?
   

1. Bentley confesses that this experience isn't the quest for truth that he had imagined. Can you think of a time in your life when God worked in a way that was not what you expected? Why do you think He does this? See Isaiah 55:8–9.
   

1. Sir Demus's life shows Bentley that discovering the truth and following the truth are significantly different. Read James 2:17–20. How does this describe Bentley's realization?
   

2. Sir Demus demonstrated great courage by choosing to follow the Prince in spite of the cost. Being a believer in Jesus Christ takes courage, especially when persecution is a possibility. What did Jesus say in Matthew 10:32?
   

3. Demus tells Bentley that the Prince is the truth. Can you find a Bible verse that tells us the same thing about Jesus?
   

4. Find a Bible verse or passage that supports Demus's statement that the Dark Knight is the father of all deception in the kingdom.
   

5. Bentley ponders the courage of the Followers and calls them “an odd mix of mighty and meek, rich and poor, citizens and Outdwellers.” (Outdwellers are symbolic of Gentiles.) Why is this true also for Christians?
   

6. At the end of this chapter, Demus knights Bentley as a Knight of the Prince. What does this symbolize?
   

1. Bentleys new perspective as a common peasant causes him to realize past actions that now make him ashamed. He also begins to see people as valuable—as the Prince sees them. Have you ever experienced a change in perspective that helped you realize things about yourself that you might want to change or that helped you begin to see others as the Lord sees them? If not, would you like to? Discuss some ideas about how you might be able to discover a new perspective.
   

1. Each book of the Knights of Arrethtrae Series deals with a specific set of vices and virtues. One of these virtues in
   Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court—
   mercy—is demonstrated by the Mercy Maiden. When she generously gives Creighton's family bread, potatoes, carrots, greens, fresh fruit, and a bag of meal, Anwen is overwhelmed. How do you define mercy? How is the Mercy Maiden a picture of Christ's mercy toward us? Discuss some ways that you and your family can show Christ's mercy to the world.
   

1. Bentley reflects on his encounter with the Mercy Maiden and finds himself amazed at how wonderful it felt to have been even a small part of her efforts to help the peasants of Holbrook. Have you ever had a chance to help someone in need? If so, what was it like? If not, consider doing some research on volunteering in your town or city What organizations exist that help the people that Jesus called “the least of these” (see Matthew 25:31–40)? If there are no organizations, how might you reach these people?
   

2. Bentley and Creighton's discussion about dying free or living as slaves illustrates an important point about following God's call on our lives and recognizing and utilizing the specific gifts He's given us. Bentley realizes that even though Creighton, because of his responsibility to his young family, cannot fight to change the burdensome system that the evil Sir Avarick put in place, the King has called Bentley to do it. Find a passage in Scripture that teaches about different giftings and callings that God has given us and how they all work together.
   

1. When the children ask Bentley to tell them a story, he says he will share a story that no one there has ever heard before—the true story of the Prince. During the story, Bentley tells his listeners that anyone who chooses to follow the Prince and believe Him becomes a gallant Knight of the Prince. We've established that becoming such a knight represents the instant transformation at salvation—being born again. Find two Bible verses in which Jesus offers salvation to anyone who believes in Him.
   

2. When Anya asks Bentley if he is the Prince, Bentley knows that in spite of how short he falls in being like the Prince, Anya still sees the Prince in him. As Christians, we have the potential of
   representing Jesus to everyone we meet. Do you think this potential carries responsibility with it? Why? List some of the responsibilities we have as ambassadors for Christ.
   

1. Bentley realizes that allowing his anger and frustration to overcome him would result in grave consequences. What does Proverbs 16:32 say about anger?
   

2. Have you ever let a negative emotion determine your actions? What happened? What might be a better way to make decisions? Can you think of some ways to keep your emotions from ruling you in the heat of the moment?
   

1. Imprisoned in the stocks, Bentley begins to long for his easier life—before he started following the Prince. What is it that calls him back to being satisfied with his new life? (John 16:33 is an excellent verse to memorize, for it gives us strength when circumstances are difficult.)
   

2. Bentley tells Kingsley “I have had much and now I have little, but I am content, and my life is abundant. The purpose for which I live transcends wealth and comfort.” Paul expressed a similar statement in one of his epistles. Can you find the passage? Why did Bentley and Paul feel this way?
   

1. Toward the end of this chapter, Bentley becomes discouraged after concluding that Lord Kingsley cares only for his money and not at all for the people. Read Luke 19:1–10, and describe how Lord Kingsley and Zacchaeus are similar. How are they different?
   

2. What does Bentley remember that gives him encouragement?
   

1. “By the ways of this kingdom, some may think me to be nobility. But by the ways of the Prince, I am just as common as the peasants of Holbrook—and as royal as the Prince.” How would you explain Bentley's statement to Walsch? Find some Scripture passages to support your explanation. Have you ever felt this way? Why or why not?
   

1. Describe a place, if you know one, that draws you into its beauty and leaves you refreshed and invigorated as the waterfall does for Bentley Why do you think God's creation can have this effect on us?
   

2. Often we judge people by what they look like, but as we discover with Eirwyn, sometimes people are very different from how they initially appear. Have you ever made a judgment based on how someone looked and then found out later that you were wrong? Read 1 Samuel 16:7. How does God look at people?
   

1. Eirwyn's mentor and friend, the gardener, taught her that whether peasant or nobleman, every person is precious. What does the Bible say about this? How did the gardener's mentoring change Eirwyn's life and her relationships?
   

2. Braith's mentor and hero, Sir Avarick, teaches him greed and heartlessness. How has Avarick's mentoring changed Braith's life and his relationships?
   

3. In chapter 1, we touched on the division that the Prince can bring. Now read Luke 12:51–53. How are these verses demonstrated by Kingsley's family?
   

1. Another virtue that is addressed in
   Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court
   is courage. Even when confronted by the evil Ashen Knight and his frightening Lucrums, Eirwyn is strong and courageous. Why is it important for us as Christians to courageously stand against evil? Find one Scripture verse that gives us a reason for being courageous and one that promises victory over evil.
   

1. Demus's statement that Bentley was his mission just as Holbrook was Bentley's indicates that Demus knew something about Bentley that Bentley did not. Has a friend or a mentor ever guided you to a calling or a direction in your life that you did not see at first? Find a verse in Proverbs about receiving the counsel of wise people.
   

2. As Demus hands Bentley his sword of the King, he says, “It is time, my brother. The Prince has called you to defend the weak and tear down the strongholds of Lucius.” Read Psalm 82:3–4 and Isaiah 55:11. What does the sword of the King symbolize, and how does it accomplish God's command?
   

3. Just as Bentley is about to depart in his mission to save Eirwyn, Demus tells him, “Be careful, Bentley. We are battling forces of wickedness in high places.” What is the Bible verse upon which Demus's words are based?
   

4. Upon close examination of the Lucrums’ primitive village, Bentley sees that it is filled with the gold and silver trappings of many raids. The name of this ghastly people comes from the word
   lucre
   . Look up this word in a dictionary. What does it mean? What does the Bible say about lucre in the King James Version of Titus 1:5–11? How has the Lucrums’ lust for lucre affected them?
   

1. The Yagormoth, the lake leviathan, gets its name from the Hebrew word
   yagor
   , which means “to fear.” One of the vices discussed in
   Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court
   is fear. How does fear try to overcome courage? How could fear become a stronghold in a Christian's life? What does the Bible say about fear in 2 Timothy 1:7? Can you find some other verses about fear?
   

2. Bentley exhibits the virtue of courage while facing the Yagormoth. What inspires him to do so? Have you ever been inspired to be more courageous than you thought possible? What inspired you to do so?
   

1. Although Kingsley is able to see the nobility and worth in the “peasant” Bentley Kingsley did not raise his son, Braith, in a way that enables him to see it. Kingsley's rules include not speaking to servants or peasants because they are a lower class of people. This shows something significant about what we teach and model to children. Why is it important to make sure that children are raised on biblical principles and not just rules?
   

1. Bentley finally realizes that “Sir” Avarick is actually one of Lucius's Shadow Warriors. Avarick tells Bentley, “Don't you get it, boy? You've been taken in by a fairy tale. Lucius always wins. He's the real prince of Arrethtrae!” We know that Satan, the father of lies, and his demons often speak in twisted half-truths. Find a Bible verse (or verses) that confirms that while Satan is referred to as the “prince of this world” (in a negative way, of course), he is not victorious.
   

1. In spite of Anya's physical disabilities, she somehow is able to climb the tree and cut the rope that is taking Bentley's life. What does the Bible say about “impossible” things?
   

2. Bentley wonders if it was his desire to follow in the steps of the Prince that caused the darkness of Lucius to scream against the invasion of light. Find some Scripture passages about Christ, the light of the world, dispelling darkness.
   

3. When Avarick is finally revealed to Holbrook Court for who he really is, he proclaims, “I am not just evil. I am one of Lucius's best, for I am the root
   of all
   evil!” The main vice that is dealt with in
   Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court
   is hidden in Avarick's name. Look up
   avarice
   in the dictionary. What does it mean? What does the Bible say in 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV) about the love of money? What does it say is the result of such greediness and materialism? How does this happen to Kingsley?
   

1. Even after Kingsley's death, Bentley observes the devastation of Avarick's influence on Lord Kingsley as the battle rages both inside and out of Kingsley's castle. As we've just read in 1 Timothy 6:10, the end result of the love of money will be many sorrows. List some of the sorrows that greed and materialism caused Kingsley's family and his people. Next, discuss some of the many sorrows that occur today in peoples lives as a result of their love of money.
   

2. Just when the battle looks hopeless, many Knights of the Prince arrive with Demus to help defeat Lucius's forces of darkness. What does this symbolize for believers? How do we battle against evil?
   

3. We learned that each book in the Knights of Arrethtrae Series deals with a specific set of vices and virtues. Review the two vices and two virtues that are addressed in
   Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court
   . What are they? Which characters represented these traits? What circumstances developed these vices and virtues in the characters you identified?
   

4. Have you realized anything new or thought about changing anything in your own life because of the tale
   of Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court?